(De)Constructing Heritage in Architecture and Town Planning

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/L_KBMAERF006

Course Objective

After following this course, the aim is that you as a student: 1) Understand the historiography and interdisciplinarity of the heritage concept in relationship to the built and urban environment; 2) Are able to apply these understandings to a self-chosen, contemporary restoration or re-use case study; 3) Can critically assess various approaches to material aspects of heritage, in such a way that you are able to produce arguments for and against contemporary interventions in heritage environments; 4) Become aware of your own role as an architectural historian and/or a heritage academic to debates in society, in such a way that you are able to contribute critically and constructively to events and debates. 5) Be able to present and exchange ideas with your fellow students with other disciplinary backgrounds on restoration and re-use cases; 6) Become more self
- directed in your approach to your studies, in such a way that you are aware of your specific interests and motivated to let these guide you through this master course.

Course Content

This is one of the introductory courses of both the Master Heritage Studies and the Master Architectural History (Architectuurgeschiedenis, Arts & Culture). It is meant as a course in which a number of central concepts of both master programs, such as heritage, history, monument, identity, adaptive reuse and spatial transformations come together. As the group of students is as interdisciplinary as the academic field of heritage studies, we will analyze and discuss these concepts based on literature that reflects shifts of thought in the field. We will also question and apply them in lectures and individual presentations. In order to get acquainted with the heritage world outside the university’s compound, we will make excursions and welcome guest speakers and you will individually visit heritage events and report about them. A final written exam will wrap up the course’s learning and challenge you to critically assess the understandings and insights you have acquired.

Teaching Methods

Lectures, seminars and excursions

Method of Assessment

Individual assignment, weight: 10%, learning goals: 1, 4, Excursions: preparation and participation, weight: 10%, learning goals: 2, 3, 5, Group presentation, weight: 30%, learning goals: 1, 2, 3, 5, Take-home exam, weight: 50%, learning goals: 1, 3, 6.

Literature

To be announced on Canvas.

Target Audience

Master students Heritage Studies (compulsory), Masterstudenten Architectuurgeschiedenis (compulsory), master students (optional; limited access).

Custom Course Registration

For exchange approval of the coordinator is requested to be admitted to the course.