Postgraduate program: The program is based on the following 12 modules

 

 

Module Brief Description

Foundations of Cultural Diplomacy

 

 

 Ø Defining Cultural Diplomacy: Core concepts, goals, and distinctions from related fields (public diplomacy, propaganda, traditional diplomacy).

Ø The Power of Soft Power: Joseph Nye’s framework and its application to cultural influence.

Ø Historical Precursors: Ancient examples of cultural exchange and early forms of inter-societal connection.

Ø Why Culture Matters: The unique strengths of cultural engagement in international relations.

Ø Case Study: The role of cultural artifacts in historical diplomacy.

The Evolution of Modern Cultural Diplomacy

 

 Ø 19th Century to WWI: Early institutionalization, world expos, and the rise of national cultural promotion.

Ø The Interwar Period and League of Nations: First multilateral efforts in cultural cooperation.

Ø Cold War Cultural Fronts: The ideological battleground of cultural diplomacy (e.g., USA vs. Soviet cultural programs).

Ø Post-Cold War Realignments: Globalization, rise of non-state actors, and new priorities.

Ø Case Study: Cultural exchange as a tool during the Berlin Wall era.

Theoretical Underpinnings of Cultural Diplomacy

 

 Ø International Relations Theories: Constructivism, liberalism, and their relevance to cultural diplomacy.

Ø Cultural Theory: Understanding culture as dynamic, contested, and diverse.

Ø Intercultural Communication: Models and challenges of communicating across cultural boundaries.

Ø Nation Branding and Place Marketing: How cultural assets contribute to national image.

Ø Critical Cultural Diplomacy: Examining power imbalances, cultural hegemony, and postcolonial perspectives.

Ø Discussion: How do different theoretical lenses help us understand success and failure in cultural diplomacy?

Key Actors and Institutions in Cultural Diplomacy

 

 Ø Governmental Bodies: Ministries of Foreign Affairs, dedicated cultural agencies (e.g., British Council, Goethe-Institut, Alliance Française, Confucius Institutes).

Ø Multilateral Organizations: UNESCO, regional blocs (EU, ASEAN, African Union) and their cultural mandates.

Ø Non-State Actors: NGOs, cultural foundations, universities, artistic collectives, individual artists and cultural practitioners.

Ø The Role of Diasporas: Cultural bridge-building and remittances of culture.

Ø Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborative models and funding mechanisms.

Ø Guest Speaker (Optional): Diplomat or cultural attaché from an embassy/consulate.

Artistic and Creative Expressions in Cultural Diplomacy

 

 Ø Performing Arts: Music, dance, theater, opera – touring ensembles, joint productions, festivals.

Ø Visual Arts: Exhibitions, artist residencies, public art, street art.

Ø Film and Media: Film festivals, documentary filmmaking, co-productions, animation.

Ø Literature and Publishing: Translations, author tours, literary festivals, promoting national narratives.

Ø Crafts and Design: Showcasing traditional and contemporary design, promoting creative industries.

Ø Practical Exercise: Developing an arts-based cultural diplomacy project for a specific objective.

Educational, Scientific, and Sports Diplomacy

 

 Ø Academic and Student Exchange Programs: Fulbright, Erasmus+, scholarships, research collaborations.

Ø Language Teaching and Promotion: Cultural centers, online language learning initiatives.

Ø Science and Technology Diplomacy: Joint research, innovation partnerships, addressing global challenges through scientific collaboration.

Ø Sports Diplomacy: International competitions, peace-through-sport initiatives, youth exchanges.

Ø Tourism and Cultural Heritage: Responsible tourism, heritage preservation, archaeological cooperation.

Ø Case Study: The impact of major international sporting events on cultural understanding.

Digital Cultural Diplomacy and Technology’s Impact

 

 Ø The Digital Revolution: Social media, virtual reality, augmented reality, AI in cultural exchange.

Ø Online Platforms: Virtual museums, streaming performances, digital archives.

