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Unit of study_
ARCH9081: Heritage Law and Policy: Local and Global
2027 unit information
Heritage Law and Policy examines the legal and policy frameworks that underpin heritage conservation. It explores concepts of cultural property and shared environmental resources, and how these are balanced with private property rights. Through real world case studies, students critically analyse heritage laws and policy instruments, assessing their effectiveness, limitations, and underlying assumptions in light of contemporary understandings of heritage, including Indigenous heritage, living cultural practices, landscapes, and place based values. We examine heritage protection across scales, from international conventions to state legislation and local planning schemes, and students will become familiar with legislation, planning instruments, and heritage registers. Drawing on guest lecturers from government and industry, we consider the roles of statutory agencies, the use of sanctions and incentives, and emerging legal and policy approaches that support more inclusive and sustainable heritage management.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | Urban and Regional Planning and Policy |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Critically analyse heritage legislation, policy frameworks, and planning instruments across international, national, state, and local contexts, and evaluate their effectiveness in protecting cultural heritage. Relates to Course Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 4, 6 Relates to Graduate Qualities: Depth of disciplinary expertise; Critical thinking and problem solving; Research and inquiry
- LO2. Assess the extent to which existing legislative and policy frameworks are fit for purpose in addressing contemporary understandings of cultural heritage, including Indigenous heritage, cultural landscapes, living practices, and place-based values. Relates to Course Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 6 Relates to Graduate Qualities: Critical thinking and problem solving; Cultural competence; Interdisciplinary effectiveness
- LO3. Interpret and apply heritage law and policy frameworks to real-world case studies, demonstrating understanding of statutory processes, decision-making pathways, and the roles of relevant government agencies and stakeholders. Relates to Course Learning Outcomes: 2, 4, 5, 7 Relates to Graduate Qualities: Depth of disciplinary expertise; Problem solving; Communication; Professional competence
- LO4. Evaluate the interaction between public heritage interests and private property rights, including the use of regulatory controls, sanctions, incentives, and non-statutory mechanisms in achieving heritage policy objectives. Relates to Course Learning Outcomes: 2, 4, 6, 7 Relates to Graduate Qualities: Critical thinking; Ethical reasoning; Professional responsibility; Influence
- LO5. Integrate Indigenous and cross-cultural perspectives into heritage law and policy analysis, demonstrating culturally competent, ethical, and reflective approaches to heritage governance. Relates to Course Learning Outcomes 3, 7 Relates to Graduate Qualities: Cultural competence; Ethical reasoning; Inclusive leadership; Interdisciplinary effectiveness
- LO6. Communicate clear, persuasive, and well-reasoned arguments about heritage protection appropriate to professional practice, including the preparation of submissions, policy critiques, and advisory materials. Relates to Course Learning Outcomes: 5, 7, 8 Relates to Graduate Qualities: Communication; Influence; Professional competence; Research and inquiry
Unit availability
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| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 2 2027
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Normal evening | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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