This summer semester, Dr. Shraddha Bhatawadekar is offering the seminar "World Heritage in NRW: Transcultural Perspectives" to explore the concept of ‘World Heritage’ while visiting various World Heritage Sites in the NRW region.
NRW has six World Heritage Sites: Aachen Cathedral, Cologne Cathedral, Castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust at Brühl, Carolingian Westwork and Civitas Corvey, Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen as well as the transboundary site of Lower Germanic Limes in the Rhineland.
The concept of ‘World Heritage’ emerged with the international treaty called the ‘Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage’, adopted by UNESCO in 1972. World Heritage is considered to “belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located” (UNESCO). This concept foregrounds the notions of Outstanding Universal Value as well as authenticity and integrity. In this seminar, we will critically examine these concepts and engage in discussions of what is heritage, what is its value and significance.
This block-seminar includes classroom sessions as well as excursions. Visits to World Heritage Sites, such as Colgone Cathedral, Castles in Brühl and Zollverein, will be an integral part of the seminar. For the site visits, the students might have to cover a part of the entrance fees on their own.
The seminar will take place in English.
Register here to secure your spot in the seminar.