VA7050 - Conservation Theory and Practice II: Works of Art on Paper

Teaching will be delivered in a reflective way appropriate to Master’s level through a combination of on-line lectures and materials, practical demonstrations and guidance, and practical studio workshops. You will also develop your skills in reflective practice alongside scientific, technical examination and documentation of selected artworks and case studies. Practical studio work, whether it is centred on artworks or carefully constructed samples, follow a logical development paralleling professional practice. Contact time with academic staff will be used to supervise your practical work and help contextualise the comprehensive and innovative electronic material designed to develop theoretical understanding and offer guidance in completing your written assignments.

To direct you through independent study and enable full participation in the teaching and learning sessions, you will also have access to, via the e-learning portal (eLP), a number of dynamic reading lists, videos and other resources. This, along with the other unique online material can be accessed either on or off campus to encourage flexible learning.

As an integral part of the Preventive Conservation sessions, you will undertake external visits to museums and galleries. This serves to contextualise key concepts and strategies relating to storage, display and transit, and to build your professional network.

You will be supported throughout this module in a number of ways:

Induction
Induction week introduces you to the module and resources available which support academic activities. You will also receive a module guide which offer information on specific details relating to assignment and submission dates.

Seminars and individual tutorials
Seminar sessions provide you with the opportunity to ask questions, discuss assessment criteria, development analytical, communication and other subject-specific skills, and receive ongoing feedback. Your regular attendance will also enable you to speak to tutors on a more informal basis about the progress of your work. These unscheduled conversations are often a useful time to discuss a practical problems and queries, or simply to check in on your progress.
The e-Learning Portal (Blackboard)
All relevant course material is uploaded to the module e-Learning Portal (eLP) in a timely and organised manner supported by technology-enhanced learning as appropriate. You will be encouraged increasingly toward self-directed study over the course of your studies during this module, but clearly guided in the appropriate parameters and methodologies appropriate to professional practice and research.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Upon successful completion of this module you will be able to demonstrate:

1. Understanding of a range of core scientific principles, design and implement appropriate conservation methods based on them, manage technological and scientific data and introduction to artists' materials and supports.
2. Identify, and critically evaluate the role of research evidence and sources for the assignments.
3. Show technical and theoretical understanding of key processes, materials, and concepts and technical examination encountered in conservation practice.
4. An understanding how to manage the environment, collections and works of art.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities: (IPSA):

Upon successful completion of this module you will have:
1. Demonstrated tacit and procedural skills in selected core conservation treatments, whilst following the appropriate health and safety procedures.
2. Documented the condition and treatment of an artwork with accuracy, diligence and critical understanding.
3. Implemented a range of appropriate conservation procedures competently with the requisite skills and manage the studio environment appropriately.
4. Developed time and project management skills
5. Demonstrated the ability to coherently communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions (in verbal, visual and written form).

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

Upon successful completion of this module you will have:
1. Demonstrated ethical awareness and critical reflection skills in relation to conservation practice encountered in the module

A) Formative assessment

Work in progress presentation: Students will present the results of the conservation treatments performed during the semester and will receive formative feedback by the tutors.

B) Research project seminar: At the end of the semester, students will have an opportunity to discuss ideas for research projects in advance of submitting a proposal in the second year to be developed for their dissertations. Verbal feedback will be given by tutors.

Summative assessment is composed of the following elements:
A) Technical Examination Essay with an incorporated Science Report / Practice Journal
Word count 5000
80% weighting

B) Viva
20% weighting.

Combined they equate to 100% of the module mark.

Submission
Written work
All written assignments are submitted electronically


Guidance
All assessment criteria and submission details are clearly defined on the eLP.
Online viva:
Carried out live via the eLP or on MS Teams

Feedback
Electronic submission and feedback is provided for all assignments, according to the university guidelines.
Additional formative feedback is also provided throughout the module in both group and independent tutorial sessions, and in response to email enquiries.

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This stimulating module which immediately immerses the student in the world of conservation provides a professional approach to learning the core practical skills relevant to the materials, treatment, contextualisation and care of works of art on paper or easel paintings. To promote active learning, the teaching is delivered through a combination of exclusive synchronous and non-synchronous online lectures and learning materials, live demonstrations, practical studio workshops, and tutor-led online seminars which will culminate in a significant body of work. Students also develop skills in reflective practice, problem-based learning and the scientific and technical study and documentation of works of art. Practical studio work, is focused on both original works of art and historically recreated facsimiles, and follows a logical development paralleling professional practice. Contact time with tutors is used to supervise practical activities and help contextualise the comprehensive electronic material available online. By introducing students to a research rich learning environment, the module stimulates intellectual growth, academic skills, and critical curiosity, especially through the capacity for independent research-led learning.