Ø Citizen Diplomacy in the Digital Age: Crowdsourcing, online communities, direct public engagement.

Ø Challenges of the Digital Sphere: Disinformation, cyber security, digital divides, privacy.

Ø Networked Diplomacy: Leveraging digital networks for cultural influence.

Ø Practical Exercise: Analyzing and critiquing a digital cultural diplomacy campaign.

Cultural Diplomacy in Conflict, Peacebuilding and Crisis

 

 Ø Culture as a Tool for Reconciliation: Post-conflict healing, shared narratives, memory projects.

Ø Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue: Promoting understanding among diverse communities.

Ø Addressing Humanitarian Crises: Cultural responses to displacement, migration, and natural disasters.

Ø Preventive Cultural Diplomacy: Using culture to de-escalate tensions and build trust.

Ø Cultural Heritage Protection in Conflict Zones: UNESCO’s role and international efforts.

Ø Case Study: Cultural initiatives in post-conflict societies (e.g., Northern Ireland, former Yugoslavia).

Cultural Diplomacy and Sustainable Development

 

 Ø Culture as an Enabler of SDGs: Integrating cultural dimensions into sustainable development goals.

Ø Creative Economies and Development: Supporting cultural industries for economic growth and job creation.

Ø Cultural Rights and Human Rights: Promoting diversity, inclusion, and freedom of expression.

Ø Climate Change and Cultural Responses: Indigenous knowledge, artistic advocacy, public awareness campaigns.

Ø Urban Cultural Diplomacy: City-to-city cultural exchanges and smart cities initiatives.

Ø Discussion: How can cultural diplomacy contribute tangibly to sustainable development?

Country and Regional Case Studies

 

 Ø The European Model: EU cultural policy, EUNIC, and shared cultural heritage.

Ø East Asian Cultural Diplomacy: Hallyu (Korean Wave), China’s Confucius Institutes, Japan’s Cool Japan.

Ø North American Approaches: US Public Diplomacy, Canadian cultural export.

Ø African Cultural Renaissance: Pan-Africanism, promoting diverse cultural identities.

Ø Latin American Cultural Integration: Cultural cooperation within regional blocs.

Ø Student Presentations: Deep dive into a specific country or regional cultural diplomacy strategy.

Cultural Diplomacy, Environment and Technology

 

 Ø Understanding the relationship between culture, environment and technology.

Ø Exploring ways in which IoT tools support sustainability and cultural collaboration actions.

Ø Development of skills in designing projects with cultural, environmental and technological impact.

Ø Strengthening climate diplomacy and communication strategies through innovation.

Cultural Diplomacy, Cultural Heritage and Humanity

 

 Ø Scientific Exchange Programs

Ø Science and Technology Diplomacy

Ø Cultural Heritage and Physical Sciences

Ø Climate Change Initiatives

Ø International Sporting Events

 

Evaluation: Assessment for each student for each module will be based on the following (contribution to final assessment in parenthesis):

  • End of term essay for each module (max 3000 words) (70% final mark)
  • Titles for essays will be proposed by each professor.
  • Essays should be submitted by the end of next module.
  • Written examination (30% final mark)

 

Admission Requirements

  • Application form available from iacd.bcuuk@gmail.com
  • University degree or equivalent from a recognized institution.
  • A brief statement outlining the interest of the applicant in the Master’s in Cultural Diplomacy: Building Bridges Through Culture.
  • Short CV of applicant.

All documents should be forwarded to the following e-mail address: iacd.bcuuk@gmail.com

 

Other information

  • Students will graduate after successful completion of all 12 modules of the postgraduate program.
  • Students may request an extension of their course deadlines if needed.
  • The postgraduate program Is currently enrolling new students.
  • Rolling Admission/Intake: Our program operates a Roling Intake system, which allows the students to enroll and begin their studies at various times outside the traditional academic calendar.
  • Please note that members of the International Association of Cultural Diplomacy (IACD) and relatives are eligible to 15% scholarship.
  • For more information, please contact iacd.bcuuk@gmail.com