| Module 3. TYPES OF ICH – CATEGORIZATION OF INTANGIBLE HERITAGE | ||
| Description | This module explores how intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is categorized, both within UNESCO’s official framework and through alternative approaches proposed by scholars and practitioners. While UNESCO identifies five domains of ICH – oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, knowledge concerning nature and the universe, and traditional craftsmanship – heritage in practice often crosses these categories. Students will learn about the strengths and limits of classification systems, the risks of oversimplification, and new perspectives that emphasize values, practices, and relationships rather than rigid categories. The module also highlights the role of technology and innovation in categorization and safeguarding, with a particular focus on mapping projects and digital tools. A key case study – the CarPaTO project in Țara Făgărașului (Romania) – illustrates how regional mapping, community involvement, and creative outputs (exhibitions, cookbooks, participatory films) can strengthen safeguarding strategies and give visibility to heritage. | |
| Learning objectives | Learning objectives: By the end of this module, learners will be able to: – Identify UNESCO’s five official domains of intangible cultural heritage and describe their key characteristics. – Analyze the limitations of rigid categorization and explain how community perspectives may differ from institutional frameworks. – Compare and evaluate alternative approaches to ICH categorization proposed by scholars (e.g., Lenzerini, Fredheim & Khalaf). – Apply categorization frameworks to case studies (e.g., Mediterranean Diet, Junii Brașovului, CarPaTO project) to understand how classification impacts safeguarding. – Develop practical proposals for mapping and documenting ICH using innovative tools and community-based methods. | |
| No. hours | 300 minutes | |
| Lesson Title | Duration | |
| Lesson 1. Categorizing intangible cultural heritage. Approaches and challenges | 60 minutes | |
| Lesson 2. Limits and New Perspectives on Categorization | 60 minutes | |
| Lesson 3. Mapping and classifying cultural heritage: The CarPaTO Case Study | 60 minutes | |
📘 Required resources before you beginTo proceed with this module:
📖 Read Chapter 3 of Handbook on Intangible Heritage
🗂️ Review the case studies developed for chapter 3 from the Manual
ℹ️ These materials provide the foundations you’ll need to get the most out of this module.