Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Mediterranean: Shared Heritage

Mediterranean: Shared Heritage
6
9141
3
First semester
OB
Cultural analysis -identity and innovation-
Art, cultural heritage, and experience
Main language of instruction: English

Teaching staff


Mrs. REGUANT MONTIEL, Blanca - breguant@uic.es

Beyond the class hours, the professor for this course is available for any questions and comments online at: melrazzaz@uic.es and breguant@uic.es 

Introduction

The Mediterranean is a realm rich in cultures and heritage. Throughout this course, Mediterranean culture is examined through various themes, and students are introduced to the world of international relations and cultural heritage management through countries, cultures, and heritage linked to this region. The course includes theoretical classes on various topics and debates, and students represent the different Mediterranean countries as delegates in a United Nations simulation to address the current challenges affecting the region.

Pre-course requirements

 

No particular background is required for this course other than a good command of English and a desire to engage in discussions and collaborative work on a wide range of Mediterranean themes.


Objectives

  • To acquire a basic understanding of the complexity and the richness of the Mediterranean and the development of the concept.
  • To appreciate the Mediterranean heritage for its diversity, uniqueness and fragility.
  • To understand the current issues that have been shaping life in the Mediterranean and its surrounding region(s).

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • CN01 - Students will be able to analyse and interpret imaginary and iconic, symbolic and representational language in the context of humanistic disciplines.
  • CN02 - Students will be able to identify models and policies specific to different cultures and migratory groups, as well as their historical context.
  • CP05 - Students will be able to analyse socio-cultural, historical and artistic structures, from a respect for the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, using language that avoids androcentricity and stereotypes.
  • HB01 - Students will be able to reflect on issues of a cultural, social, scientific or ethical nature by interpreting relevant data.
  • HB02 - Students will be able to convey information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialised and non-specialised audiences.
  • HB06 - Students will be able to plan tasks and projects in an organised and structured manner.
  • HB08 - Students will be able to research different humanistic disciplines based on an analysis and comparison of relevant information.
  • HB11 - Students will be able to critically analyse cultural and artistic representations, based on an understanding of their historical context, in order to develop an intercultural perspective and a deeper understanding of the contemporary world.
  • HB13 - Students will be able to draw connections between data derived from observations and relevant theories, following data interpretation.
  • HB17 - Students will be able to use data collection tools with a high degree of independence, such as library catalogues, archival inventories, documentary sources, electronic references and other resources.

Learning outcomes of the subject

By the end of the course, the students should be able to:

Identify and engage in the current Mediterranean discussions through a multidisciplinary approach; explore the richness, diversity, sophistication and uniqueness of the Mediterranean heritage; examine the delicate balance(s) between human beings and Nature, as well as the human impact on the environment in the Mediterranean region; analyse the cultural identity/identities of the Mediterranean through comparative analyses and a study of multiple stakeholders; study the major factors (historical, cultural, political,...) that bring people(s) together and/or push them apart in the Mediterranean region; develop a thorough understanding of relevant terms; apply critical thinking to different modes of cultural expression (artistic, literary, intangible, etc.).

Syllabus

- MUN protocol, documents, preparation and documents

- Cultural heritage: definition, types (tangible, intangible, documentary, scientific) and Mediterranean examples

- ICH safeguarding and Mediterranean examples

- Heritage Debates: restoration and conservation; sustainable tourism practices; neighbourhood heritagization

- International Relations in the Mediterranean

- MUN Seminar: topic research, country research, country position, opening speech, protocol revision

- Final MUN Simulation

 

Teaching and learning activities

In person



The assessment of the course is based on the United Nations simulation and class attendance and participation

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



The assessment of the course is based on the United Nations simulation and class attendance and participation.

  • 10% Attendance and participation in class

  • 90% Model United Nations. Within this:

    • 25% Academic research paper on the topic to be addressed

    • 25% Position Paper

    • 50% MUN (oral communication, mastery of the topic and the country represented, proactive attitude and leadership in the development of the simulation, ability to respond to questions from other delegates, etc.)

Two additional submissions will be made that will be corrected but not graded: the Country Research Binder (essential for the Position Paper and proper simulation development) and the Opening Speech (which will be graded as part of the simulation).

Recognition will be awarded in various categories based on the development of the simulation.

Bibliography and resources

The Mediterranean: a shared heritage

Mohammed Elrazzaz

Euro-Mediterranean University (Piran, 2018)

 

The Great Sea: A Human History of the Mediterranean

David Abulafia

Oxford University Press; Reprint edition (September 1, 2013)

 

Memory and the Mediterranean

Fernand Braudel

Vintage; Reprint edition (December 3, 2002)

 

The Mediterranean and the Mediterranean World in the Age of Philip II, Vol. 1-2

Fernand Braudel

University of California Press; Reprint edition (July 16, 1996)

 

The Corrupting Sea: A Study of Mediterranean History

Peregrine Horden and Nicholas Purcell

Wiley-Blackwell (April 7, 2000)

 

Mediterranean Passages: Readings from Dido to Derrida

Miriam Cooke and Erdag Göknar

The University of North Carolina Press; First Edition edition (October 20, 2008)

 

Back to the Garden: Nature and the Mediterranean World from Prehistory to the Present

James H.S. McGregor

Yale University Press (February 10, 2015)

 

Southern Thought and Other Essays on the Mediterranean

Franco Cassano

Fordham University Press; 1 edition (May 1, 2012)

Teaching and learning material


Print version