Understanding and Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage

Introduction:

Intangible cultural heritage encompasses the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities, groups, and individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of intangible heritage, its significance, and methods for its preservation and promotion.

Targeted Groups:

• Cultural heritage professionals.
• Museum and archive staff.
• Educators and researchers in cultural studies.
• Community leaders and activists.
• Policymakers in the culture and heritage sectors.
• Students of anthropology, history, and related fields.

Course Objectives:

At the end of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Define and explain the concept of intangible cultural heritage.
• Identify different forms and examples of intangible heritage.
• Assess the importance of intangible heritage in cultural identity and diversity.
• Develop strategies for safeguarding and promoting intangible heritage.
• Collaborate with communities to document and transmit intangible heritage.

Targeted Competencies:

• Cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Heritage management and preservation.
• Community engagement and collaboration.
• Research and documentation skills.
• Policy development and advocacy.

Course Content:

Unit 1: Understanding Intangible Cultural Heritage:

• Definition and Scope of Intangible Heritage.
• Explanation of intangible heritage.
• Differences between tangible and intangible heritage.
• Categories of intangible heritage.
• Importance of Intangible Heritage.
• Role in cultural identity and continuity.
• Contribution to cultural diversity and creativity.
• Economic and social benefits.
• Examples of Intangible Heritage.
• Oral traditions and expressions.
• Performing arts.
• Social practices, rituals, and festive events.
• Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe.
• Traditional craftsmanship.

Unit 2: Documentation and Research Methods:

• Fieldwork Techniques.
• Ethnographic methods.
• Participatory research.
• Oral history interviews.
• Recording and Archiving Intangible Heritage.
• Audio and video recording techniques.
• Digital archiving.
• Ethical considerations in documentation.
• Case Studies.
• Successful documentation projects.
• Lessons learned and best practices.

Unit 3: Community Involvement and Empowerment:

• Role of Communities in Heritage Preservation.
• Importance of community involvement.
• Collaborative approaches.
• Strategies for Community Engagement.
• Workshops and training programs.
• Awareness-raising campaigns.
• Capacity-building initiatives.
• Case Studies.
• Examples of community-led heritage projects.
• Challenges and successes.

Unit 4: Policy and Legal Frameworks:

• International Conventions and Agreements.
• UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• Other relevant international frameworks.
• National and Local Policies.
• Developing and implementing heritage policies.
• Role of government and non-governmental organizations.
• Advocacy and Policy Development.
• Strategies for influencing policy.
• Building networks and coalitions.

Unit 5: Strategies for Safeguarding and Promotion:

• Education and Transmission.
• Formal and informal educational programs.
• Role of schools and universities.
• Cultural Tourism and Intangible Heritage.
• Sustainable tourism practices.
• Challenges and opportunities.
• Media and Technology.
• Using digital platforms for promotion.
• Social media and public engagement.
• Funding and Resource Mobilization.
• Identifying funding sources.
• Writing grant proposals.
• Building partnerships.