Programme info
Micro-credential: Heritage and crime
- ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ load: 3 ECTS credits
- Language of instruction: English
- Maximum number of participants: 20
- Location: Stadscampus​
- Faculty: Faculty of Design Sciences​
Course content
In this course, students are introduced to a broad spectrum of criminal activities that have a negative impact on heritage, including the global illicit trade in antiquities, vandalism, architectural theft, illegal treasure hunting, museum theft, and environmental crimes. Case studies from across the globe are introduced and discussed, and students are encouraged to do independent research on their own case studies. The course addresses the legal and policy frameworks that exist at transnational, national and local levels and encourages critical discussion of their efficacy. In addition, we discuss the societal impact that crimes against heritage cause, and the extent to which heritage crime can be discussed as a ‘victimless crime’, as sometimes happens. Innovative solutions that attempt to reduce heritage crime are presented and discussed, and students are encouraged to come up with their own suggestions for heritage crime prevention measures and means of monitoring and recording heritage crimes. Methods for researching heritage crime are introduced and critiqued. Within this context, students are also introduced to a range of criminological theories to help to contextualise heritage crime as a particular category of crime. In addition we draw upon discourses from critical heritage studies in order to debate the nature both of heritage and the impact of different policies and solutions.
Practical organisation
The course is delivered in a combination of lectures from the lecturer and guest lecturers, as well as several discussion seminars. There is an excursion to the MAS during the course. Students will give a group presentation as one of the class-time activities towards the end of the course. Unless technical issues or (in rare cases) sensitivity prevent it, lectures will be recorded.
Learning outcomes
This micro-credential focuses on the following learning outcomes.
1. The participant can identify and describe a range of different crimes that affect cultural and natural heritage.
2. The participant can apply criminological theories, particularly situational crime prevention, market reduction approach and zemiology, to examples of heritage crime and associated prevention strategies.
3. The participant can critically assess the impact of different criminal activities on heritage assets and the societal effects, including ethical considerations and debates.
4. The participant can critically assess the effectiveness of a range of crime reduction and prevention techniques in the context of heritage crime.
5. The participant can research and present a case study of heritage crime, identifying the harms that it causes and suggesting policy and practical measures to reduce the risk of its occurrence.
Assessment
Written examination without oral presentation (closed book) and group presentation.