KONS1000 – Introduction to conservation and collection care
Course content
This module introduces students, who may wish to work within the cultural heritage sector, to conservation as a profession and to the preservation and scientific investigation of cultural heritage objects and works of art. The module covers three broad topics:
- What is conservation and why are cultural objects preserved,
- How can knowledge of objects be obtained by means of scientific investigation and what is the aim of this research,
- What are the threats to cultural heritage and how can good stewardship safeguard cultural heritage for future generations.
Learning outcome
The aim of this module is for the student to understand the concepts, principles and practice of conservation.
On completion of the module the student should be able to:
- Communicate why cultural heritage is preserved
- Define conservation and describe its history and general approach to the preservation of cultural heritage
- Describe and explain the use of concepts and ethical principles in conservation
- Recognise the significance and values of cultural heritage
- Explain and illustrate how visual and instrumental investigation contributes to obtaining information from objects
- Distinguish between the different threats to cultural heritage
- Comprehend the principles of collection care and stewardship of collections
- Communicate both orally and in writing at a basic academic level
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
For national applicants, this course it only open for students from selected programmes.
Recommended previous knowledge
The course assumes a good proficiency in written and oral English.
Teaching
This module uses the flipped classroom model, which means that the theory is studied independently by the student at home, and in class students will in small groups actively work with the learning content through various learning activities.
To support the student in their independent studies a learning path is provided in Canvas, the universities learning platform. In class students will undertake group work with the aim to practice communication and discussion as well as to reflect over and come to a deeper understanding of subject content. Activities consist of discussions, case-studies, visits to museums and conservation laboratory, as well as practical exercises.
The course uses Canvas as its learning environment for sharing teaching resources and colloquium group work, hand-in of the qualifier and messages. Students are to bring a mobile phone or laptop to class for interactive activities.
In order for this model to be successful it requires from the student that the reading and preparation for the seminars is done independently or in colloquium groups before coming to class.
During the semester students have to submit 1 obligatory assignment (group assignment) which needs to be approved in order for the student to submit the exam. The assignment will be followed by obligatory peer-review and reflective note on collaborative writing. The requirements for approval will be supplied by the lecturer at the same time as the assignment is handed out. Groups failing the first time can resubmit once. Dates for submission will be announced at the beginning of term.
It is compulsory to attend at least 75% of all teaching.
Examination
The course is assessed by exam that consists of two parts:
- Essay (3000 words) (70 % of the grade).
- Video about a conservation concept about 4 minutes (30 % of the grade).
Detailed information will be given in class and in Canvas. The candidate can chose to not appear on video if they wish to remain anonymous under the evaluation of the exam.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English.You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.