This module comprises two strands. First, it discusses the concept, scope and history of what is generally defined as 'cultural heritage' and addresses recent trends in cultural heritage studies. In this process, particular emphasis is placed on the ideas of local, national and world heritage, as well as the relations and tensions between the social, political, economic and legal aspects of heritage. Second, these theoretical perspectives will be critically evaluated through the examination of various types of cultural heritage in Japan, which include artistic, archaeological, architectural and folk heritage, as well as traditional performance, landscape and pop cultures. Incorporating a range of pertinent academic disciplines and methods, this module is designed to provide departure points for the other Cultural Heritage modules.