Studying at York
Researching & Analysing Historic Buildings - ARC00010M
Module summary
This module provides a distinctive and accessible introduction to how we research and analyse historic buildings, introducing students to the skills of visual analysis, desk-based assessment, and archival research. It includes developing knowledge of building structures, materials and architectural history. Drawing on examples and case studies from the UK, it lays the foundations for further study and sets historic buildings analysis in the wider context of the heritage and conservation process.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
Module aims
This module aims:
- To provide students with an understanding of architectural and historical buildings analysis within the context of heritage and conservation practice
- To introduce students to the specialised skills required for the visual analysis of historic buildings
- To introduce students to sources of evidence and methods of analysis for historic buildings research
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should:
- Have a systematic understanding of the context of buildings analysis within heritage and conservation practice
- Demonstrate a practical understanding of how to Analyse and phase the archaeological sequence of an historic building
- Demonstrate the ability to independently locate and apply dating evidence from relevant historical and documentary sources to the analysis of historic buildings
- Demonstrate a practical understanding of how to carry out a basic desk-based assessment of an historic building in the UK in a professional style
- Be able to communicate their research findings clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences through written and verbal communication
Module content
This module is designed to introduce you to the basics of analysing buildings. We will consider the development of historic buildings analysis and the current frameworks within which specialists operate, particularly in conservation and heritage. We then go on to address the key approaches and methodologies; looking at archival research into buildings history, identifying key sources of secondary and primary sources that underpin both academic and practice-based research. We will familiarise ourselves with current professional guidance on standards and reports, including desk based assessments, and historic buildings reports. The module will introduce you to the basics of analysing buildings, building your understanding of how materials, structures and architectural history can be used to visually analyse a series of case studies through lectures and on site practicals. Many of these issues will come together in our analysis of case studies, many of which are on our doorstep in York and Yorkshire. Throughout the module, you'll build up a good working knowledge of approaches to historic buildings and practice skills of visual analysis, archival research, and report writing.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
Other
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Formative: oral feedback from module leaders
Summative: written feedback within the University's turnaround policy
Indicative reading
Brittain Caitlin, T 2007 How to Read a Building: interpret a building’s character and style (London: Collins)
Historic England 2015 Understanding Historic Buildings: a Guide to Good Recording Practice
Morriss, R K 2000 The Archaeology of Buildings (Stroud, Tempus)