MCPS125 Cultural Sustainability (5 cr)
Learning outcomes
Students identify different and often conflicting cultural and disciplinary perspectives on sustainability and recognize the relationship between cultural sustainability and cultural policy. Students are able to critically assess different practical cases dedicated to improving cultural sustainability. Student understands different cultural sustainability dimensions, needs and interests, e.g. contradictions between the sustainability of dominant cultures and minority cultures.
Study methods
- Contact teaching
- Group work
- Essay
- Exam
Content
The course examines the interrelated dimensions of sustainability and the concept of development. It brings together interdisciplinary discussions about how culture, social, economy and ecology connect. The course critically investigates the challenges of achieving sustainability at local, regional and global scales and the role of cultural policy. The course highlights both philosophical and conceptual issues surrounding the relationship of cultural sustainability and cultural policy. Also the questions of multiculturalism and cultural identities are observed in relation cultural sustainability. The course engages students in practical case studies, e.g. studies associated with conducting urban planning, rural development, etc.
Materials
More detailed requirements are given during the course.
Literature:
| ISBN-number | Author, year of publication, title, publisher |
|---|---|
| 1. Young, Greg & Stevenson, Deborah (Eds.) (2013): The Ashgate Research Companion to Planning and Culture. Ashgate, England. | |
| 2. Garnet, Ben (2016): The Politics of Cultural Development. Trade, cultural policy and the UNESCO Convention on Cultural Diversity. Routledge. | |
| 3. Bekerman, Zvi & Kopelowitz, Erza (2008): Cultural Education - Cultural Sustainability. Minority, Diaspora, Indigenous and Ethno-Religious Groups in Multicultural Societies. |
Assessment criteria
To get good or excellent grade student must participate in the lectures and complete the written assignment (essay) on the basis of lectures and the literature.
Following criteria is used when evaluating the written assignment:
1. General academic writing (structure, form, argumentation, logic, articulation etc.)
2. Displayed knowledge of the course material (how well the student knows the course literature and other course material).
3. Analytical capability (how well the student can use what she/he has read, as displayed in analysis and in applying theories to cases etc.).