Teaching code

4S009818

Teacher

Aikaterini Titi

Coordinator

Aikaterini Titi

Credits

6

Language

English

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

IUS/13 - INTERNATIONAL LAW

Period

2° periodo lezioni (2B) dal Apr 8, 2026 al May 20, 2026.

Courses Single

Authorized

Lessons timetable Moodle Seminars 0

Learning objectives

The course is included in the learning area on Food, fashion and cultural heritage. It aims at providing a critical knowledge of cultural heritage law from both an international and a comparative perspective. In particular, it will address the Unesco system and its conventions, which have developed the concept of World Cultural Heritage and have given life to international principles providing universal protection to cultural heritage in both its tangible and intangible facets (not only works of art, but also landscapes, natural heritage and traditional knowledge). Furthermore, special attention will be devoted to the role of cultural heritage as a strategic economic asset.
The insights from this course will give students the ability to identify and apply the main international legal instruments in the field and to learn from the experience of foreign legal systems. Being aware of the different approaches provided throughout the world, students will be able to employ the most advanced methods and knowledge for exploring innovative solutions when dealing with legal issues.
Students will acquire the ability to address real problems in a professional context, orienting their competence to contractual compliance and litigation deterrence. In particular, they will be able to identify the practical consequences of the regulatory framework and to propose and implement solutions. This will be possible thanks to supervised trainings (written tasks, oral discussions, and group works), that will help students in developing correct lines of reasoning and arguing, a professional lexicon and autonomous judgments’ skills within a Problem Based Solving (PBS) context. The teaching method is meant to be instrumental to the continuous learning and updating of acquired knowledge.

Prerequisites and basic notions

No requirements, also knowledge of public international law is an advantage.
Passing the final exam for this course constitutes one of the requirements for obtaining the English language proficiency qualification provided for by the degree programme (DITIS), in accordance with the procedures indicated on the Department webpage: https://www.univr.it/en/our-services/-/servizi/law/competenze-linguistiche-giurisprudenza/idoneita-linguistiche-specifiche-attivita-pensate-per-i-singoli-corsi-di-studio

Program

This English-language course aims to provide a critical understanding of cultural heritage law from an international and comparative law perspective. The course will cover a broad range of topics, including the following:
- Protection of cultural Heritage in peacetime, occupation, and wartime.
- The international cultural heritage conventions, with particular emphasis on the 1970 UNESCO Convention
- Illicit excavations, theft and trafficking of cultural property
- World Cultural Heritage and World Heritage in Danger
- Provenance research, museums and auctions
- The repatriation of contested cultural heritage
- Underwater cultural heritage
- Cultural heritage and the environment
- Intangible cultural heritage

Bibliography

Didactic methods

The course combines teaching approaches aimed at developing both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of cultural heritage law. Lectures will introduce the main international legal frameworks, while students are encouraged to participate actively in class, fostering collaborative learning and critical analysis. Case studies and real-world examples will illustrate the application of legal principles to the protection of cultural heritage.
Students will complete both group and individual presentations on relevant and topical case studies, engaging directly with real-world problems. Through guided activities, they will develop the ability to apply legal frameworks, use appropriate professional terminology, and exercise independent judgement. This practice-oriented approach supports continuous learning and the progressive consolidation of acquired knowledge.

Learning assessment procedures

Oral participation, including group exercises and oral presentations, individual oral presentations.

Evaluation criteria

- Knowledge and Understanding of Cultural Heritage Law
- Legal Analysis and Critical Thinking
- Research skills
- Application to Case Studies and Contemporary Issues
- Application to case studies
- Oral Communication and Presentation

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

Students will be marked on the basis of group and individual presentations and overall oral participation.

Exam language

English/Inglese