Introduction: Towards the Study of Urban Public Histories

The first lecture is an introduction to the course, its content and modes of learning. The main emphasis is laid on the concept of 'heritage' and its transformation during the last decades. Today, heritage covers not only material remains of the past but also intangible elements, such as ways of life, customs and practices. The lecture pays also attention to the concept 'history culture' (or 'historical culture') and 'public history'. The lecture ends by considering critical questions in the study of heritage and urban public histories.