| CODE | ARC2016 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Principles of Conservation in Archaeology | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 6 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Classics and Archaeology | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit introduces the student to the basic principles, philosophy and ethics of conservation, as applicable to archaeological objects and sites. The main emphasis of the course is on the composition and properties of materials of which archaeological objects and sites are made (stone and other building materials, ceramics, glass, metals, wood and other organic materials), their deterioration (causes and manifestation) and the burial environments which can affect their conservation. "First aid" and preventive conservation are also introduced. Study-unit Aims The main aim of this study-unit is to introduce the students of archaeology to materials, deterioration issues, and basic conservation actions that will be encountered in their professional life, whether as field archeologists, museum curators, or policy makers. It will give an understanding of the complex interactions of object (or site)/environment and how possible damage can be mitigated. It also aims to give the student the tools to enable informed ethical decisions to be taken when considering the preservation of an archaeological object and/or site. It aims to provide enough basic knowledge to know how and when to act, and how far to go before a professional conservator is called in. Learning Outcomes 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - explain concisely the processes by which archaeological objects were made from their raw materials, and the processes by which they deteriorate, whether in situ, during burial, or on display; - discuss various preliminary conservation measures which may be necessary in the absence of a professional conservator; - assess when other members of the multi-disciplinary team need to be called in. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - define ethical issues in the conservation of archaeological objects and sites; - identify and solve "first aid" problems in the field; - recognize and explain a range of options for the care and conservation of archaeological objects and sites. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings Main texts DeMouthe, J. (2006) Natural materials. Butterworth Heinemann. AM145 .D46 Pye, E. (2001) Caring for the past. Issues in conservation for archaeology and museums. James and James. AM141 .P9 Watkinson D.and Neal V. (1998) First aid for finds. Rescue, The British Archaeological Trust/United Kingdom Institute for Conservation Archaeology Section, 3rd edition. CC135 .W375 1998 Supplementary readings Ashley-Smith J. (1999) Risk assessment for object conservation. Butterworth-Heinemann. AM141 .A84 Ashurst J. (ed) (2007) Conservation of ruins. Butterworth-Heinemann. NA105 .A7 Ashurst J. and Dimes F.G. (1998) Conservation of building and decorative stone. Butterworth Heinemann. TA426 .C64 Cronyn J.M. (1990) The elements of archaeological conservation. Routledge. CC135 .C76 Henderson J. (2000) The science and archaeology of materials - an investigation of inorganic materials. Routledge. CC79.C5 H4 May E and Jones M (eds) (2006) Conservation science - heritage materials RSC Publishing. AM141 .C659 Pearson C. (ed.) (1988) Conservation of marine archaeological objects. Butterworth. CC77.U5 C68 Sease C. (1994) A conservation manual for the field archaeologist. University of California Press. CC76 .S4 1994 |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Jennifer Porter |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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