International Module, MCP [Armenia]

07/05/2025

The Center for Cultural Property Protection, in cooperation with the Armenian Studies Division at the Centre for the Study of the Christian East (ZECO) at the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, is launching a new Micro-Credential Program (MCP):

International Module [Armenia], MCP

In collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Armenian Cultural Heritage Studies (IACHS) at the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia and the Ijevan Branch of Yerevan State University (YSU), as well as in cooperation with Blue Shield Armenia, the Armenian-Austrian Autumn School "Re-searching our Local Heritage" will be organized from September 18-22, 2025.

Autumn School in the Northernmost Region of Armenia:
Theory Meets Practice in Ijevan and the Arakelots Monastery - New Insights, Exciting Field Research as well as getting acquainted with Armenian Culture and Traditions!

Jasmine Dum-Tragut

Previous image Next image

Jasmine Dum-Tragut

Previous image Next image

The 5-day Autumn School on 'Re-searching our local heritage' first takes its participants to the University of Ijevan, where they are introduced to the basics of cultural heritage studies, codicology and manuscript studies, epigraphy, and the medieval history of the Tavush region. In the following days, they engage in intensive field research and practical work at the Arakelots Monastery.

The Arakelots Monastery and its accompanying medieval settlement in the Tavush region are true treasures of Armenian heritage. Hidden in the forests and near the border with Azerbaijan, their secluded location underscores their historical and geopolitical significance. The monastery, which flourished in the 13th century under the rule of the Georgian Zakarians and the Mongols, offers valuable insights into the cultural and economic life of that era.

Today, the monastery and settlement are severely threatened by encroaching vegetation, structural decay, and climate-related hazards. Thanks to their inclusion in the "Europa Nostra 7 Most Endangered Programme", comprehensive restoration and the development of sustainable ecotourism are now possible. This offers an opportunity to promote reconciliation, advance regional stability and sustainable development, and enhance the appreciation of the region's cultural identity among the local population.

Univ.Doz. Dr. DDr.h.c Jasmine Dum-Tragut, Head of ZECO, on the historic Arakelots Monastery and settlement

Europa Nostra is a pan-European federation of cultural heritage NGOs, established in 1963, and now represented in over 40 countries. Recognized as the largest network for cultural heritage in Europe, Europa Nostra is supported by public institutions, private companies, and individuals. It maintains close relationships with the EU, the Council of Europe, UNESCO, and other international organizations.

Europa Nostra is dedicated to the preservation of endangered monuments, sites, and landscapes across Europe, including through the "7 Most Endangered Programme". This program raises public awareness, conducts technical assessments, proposes action recommendations, and seeks support for the protection of selected sites. It often serves as a catalyst for action and an incentive to mobilize necessary public or private support.

7 Most Endangered 2025

More about "7 Most Endangered 2025"

This unique opportunity not only provides profound insights into Armenian culture and history but also allows participants to actively contribute to the preservation of significant cultural heritage.

New Micro-Credential Program: "International Module [Armenia], MCP"

Our stackable Micro-Credential Programs (MCP) are standalone, compact continuing education programs.
You can combine them flexibly and at your own pace to achieve the Master's degree "Cultural Property Protection, MSc (CE)" according to your individual plan.

The "International Module [Armenia25], MCP" can be completed as an individual continuing education program without specific admission requirements. Successful completion leads to the award of a certificate and 6 ECTS credits (applicable to the "Cultural Property Protection, MSc (CE)"). The course language is English and Armenian.

The "International Module, MCP" will soon be offered in various parallel Editions, each with different geographical and thematic focuses. The "International Module [Armenia], MCP" marks the first Edition of the MCP. Although several Editions of the MCP can be attended, only one Edition of the MCP can be credited as a Compulsory Module for the Master's degree "Cultural Property Protection, MSc (CE)".

The MCP focuses on providing participants with insights into the development and implementation of diverse protection strategies in international cultural property protection. The "International Module, MCP" Editions address regional challenges and apply theoretical knowledge practically. Participants conduct field research at heritage sites, implement specific protection measures and techniques, and collaborate with interdisciplinary experts.

This enables participants to actively gain valuable experiences and deepen their knowledge in unique, authentic settings. Close collaboration with leading institutions and experts facilitates intensive dialogue and knowledge exchange of experiences, methods, and best practices, contributing to the improvement and advancement of cultural property protection strategies worldwide.

International Module [Armenia25], MCP: "Re-searching our Local Heritage"

The "International Module [Armenia], MCP" offers the opportunity to participate in the Autumn School "Re-searching our Local Heritage", which is specifically dedicated to fieldwork at the Monastery of Arakelots, its associated settlement and surrounding monasteries. This MCP is a Stackable Program and can be credited as Compulsory Module "International Module" (6 ECTS) of the "Cultural Property Protection, MSc (CE)".

This MCP enriches the Center's offering with a part-time, time-blocked short program that provides in-depth knowledge and valuable skills in international protection of cultural property. Through our interdisciplinary and holistic approach, you will be immersed in the multifaceted challenges of cultural property protection. The focus is not only on theory, but also on intensive practical application, allowing you to apply and deepen your knowledge immediately.