GreenerEU 2050

Course Description    

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Designing the future through culture means recognizing cultural identity as a dynamic cornerstone of social transformation (Fribourg Declaration, 2007). Identity gains meaning within context and community, where shared experiences shape inclusive and locally grounded change.  

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Cultural sustainability ensures continuity over time, generating both social and economic value while preserving diversity. Placing cultural rights and responsibilities at the center reinforces participation, accountability, and democratic access to cultural life.   

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This shift enables a transition from social welfare to cultural welfare, acknowledging culture as a determinant of well-being. Ultimately, culture functions as a biological driver, shaping human behavior, cognition, and cooperation, and offering a human-centered framework for sustainable futures.  ​

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Syllabus       

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Lesson 1 – Cultural Identity: A Cornerstone
Students will understand cultural identity as a dynamic and strategic resource for social innovation, resilience, and future-oriented design.  

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Lesson 2 – Context and Community: Key Words for Change
Students will analyze how cultural context and community engagement shape inclusive, place-based, and sustainable change processes.  

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Lesson 3 – The Role of Cultural Sustainability in Creating Value
Students will explore cultural sustainability as a driver of long-term social, economic, and symbolic value creation.   

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Lesson 4 – Placing Cultural Rights and Responsibilities at the Center
Students will examine cultural rights and shared responsibilities as foundations for participation, equity, and democratic cultural governance.   

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Lesson 5 – From Social Welfare to Cultural Welfare
Students will evaluate the shift from traditional welfare models to cultural welfare, recognizing culture as a determinant of well-being.  

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Lesson 6 – Culture as a Biological Driver
Students will understand culture as a biological and cognitive driver influencing human behavior, cooperation, and societal development.   

 

 

Literature    

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• Amari, M. (2023). Elogio dei diritti e dei doveri culturali. A difesa della democrazia. Rubbettino

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• Amari, M. (2012). Manifesto per la sostenibilità culturale: e se domani un ministro dell’economia venisse incriminato per violazione dei diritti culturali.  

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• Franco Angeli. Council of Europe Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (Faro, 27.X.2005 https://www.coe.int/en/web/culture-and-heritage/faro-action-plan)

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• Cultural Rights: Fribourg Declaration. (2007). Cultural Rights: Culture and Development. Retrieved from https://culturalrights.net/en/documentos.php?c=14&p=161

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• Ferri, M. (2017). The Recognition of the Right to Culture Identity: Some Prospects to Reinforce Migrants’ Protection. In S. Pinton, & L. Zagato (Eds.), Cultural Heritage – Scenarios 2015- 2017 (pp. 413-429). Edizioni Ca’ Foscari.

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• Donders, Y. (2002). Towards a Right to Cultural Identity. Intersentia

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• Symonides, J. (1998). Cultural Rights: A Neglected Category of Human Rights. International Social Science Journal, 50(158), 559-572. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-2451.00168   

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