Cultural and Natural Heritage German Jordanian University (GJU) – Amman

Overview

With its diverse history and ecosystems, Jordan is home to numerous heritage sites, though many remain under threat. Conservation and sustainable development are crucial for the country's identity, economy, and job market. The Cultural and Natural Heritage program at German Jordanian University (GJU) – Amman, emphasizing stakeholder involvement and multilingual education, uniquely prepares graduates to tackle these challenges and harness Jordan's heritage for its sustainable development. Furthermore, CNH students at GJU must spend one year in Germany as part of their bachelor’s degree. This year is divided into two semesters. In the first semester, students register for 12 credit hours of elective courses at one of our German partner universities. In the second semester, they train in German industry for 5 months.To obtain the degree, students are required to complete 145 credit hours over 4 years (8 semesters)

Program Objectives

• Discuss in broad outline the nexus of cultural/archaeological, sociological, ecological, and historical studies in Jordan and elsewhere.
• Explore history by means of a specific instance, for example food or shelter, the relationship between humans and their natural environment.
• Explain the principles of participatory academia-community liaison, so as to promote attitudes of respect and pride in the heritage, as a basis for heritage protection.
• Access, analyze and present reliable information from within the fields of Natural Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences.
• Explain the significance of shared sacred sites in the region; and discuss the principles of constructive interreligious dialogue.
• Discuss the notion of cross-cultural epistemological competence in relation to intercultural experience, through interaction with German students, and through the German Year.
• Create and present relevant written multi-media communication in Arabic, English and German.
• Put forward a coherent argument in support of the notion that engagement with cultural and natural heritage has the capacity to improve the ways in which humans relate to their environment and to one another.
• Explain the need to develop a sustainable approach to tourism, from single sites to nation-wide strategies.
• Develop sustainable strategies for the growth of tourism as a major source of national income, by the promotion and conservation of cultural and natural heritage.
• Exercise a range of problem solving and team skills, including conflict management, leadership, motivation and innovation.