Current Issues in Conservation

The course is mandatory for a master degree in Conservation with Specialization in Conservation of Cultural Heritage Objects.

The course can be part of the following programme: 1) Conservation with Specialization in Conservation of Cultural Heritage Objects, Master's Program (N2KVP)

The course can be given as a stand alone course.

To be eligible for admission to this course, the student must have a Bachelor's Degree in Conservation with Specialisation in Conservation of Art and Cultural Heritage.

This course aims to develop critical thinking in relation to the conservation of complex objects and heritage assets. The course will cover contemporary theory in conservation and use complex case-studies to juxtapose ideas and attitudes which affect treatment outcomes and different stakeholders. It will encourage the students to develop an informed way of deciding on conservation treatments adopting an open-minded, flexible
and creative approach based on thorough understanding of all possible factors affecting the condition, interpretation and understanding of an object making use of scientific data as well as considering social and cross-cultural parameters. It will discuss the
different roles a conservator needs to play and will help students develop skills.

The course will encourage students to reflect on their own decision-making processes and analyse their decisions in relation to a project/object they worked on. Which were the defining factors in each case? Were all possible alternatives considered?

The course will be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual and group work following a student-led, inquiry-based approach to develop critical thinking skills.

Resources to be used in the course: presentations and discussions of case studies, visits in museums to discuss artworks of interest with professional conservators. A number of visiting lecturers will be invited to deliver seminars.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
• Identify and discuss factors affecting decision-making in conservation,
• Identify theoretical, practical and ethical implications of decisions taken in relation to the treatment of an object/heritage asset,
• Analyse and take decisions based on complex interweaved factors relevant to a conservation project, for example gender and sustainability factors,

Competence and skills
• Explain complex processes to relevant stakeholders to a conservation project,
• Assess options for a project and develop strategies based on negotiations with stakeholders,
• Illustrate critical, innovative and creative thinking in relation to conservation projects,
• Demonstrate communication, collaboration and negotiation skills,

Judgement and approach
• Justify context-specific decisions in conservation of cultural heritage,
• Present complex cases and project outcomes in diverse audiences, and
• Propose alternative options for conservation treatments to diverse stakeholders.

The course will be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual and groupwork. Through the lectures and discussion of case studies, the student-led, inquiry-based approach to develop and critical thinking skills.

Language of instruction: English

The assessment will be divided into two parts, a presentation related to a case study in conservation and a written assignment.

Examination 1: Seminars (2,5 hp)
Examination 2: Individual assessment (5 hp)

If a student, who has failed the same examined component twice, wishes to change examiner before the next examination, a written application shall be sent to the department responsible for the course and shall be granted unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6, Section 22 of Higher Education Ordinance).

In cases where a course has been discontinued or has undergone major changes, the student shall normally be guaranteed at least three examination occasions (including the ordinary examination) during a period of at least one year from the last time the course
was given.

The grading scale comprises Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G), and Fail (U).

For grade Pass (G) requires that the student has fulfilled the learning outcomes of the course with G on both assignments (presentation and written assignment).

For grade Pass with Distinction (VG) requires a G on the presentation and a VG on the written report.

A student who has failed two examinations on a course is entitled to have another examiner appointed if possible. Request must be made in writing to the Department of Conservation.

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

Costs: The student is responsible for costs for literature, materials, personal tools and personal protective equipment. Extra costs may apply in connection with study visits.

Work environment: Risk identification and the Swedish Work Environment Authority's applicable AFS are stated in the Course Guide.Read more: http://medarbetarportalen.gu.se/arbetsmiljohandboken

Environment and sustainable development: The University of Gothenburg's environmental management system is certified according to ISO 14001 and EMAS. This means that we at the department and the faculty work with environmental issues in a
structured and long-term way. Every year, both internal and external environmental audits of the university's operations are carried out.
Read more: http: //medarbetarportalen.gu.se/miljohandbok/Policy/

Quality assurance: Follow-up and evaluation of the program takes place in accordance with the current Policy for quality assurance and quality development of education at the University of Gothenburg.