Study programme

Participants are introduced to a broad spectrum of criminal activities that have a negative impact on heritage, including the global illicit trade in antiquities, vandalism, architectural theft, unauthorised treasure hunting, museum theft, and environmental crimes. Case studies from across the globe are introduced and discussed, and participants are encouraged to do independent research on their own case studies. The course addresses the legal and policy frameworks that exist at transnational, national and local levels and encourages critical discussion of their efficacy. In addition, we discuss the societal impact that crimes against heritage cause, and the extent to which heritage crime can be discussed as a ‘victimless crime’, as sometimes happens. Innovative solutions that attempt to reduce heritage crime are presented and discussed, and participants are encouraged to come up with their own suggestions for heritage crime prevention measures and means of monitoring and recording heritage crimes. Methods for researching heritage crime are introduced and critiqued. Within this context, participants are also introduced to a range of criminological theories to help to contextualise heritage crime as a particular category of crime. In addition we draw upon discourses from critical heritage studies in order to debate the nature both of heritage and the impact of different policies and solutions.

The course is delivered in a combination of lectures from the lecturer and guest lecturers, as well as several discussion seminars. There is an excursion to the MAS during the course. Participants will give a group presentation as one of the class-time activities towards the end of the course.
Lectures: recording available via video link on Blackboard
Seminars/tutorials: alternative assignment is possible for working participants.