Studying at York
Approaches to Conservation - ARC00014M
Module summary
This module introduces you to the background, concepts and principles of contemporary conservation practice and to the values-based approaches now commonly applied in managing conservation planning and decision-making. It encourages you to engage critically and creatively with conservation as professional practice in an inclusive and multicultural world - and to explore York’s rich urban heritage!
Students have said they love studying the history of conservation, gaining an understanding of how practice has changed over time and applying this in the context of current conservation planning.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2022-23 |
Module aims
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to introduce the key principles and approaches in conservation of the built heritage and the ethics and philosophies which underlie them
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to provide an understanding of how these approaches and principles have developed and are applied in practice
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to develop research, analytical and presentation skills
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should
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have a critical understanding of how and why the concept of cultural heritage and its conservation has evolved and is applied in contemporary practice
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have a thorough knowledge of the historical background to heritage conservation practices, the range of philosophical approaches and their relevance
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be able to critically evaluate the conservation plan approach and apply the processes of determining values and significance for built cultural heritage in context
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have enhanced their skills in small group work and visual / verbal presentation
Module content
In this module we consider the history and contemporary practice of conservation for built heritage, looking critically at how conservation has developed with changing ideas about material, intangible and socio-economic values of heritage. In group work and in module assessments, you will critique and apply value-based approaches to conservation management using local building case studies. The English planning framework is used as a practice model for this work but you are encouraged to contextualise this with other national / international frameworks and principles and consider how these are reflected in global shifts in approaches to conservation. Through this module you will approach historic buildings and areas differently and develop a complex understanding of how conservation today is engaged with a diversity of heritage assets, actors, interpretations and audiences.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Feedback will be available within 6 weeks
Indicative reading
Avrami, E, Macdonald, S, Mason, R and Myers, D. (2019). Values in Heritage Management: Emerging Approaches and Research Directions. Getty Conservation Institute.
Historic England (2008) Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance [online]
Jokilehto, J (2017) A History of Architectural Conservation, London, Routledge