STUDYING CULTURAL HERITAGE AS A CONTEMPORARY FORM OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION

Cultural Heritage is an inseparable part of society where it emerges and where it is preserved or lost. Its studying as a unity of religious, cultural, artistic, intellectual, tangible and intangible artefacts gathered throughout the different historical periods. Cultural heritage has become part of the educational model because being aware of national heritage helps raise the feeling of cultural belonging and confidence.

In this study we research and analyze the introduction of cultural heritage as a modern form of university education. This includes gaining knowledge and experience on the subject outside the confinement of the lecture auditorium. Students are actively involved in the learning process by participating in field visits and studies. What has been adopted is the principle of learning by doing. The authors will share approaches and learning experiences based on previous good practices and practices included in a current project of a conceptual model for the preservation, socialization and popularization of Christian Orthodox monuments in Bulgaria.

Research Project DN 15/4 “Creating a model for conservation, socialization and popularization of Christian monuments in Bulgaria” appears an integral part of the educational forms and experiences offered by the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies to students in their BA programmes, thus enriching the practical application of scientific findings and studies, which is essential for culture and higher education as a whole. Prof. Maria Nikolova, in her role of an experienced researcher and project manager, will dwell on the educational benefits of implementing such projects into the curriculum.