Postgraduate taught 

Book & Paper Conservation MPhil

Principles and Practice: Advanced Skills Book and Paper HISTART5143

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Culture and Creative Arts
  • Credits: 40
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This course builds on key conservation skills and concepts introduced in the first year, by applying the theory and practice of advanced book and paper conservation. The conservation treatments will focus on books, archival materials, and paper (e.g., books, manuscripts, archival materials, photographic material, parchment and works of art) as appropriate to chosen subject specialism. The developing skill set is reinforced by the practical application of conservation treatments to historic book and/or paper, put in context by a wider examination of book and/or paper conservation as practiced in the field and by the concurrent sessions in the course Deconstructing the Artefact

Timetable

6 x 2hr lectures, 

2 x 3 hr seminar,

22 x 3hr workshops, 

1 x 4hr field trip, 

30 x 3 hrs supervised studio time,

2 x 1hr tutorials over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Practical Book and/or paper conservation (continual assessment over 10 weeks) - 30%

Report Portfolio (3750 words) - 30%

Annotated Bibliography (1000 words) - 10%

Report with VIVA (2000 words & 30mins) - 30%

Main Assessment In: December

Course Aims

This course aims to:

 

■ Introduce the student to the practice principles and science of advanced interventive conservation treatment approaches and techniques used to preserve historic book and/or paper artefacts.

■ Enable the student to apply observation skills, understanding of cultural and ethical contexts, theory of conservation techniques and advanced material science knowledge to formulate appropriate treatment strategies.

■ Provide the student with the opportunity to apply in practice advanced interventive treatment skills used to preserve historic book and/or paper artefacts.

■ Engage with specialist expertise of conservation professionals to gain broader awareness of conservation in practice.

■ Develop enhanced documentation and recording skills as a key skill for conservation practice.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

 

■ Apply problem solving and practical skills using a range of advanced conservation techniques.

■ Critically analyse book and/or paper artefacts to devise treatment proposals appropriate to an artefact's composition, condition, and role.

■ Apply methods to record and reflect on conservation treatments as part of developing professional practice.

■ Critically evaluate literature relating to a conservation technique, material, specialist skill or treatment to engage with wider perspectives and inform decision-making.

■ Communicate complex scenarios using appropriate terminology and in a professional manner.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.