Issues in Art Conservation

Subject ACUR90001 (2014)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2014.

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

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24
Total Time Commitment:

120

Prerequisites:

Admission to the Master of 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 Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

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.

Learning Outcomes:
  • be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the history and theory of art conservation, with particular reference to Australia and Southeast 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 week following end of teaching). Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% (or 10 out of 12) classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. Any student who fails to meet this hurdle without valid reason will not be eligible to pass the subject. All required written work must be submitted in order to pass the subject. Essays submitted after the due date without an extension will be penalised 2% per day. Essays submitted after two weeks of the assessment due date without a formally approved application for special consideration or an extension will only be marked on a pass/fail basis if accepted.

Prescribed Texts:

None

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:

Intensive taught subject: 7 - 18 July 2014 (inclusive).

Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: 100 Point Master of Art Curatorship
150 Point Master of Art Curatorship (Coursework and Minor Thesis)
200 Point Master of Art Curatorship (Coursework and Minor Thesis)

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