Course 2015-2016 a.y.

Go to class group/s: 31

CLEACC (6 credits - II sem. - OBS  |  SECS-P/07)

Course Director:
GIULIA CAPPELLARO

Course Objectives

Policies are central to the dynamics of expansion of the cultural sector. This course aims to: provide students with a throughout comprehension of current policies that affect the arts and cultural heritage; introduce the theoretical tools to broach issues and dilemmas facing policy makers in the cultural field; and engage participants in real-world policy research on some of these issues. The course integrates theoretical and empirical tools to address three overarching clusters of cultural policies: (i) identity preservation and diversity management; (ii) labor market and inequality; (iii) innovation, activism and education. The course is particularly designed for students with a strong interest in pursuing a future career as cultural entrepreneurs seeking greater understanding of policy issues, as public managers operating in the cultural field, or as analysts in international governmental and nongovernmental organizations.

Course Content Summary

Following an introduction on the meaning of policy in the cultural field, the course is organized in two parts that together provide a comprehensive view on the three clusters of cultural policies identified in the course objectives: the first part (part A) brings seminal texts and current debates in cultural and political theory to bear on selected policy issues, and the second (part B) discusses major implemented policies in a comparative perspective. The course privileges active learning techniques through the use of case studies and discussions, group projects and guest speakers.

Part A: Disentangling policy issues through texts and debates in political theory (Prof.ssa Gatta).

• Culture and art as contested concepts. The distinctive nature of artistic judgment.
• Art as a political instrument and medium for political understanding. The role of art and culture in the constitution of political entities.
• Art at times of war: portrayals of vulnerability, and the vulnerability of portrayals.
• The commercialization of art and culture. Reproduction and issues attending copyright.
• The artist as political activist, policy actor, and educator.

Part B: Contemporary policy trends in the cultural field (Prof.ssa Cappellaro)

• Transnational policies for the construction of a world heritage, cultural patrimony restitution issues and the role of international organizations (e.g., Unesco).
• European strategies and funding schemes to promote social inclusion and cultural diversity.
• European and national policies regulating the artistic labor market.
• National and local policy instruments to support cultural innovation.
• Emerging trends for the protection of commons in the cultural environment.

Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

For Attending students:

• Two written tests midterm and final term - on readings and professors’ notes, corresponding to part A (25%) and part B (25% ).
• A group project simulating the work of policy analysis consultants (50%).

For Non attending students:

• Final written exam on books.

Textbooks

For Attending Students:
A course pack is made available in an electronic format at the beginning of the course.

For Non attending students:

• M. Howlett,M. Ramesh , A. Perl, Studying Public Policy. Policy Cycles and Policy Subsystems. Oxford University Press. Third Edition , 2009.
• E. Murray , From Art to Politics: How Artistic Creations Shape Political Conceptions, Chicago: University of Chicago Press.1996.
• A. Kathleen , Art as Politics: Re-Crafting Identities, Tourism, and Power in Tana Toraja, Indonesia, University of Hawaii Press, 2006 (Chapter 1).

Exam textbooks & Online Articles (check availability at the Library)

Prerequisites

None

Last change 12/05/2015 10:20