Free course

The ethics of cultural heritage

Free statement of participation on completion
The ethics of cultural heritage
More about this course

Course description

Course content

Course reviews

This free course, The ethics of cultural heritage, will provide the basic theory behind the protection of cultural property in war zones. It is structured in three parts: the protection of cultural property; the legal basis for that protection; and accounts of proportionality (that is, on deciding whether or not there is a feasible alternative to damaging cultural property). It explores some of the most pressing ethical questions surrounding the treatment of cultural heritage.

Transcript

Learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

  • understand the role which cultural heritage plays in our society, and some of the ways in which it can be beneficial or important to us
  • examine and apply the rules of the Hague Convention of 1954 (on protecting heritage in war) in both real and hypothetical examples
  • recognise occasions where we might face a dilemma between preventing damage to heritage and preventing harm to human beings
  • analyse some of the key arguments given for and against heritage protection in such circumstances
  • connect these arguments to case studies, such as the Notre-Dame fire in 2019, the destruction of Palmyra in 2015, and the bombing of Monte Cassino in the Second World War.


First Published: 19/08/2020

Updated: 19/08/2020

You can start this course right now without signing-up. Click on any of the course content sections below to start at any point in this course.
If you want to be able to track your progress, earn a free Statement of Participation, and access all course quizzes and activities, sign-up.

Course content

Expand all course content

For further information, take a look at our frequently asked questions which may give you the support you need.

Have a question?

Take your learning further

Making the decision to study can be a big step, which is why you'll want a trusted University. The Open University has 50 years’ experience delivering flexible learning and 170,000 students are studying with us right now. Take a look at all Open University courses.

If you are new to University-level study, we offer two introductory routes to our qualifications. You could either choose to start with an Access module, or a module which allows you to count your previous learning towards an Open University qualification. Read our guide on Where to take your learning next for more information.

Not ready for formal University study? Then browse over 1000 free courses on OpenLearn and sign up to our newsletter to hear about new free courses as they are released.

Every year, thousands of students decide to study with The Open University. With over 120 qualifications, we’ve got the right course for you.

Request an Open University prospectus371

HIW_1