EUROPEAN CULTURAL HERITAGE – PEDAGOGY OF CULTURE

Europe’s cultural heritage is a rich and diverse mosaic of cultural and creative expression inherited from previous generations of Europeans and a legacy that we will pass on to future generations. It includes natural and archaeological sites, museums, monuments, works of art, historic cities, literary, musical and audiovisual works, as well as knowledge, customs and traditions of EU residents. Cultural heritage enriches citizens’ lives, is a driving force for the cultural and creative sectors and plays a role in creating and developing Europe’s social capital. It is also an important resource for economic growth, employment and social cohesion offering the potential for urban and rural revitalization and sustainable tourism promotion. An educator should know well enough the history of culture, recognize contradictory visions of the world and man existing in it and be able to enter into critical dialogue with them, looking at them first of all in terms of their compatibility with the reality and the consequences they lead to when they gain the rank of principles of human cultural action. (J. Torowska, Edukacja na rzecz dziedzictwa kulturowego. Aspekty teoretyczne i praktyczne, Cracow, 2008). An important role in this process is played by cultural heritage education that falls within the framework of cultural pedagogy (see, for example, J. Gajda, Pedagogika kultury w zarysie, Cracow, 2006). 

Depending on the group’s experience, expectations and background, the program will include the following modules:

• 1. Defining “cultural heritage” 
• 2. Architecture, painting, sculpture and urban planning (selected examples)
• 3. Literature and its European canon, drama and theater, music (selected examples)
• 4. Heritage Interpretation and pedagogy of culture
• 5. Cultural heritage education – lesson scenarios

The selection of examples and class topics depends on where the course is organized (Athens, Istanbul, Cracow). At all locations participants are accompanied by a local guide, a cultural heritage expert.