Expected learning outcomes

According to the Dublin descriptors, at the end of the course, students will have acquired:

Qualifications that signify completion of the first cycle are awarded to students who:

-          have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in a field of study that builds upon their general secondary education, and is typically at a level that includes some aspects that will be informed by knowledge of the forefront of the economics of heritage;

-          can apply their knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional approach to their work or vocation, and have competences typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments and solving problems within economics of heritage;

-          have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data to inform judgments that include reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues;

-          can communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences;

-          have developed those learning skills that are necessary for them to continue to undertake further study with a high degree of autonomy.

In particular, the course illustrates the contribution of cultural economics to the analysis of cultural heritage to guarantee it a sustainable future. The analysis will consider the issues related to cultural heritage conservation and enhancement emphasizing the role it can have for a sustainable economic, cultural and social development. The course will refer to the main documents issued by UNESCO and the EU related to the role of cultural heritage for society and will use the cultural economic concepts to reflect on the issues at stakes, the values involved and possible interventions to guarantee a sustainable conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage.

Students will learn the main topics characterizing the cultural-economic perspective on cultural heritage. They should get a basic knowledge of the cultural economic perspective on cultural heritage. They will be aware of the relevance of economic concepts and management issues related to cultural heritage and sites as well as of the main policy dilemmas arising in this field. The course gives specific attention to the connection between theory and practice referring to several case studies.

-       Introduction: theoretical issues

-       The evolution of the notion of heritage  

-       The economic analysis: main issues and concepts          

-       Heritage policies (local, national, international - UE, UNESCO, …)

-       UNESCO World Heritage Lists (tangible, intangible)

-       Heritage and sustainable development

-       Sustainable heritage conservation

-       Digitization

-       Cultural tourism

-       Valorisation strategies of minor heritage

-       Heritage and wellbeing

-       Case studies

·        Di Maio, A. (2019) Economia del patrimonio e delle attività culturali, Hoepli chapters 2,5,6,7 – pages 10-38 and 92-136.

·        L. Solima (2018) “Management per l’impresa culturale”, Carocci Editore, Capp.1, 2, 3 – pages 1-130.

·        Possible fundamental additional readings will be made available on STUDIUM.

Please remember that in compliance with art 171 L22.04.1941, n. 633 and its amendments, it is illegal to copy entire books or journals, only 15% of their content can be copied.

For further information on sanctions and regulations concerning photocopying please refer to the regulations on copyright (Linee Guida sulla Gestione dei Diritti d’Autore) provided by AIDRO - Associazione Italiana per i Diritti di Riproduzione delle opere dell’ingegno (the Italian Association on Copyright).