This course is an overview of the interdisciplinary issues related to the conservation of cultural resources in general and the built environment specifically. It will introduce the student to the history of the preservation movement, federal, state and local preservation programs, regulatory instruments, documentation and interpretation processes, intervention techniques and current philosophical issues ranging from local to international contexts. The course will include guest speakers, field trips, and graduate student presentations. The course will have regular readings and follows a seminar format where everyone participates in discussion.
Objectives The purpose of this course is to expose the student to the theory, principles and resources of preservation. The course has three objectives: 1. To introduce the student to the terms, concepts and philosophical foundations of preservation; 2. To introduce the student to the process, rather than the product, of preservation; 3. To address current issues of why we preserve cultural resources and for whom. Success in this course is based on the student's ability to synthesize a broad array of information, interpret its significance relative to the student's own experiences and demonstrate competency through a variety of formats, including classroom discussion, examinations and writing assignments.
Course Structure & Topics Knowledge transfer occurs in a variety of formats. In addition to lectures and discussions, the content of this course will be disseminated through guest speakers and field trips. The purpose of guest speakers is to bring "real world" experiences into the classroom to discuss specific preservation issues. These professionals will also discuss career possibilities in preservation based on their discipline and affiliation. Students are also required to participate in three Saturday morning field trips from 9 am. to 12 noon. The purpose of the field trips is to expose the students to the tangible context of preservation to reinforce the issues discussed in the classroom. Attendance on field trips is mandatoryand students will be required to submit a two-page (minimum) essay addressing the critical issues introduced by the tours.
Course Requirements Students will be responsible for completing three types of assignments: Reading and discussion. Students will be responsible for the assigned readings and to participate in a seminar discussion about their contents. Contribution to class discussion is a significant portion of your overall course grade. Students will be evaluated based on attendance, expressed knowledge of the required readings and discussion activity. Tour essays. Students will be required to submit a two- to five-page (minimum - maximum), single-spaced essay due on the Wednesday following the tour. The intent of these papers is to provide a vehicle to reflect on the critical issues addressed on the tours. Focus questions introducing these critical issues will be distributed prior to the tour. Research paper. Each student will be required to write a minimum 2500-word research paper on an issue related to preservation. The paper should include: 1) an introductory definition of the issues related to your topic; 2) description of the general principles, ideas, and solutions that address these issues; 3) three case reviews (including at least one local) exemplifying the principles outlined above; 4) a conclusion, representing yourinterpretation of the issues and their significance based on your newly informed awareness; 5) list of references cited in your research; and 6) a 100-word maximum abstract. Accompanying graphics (images, diagrams, plans, etc.) should accompany the case study analysis to illustrate your text. Students will be evaluated on the thoroughness of the research, organization of ideas and information, as well as the clarity of its presentation. The case reviews should be criticalevaluations of projects - not just descriptions - illustrating the issues you've defined in the introduction. The research paper should be written in a scholarly manner, representing a balanced view and distinguishing your thoughts from those of others through appropriate citation methods.
