Cultural Sustainability

Recommended Prerequisites

English-language communication skills (verbal and writing).

Teaching Methods

Primarily an online course (reading and discussion centred) where students work in small international groups across the universities involved. Introductory lecture and monthly face-to-face seminar will be held to discuss readings, progress, questions and issues. During each seminar, individual students will present and crique some of the readings to lead class discussions of diferente themes. In Spring 2017, in addition to University of Coimbra, participating students from the University of Jyväskylä and the Univeristy of Turku, both in Finland, are expected to participate.

Learning Outcomes

Students identify different and often conflicting cultural and disciplinary perspectives on sustainability and recognise the relationship between cultural sustainability and cultural policy. Students are able to critically assess different practical cases dedicated to improving cultural sustainability. Students gain improved oral and written communication skills in the context of working in interdisciplinary and international teams.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

This course examines the interrelated dimensions of sustainability and the concept of sustainable development from the perspective of culture. It brings together lecturers and students from various backgrounds in interdisciplinary discussions about how culture, power and ecology interact in human-environment relations. The course critically investigates the challenges of achieving culturally sensitive sustainability at local, regional and global scales and the role of cultural policy. The course highlights conceptual issues surrounding the relationship between cultural sustainability and cultural policy. It also engages students in practical case studies, e.g., studies associated with conducting urban planning, rural development, etc.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Periodic or by final exam as given in the course information: 100.0%