Human Geography BA (A), Heritage - Peace and Conflict, 7.5 credits

Aim

This course aims to introduce the notion of heritage, which is the cultural inheritance we receive from the past and includes tangible artefacts and intangible practices. The course seeks to explore how heritage intersects with conflicts and processes of peacebuilding in different global contexts. Rooted in a geographical understanding of heritage, this course sees heritage’s role in questions of conflict and peacebuilding as varying over time and space, and one that reflects the differing values we attach to the past. To explore these issues, the course aims to delve into how heritage has been used to aggravate ongoing conflict, for example, by justifying contentious land claims, and theories of victimisation or ethnic superiority. However, it also seeks to demonstrate how heritage can equally be a resource for reconciliation and the celebration of commonalities. To exemplify these relationships, the course aims to introduce students to the different spaces through which heritage’s role in society is negotiated, such as museums, tourism ventures and other every day or public spaces.

Course objectives

• Demonstrate a spatial understanding of heritage and its role in processes of peace and conflict.
• Reflect and discuss the importance of and instrumentalization of heritage in deeply contested spaces.
• Explain and discuss the sensitivity of heritage’s role in contemporary discussions about the past, including colonialism.
• Evaluate the potential for different heritage spaces to serve as resources for peacebuilding.

Content

What role does heritage play in the ongoing conflicts of the world? How do the tangible and intangible remnants of the past cause societal tensions? In what ways can heritage be a hopeful reminder of commonalities during conflict or a resource for reconciliation efforts in post-conflict societies? This course explores questions such as these and does so by exploring heritage’s role in conflict and peacebuilding in a variety of contexts, ranging from deeply contested spaces such as Israel-Palestine and the Balkans, to contexts such as the United States and Sweden where the legacy of colonialism is a topic of contemporary discussion.

Entry requirements

General entry requirements

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

The course comprises lectures and reflective seminars, featuring a mix of written and oral assignments that are continuously assessed throughout the course. Mandatory attendance is expected for lectures, seminars, and examination sessions.

The instruction is conducted utilizing Mid Sweden University's web based learning platform. Participation in the course requires access to a computer. Please note that the course is conducted in English.

Examination form

0010: Learning Log , 2 Credits
Grade scale: Three-grade scale

0020: Individual Observation and Written Assignment , 3 Credits
Grade scale: Three-grade scale

0030: Seminars, 1 Credits
Grade scale: Three-grade scale

0040: Oral Examination, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Three-grade scale

The course is assessed through individual written and oral assignments, including seminars.

During home exams or other written submissions, the examinator may request an additional oral presentation from the student to demonstrate the required knowledge. This is to ensure that the student is the actual sender and author of the written work.

Link to subject-specific grading criteria: [www.miun.se/betygskriterier](<https: www.miun.se/betygskriterier="">)

If a student has a decision from the coordinator at Mid Sweden University regarding educational support for disabilities, the examiner has the right to provide adapted examination for the student
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Examination restrictions

Students registered under this version of the course plan are entitled to three (3) examination attempts within a period of one (1) year according to this course plan. After that, the latest version of the course plan applies.

Grading system

Three-grade scale

Other information

The course is conducted in English. It is web-based and requires access to a computer with internet connection, camera, and headphones.

Course certificates, credits, appeals, etc., are governed by the Higher Education Ordinance.