Unit information: Managing the Past in 2012/13

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Unit name Managing the Past
Unit code ARCH35012
Credit points 20
Level of study H/6
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director Emeritus Professor. Mark Horton
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

none

Co-requisites

none

School/department Department of Anthropology and Archaeology
Faculty Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

The unit provides an introduction to intellectual, organisational and statutory basis for the conservation and interpretation of the heritage of Britain and more widely. It will cover sites, buildings, monuments, museums and galleries, objects and landscapes and deal with issues such as conservation dilemmas, media, tourism, and ecology. A number of fieldtrips and practical projects will form part of the unit. Two weeks will also be required on the Department's summer excavation.

Aims:

This unit is designed to let students develop transferable skills, to help decide whether they wish to have a career in archaeology and the heritage sector, and to provide them with a wider understanding of social and public policy towards the heritage. It will be different to the 'academic archaeology' so far been taught on the programme, by providing basic professional management skills for those working in the heritage sector. For those who do not wish to pursue a professional career in archaeology, many of the issues discussed will be of importance in the wider professional and civic life.

Intended Learning Outcomes

  • An understanding of the heritage sector and its organisational structure;
  • An knowledge of the statutory and non statutory regulations relating to the heritage assets;
  • A knowledge of interpretative and educational strategies, including media;
  • A understanding of the principles conservation management planning;
  • An understanding of project management;
  • Ability to compile a professional - level report on a heritage asset;
  • Understanding of archaeology as a practical process, including health and safety and risk assessment.

Teaching Information

Lectures, (some by invited professionals and civil servants). Field-trips, interactive discussion using flipchart type teaching. Students are encouraged to use E-learning through engagement with media, discussion lists and current news during the unit, backed up through blackboard prompts. Participate on the Department's summer excavation for ten working days.

Assessment Information

Summative:

Single conservation management report on Heritage Asset, on a site (or building, museum or object) chosen by student, to identify significance, conservation issues, public access and display and interpretation. 4,500 words, with illustrations.

Although this unit is assessed by a single conservation management report, the work involved includes at least 2 site visits, visits to the Historic Environment Records, interviewing site managers and other public officers.

Reading and References

  • Clark, K. 2001 Informed Conservation. English Heritage.
  • Darvill T.C. 1999 'The past into the present' in The Archaeology of Britain (eds. Hunter, J & Ralston. I), Routeledge, pp. 297-315.
  • Darvill, T. and Fulton A. 1998. MARS: the Monument at Risk Survey. The main report. English Heritage.
  • Darvill, T.C. 1987. Ancient Monuments in the Countryside: an Archaeological management review
  • English Heritage 1998 Avebury World Heritage Management Plan.
  • English Heritage 1999 Stonehenge World Heritage Site Management Plan (available on CDRom).

Related links