Research Methods in Cultural Heritage Conservation

This course is cumpolsary for the master's programme N2KVP, Conservation with Specialization in Conservation of Cultural Heritage Objects.

The course is a mirrored course of KUA410 with joint lectures, and these two courses (KUA410 and KKV706) can not be part of the same degree.

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, students should have background in Conservation and other related fields of study.

This course provides postgraduate students with knowledge and skills required to perform independent research in Cultural Heritage Conservation [kulturvård]. The course includes the following research topics: ethics; archival and bibliographical methods; data collection methods (case studies, experimental research, surveying, and
statistical studies); different approaches (comparative, exploratory, prescriptive and normative); design; and the presentation of research results.

The course is intended to help students prepare for and carry out their Master’s Thesis work. After concluded course, the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
- explain different research methods for Cultural Heritage Conservation, 
- choose relevant research methods to test a hypothesis in Conservation,

Competence and skills
- assess and defend data collection methods and the presentation of results,
- propose and define suitable research approaches for cultural heritage conservation problems,

Judgement and approach
- evaluate the applicability and suitability of research methods and indicate their validity and reliability for Cultural Heritage studies, and
- reflect on ethical issues and dilemmas in scholarly research in Conservation.

The course will be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual written assignment.

Language of instruction: English

The course will be assessed through individual and group work, workshops and written assignments.

Module 1: Seminar and workshops, 2.5 hp
Module 2: Individual written assignment, 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 passed both course modules and fulfilled the learning outcomes of the course.

For grade Pass with Distinction (VG) requires that students achieve the grade Pass (G) in module 1, and Pass with Ditinction
(VG) in module 2.

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

An evaluation by the students will be conducted at the end of the course. The results of theses will be included in the course evaluation which will be communicated to the students and function as a guide for further development of 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.