Issues in Art Conservation

Subject ACUR90001 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

June, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Intensive

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24
Total Time Commitment: 120
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: None

Contact

Alison Inglis

asi@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject examines the history and theory of the conservation of art objects and collections, with particular reference to Australia. Students will gain a theoretical grounding in issues relating to conservation and an understanding of professional networks and policy developments in art conservation in Australia and internationally. Issues considered will include: the preventative care of art objects, the history of conservation, ethical and theoretical issues raised by cleaning, restoration, and authentication, conservation issues in the display of works of art, and legal issues in conservation.
Objectives:
  • be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the history and theory of art conservation, with particular reference to Australia and South East Asia;
  • be able to demonstrate an awareness of the professional networks and policy developments in art conservation in Australasia;
  • be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the ethical and theoretical issues raised by the cleaning, restoration, authentication and presentation of works of art; and
  • be able to demonstrate a knowledge of preventive conservation and the conservation requirements for transporting, storing and displaying work of art.
Assessment: A 2500 word essay 50% (due during semester 2), and a 2500 word examination 50% (due during mid year break).
Prescribed Texts: A reader will be available from the bookshop.
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 judgments 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; and
  • be able to participate in team work through involvement in syndicate groups and group discussions.
Notes: This subject is taught intensively for 2 hours per day from Monday to Thursday over a 3 week period: 28 June - 15 July. An examination will take place during the fourth week: 19 July - 23 July.
Related Course(s): Master of Art Curatorship (Coursework and Minor Thesis)

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