Teaching Heritage and Through Heritage: Potentials and Perspectives at the University of Coimbra

Constant and accelerated global transformations have generated the need for a profound reflection on the role of universities in an increasingly challenging future, requiring the updating of their priorities in terms of research and teaching.

This challenge is especially complex in the teaching of themes that cut across multiple disciplines, such as cultural heritage. The field intersects with relevant contemporary issues, ranging from migration crises and extreme climate phenomena to the spread of hate speech and the impact of new technologies. Recent paradigm shifts within academia and in global agendas have reinforced the political dimension of heritage, as well as its role in promoting more resilient and inclusive human settlements, while also contributing to a culture of peace and sustainable development.

In this context, the present project aims to examine to what extent heritage education is aligned with contemporary transformations, academic developments, and international agendas. To this end, it proposes an applied research project using the University of Coimbra as a case study.

The project is structured in three phases, designed to explore and analyze the structure, contents, and teaching practices of curricular units related to heritage at the University of Coimbra, in comparison with international experiences. This initiative is expected to contribute to highlighting the potential of the University of Coimbra as a reference in heritage education, identifying convergences and opportunities for collaboration in larger-scale research projects.

Main Researcher: Marcela Santana

Researchers: Luísa Trindade, Miguel Bandeira Jerónimo, Walter Rossa.

Funding: CHSC Seed Projects, 2026-1