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Unit outline_

ARCH9028: Conservation Methods and Practices

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The aims of this unit are to develop skills in the methods and practices of conservation at an accepted professional level, and to interpret and apply the theory taught in the mandatory core of the course in practical, on-site projects. The unit focuses on culturally significant structures and cultural landscapes and includes: locating, describing and recording components with possible heritage value; identifying and reading historic fabric; historic and archival research methods; thematic history methods; investigation natural systems, settlements; undertaking material and stylistic analysis; and the use of evaluation methodology to develop appropriate conservation actions (conservation and management plans, policies and strategies). At the end of the unit the student will successfully demonstrate: an understanding of the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter and the ability to prepare, in accordance with current accepted professional practice, a conservation plan of a place or places of cultural significance. The assignments are constructed to allow each student to demonstrate his or her level of understanding of the accepted professional methodology and practice in the preparation and presentation of a conservation management plan.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Architectural and Design Science
Credit points 12
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Matt Devine, matthew.devine@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Matt Devine, matthew.devine@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Significance assessment and statement of significance
Written assessment
40% Mid-semester break
Due date: 22 Sep 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 07 Oct 2023
To be added by the unit coordinator
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Assignment Group participation report
Written assessment
10% STUVAC
Due date: 03 Nov 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 04 Nov 2024
1 page
Outcomes assessed: LO6
Assignment Conservation management plan
Written assessment and presentation
50% Week 13
Due date: 02 Nov 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 03 Nov 2024
To be added by the unit coordinator
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Assessment summary

  • Significance assessment and statement of significance: While the historic research and site analysis will be carried out as a group, this assignment requires each student to prepare (in written form) a summary of the site’s history and description, followed by an analysis of the seven major criteria for significance and a statement of cultural significance of each group’s chosen site. 
  • Conservation management plan: As a group, students will prepare a brief presentation on the site, containing a statement of significance and draft policies. This assignment requires students to work in a group to prepare a written Conservation Management Plan for a place nominated from the list provided.
  • Group participation report: Each student will be required to complete a 1-page submission outlining the involvement of themselves and their colleagues in the group project.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.

Distinction

75 - 84

Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.

Credit

65 - 74

Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.

Pass

50 - 64

Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.

Fail

0 - 49

Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning outcomes assessed.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 a. Unit introduction; Matt Devine b. The conservation management plan: an introduction; Cameron Logan c. Course outline / assessments: Matt Devine d. Conservation Principles and Processes I: Matt Devine Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 02 a. Conservation Principles and Processes II, Matt Devine b. Anzac Memorial CMP: a Case Study (Site visit) c. Site discussion Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 03 a. Historic Research: Olivia Turner b. Fabric Investigation: Alan Croker c. Site discussion, Matt Devine Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 04 a) Assessing Cultural Significance I: Matt Devine b) Cultural Landscapes: Matt Devine c) Heritage NSW: Anna London d) Group time Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 a) Historic Research II: Meg Quinlisk b) SITE VISIT: SLNSW Field trip (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Week 06 a) Assessing Heritage Significance II: Matt Devine b) Understanding and Acknowledging Country – engagement & ethics: Matt Devine c) Curtilages: Matt Devine b) Gradings of Significance: Matt Devine Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 07 a) SITE VISIT: MHNSW – STATE ARCHIVES Field trip (4 hr) LO2 LO4
Week 08 a) Assessing Heritage Significance III: Matt Devine b) Comparative Analyses: Matt Devine c) Submission Update: Matt Devine d) Group time Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 09 a) Constraints, Issues and Opportunities: Matt Devine b) Vulnerabilities and Client Needs: Sheridan Burke, Robert A Moore Architects & Heritage Consultants Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 10 a) Policies in CMPs: Matt Devine b) Policy Development I: Matt Devine c) Client needs: TBC, Department of Education & Training c) Assessment 1 - Feedback: Matt Devine Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 a) Policy Development II: Matt Devine b) Implementation & Schedules: Matt Devine c) Moral rights: Matt Devine d) Interpretation: Matt Devine d) Group time Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 a. Conservation Policies – Writing Workshop: Tracey Skovronek, Purcell, & Matt Devine b. Groups discussions Workshop (4 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 a) CMP Presentations and Feedback: Matt Devine Presentation (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Attendance at all site visits and field trips is a mandatory requirement of the course. Failure to attend all such events without approved Special Consideration will result in assessment being withheld.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Kerr, J S, The Conservation Plan, (7th Edition) Australia ICOMOS, 2013. The Burra Charter, Australia ICOMOS, 2013.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate an understanding of the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter
  • LO2. demonstrate skill in methods and techniques of analysis, assessment, and documentation of cultural significance
  • LO3. demonstrate the ability to prepare, in accordance with current accepted professional practice, a conservation management plan for a place or places of cultural significance
  • LO4. demonstrate the ability to engage with a client and understand their needs and the constraints on their actions
  • LO5. demonstrate the ability to develop relevant policies and strategies for the conservation of a variety places of cultural significance
  • LO6. demonstrate the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Reviewed class activities and invited guests to ensure a balance of disciplinary knowledges and professional competencies are represented.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.