Histories and Theories of Conservation

Subject 107-471 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1-hour lecture and a 1.5-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 2.5 contact hours/week, 6 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Usually admission to a honours or postgraduate diploma in art history, or MA program in art history or art curatorship
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Subject Overview: This subject will include an analysis of the conservation issues in the preservation of ancient archaeological sites; the emergence of the professional painter restorers such as Bellini and Titian in Renaissance Italy; ­restoration controversies such as the Sistine Ceiling; 19th century criticism by John Ruskin and Viollet-Le-Duc on how Gothic architecture should be restored; ecotourism and the art of indigenous Australian peoples; changes in conservation as a result of new technology; and the conservation of films on celluloid and video. Students should become conversant with the major debates concerning conservation and contemporary museology.
Objectives:
  • be conversant with the major debates concerning conservation;
  • be versed in debates relating to contemporary museology;
  • be able to evaluate what happens in a restoration controversy.
Assessment: Seminar paper of 2000 words 40% (due one week after presentation), and an essay of 3000 words 60% (due in the examination period).
Prescribed Texts:
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;
  • be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;
  • be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;
  • be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision;
  • be able to participate in team work through involvement in syndicate groups and group discussions.
Notes: Formerly available as 107-040. Students who have completed 107-040 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Course(s): Master of Art Curatorship (Coursework and Minor Thesis)
Master of Cinema Management
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Cultural Material Conservation)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Art History
Art History
Art History

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