Transnational Heritage: Investigating UAE's Modern Architecture and Contemporary Landmarks

Catalog description

How do landmarks and built heritage shed light on larger social, political, and cultural dynamics? How do the national symbols of a diverse country, such as the UAE, reflect its transnational origins, current functioning, and future development trajectories? This course examines modern heritage buildings and contemporary landmarks in cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah to uncover their global connections. We will investigate how specific buildings and sites were planned, constructed, and are used by different local and international communities. In doing so, students will learn to trace the complex networks of decision-making, design, finance, labor, and tourism that shape Gulf cities. Through site visits, engagement with local scholars and practitioners, and interdisciplinary research assignments, students will explore how architectural projects, experts, and construction materials "travel," land, and are used locally - just to take off and influence their next destinations. By treating the built environment as a dynamic laboratory, students will learn to map how heritage connects across borders and how architecture helps shape the global identity of UAE cities. This course will be offered in January-Term 2026.