VA7052 - Conservation Theory and Practice IV: Works of Art on Paper

With increasing complexity the module further develops your core conservation knowledge and skills learnt during year one.
Teaching is again delivered in a reflective style using a combination of exclusive on-line lectures and materials, demonstrations and practical studio workshops which culminate in a second portfolio of work. You will continue to 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 facsimiles, follow on from year one in a logical order paralleling actual practice. Contact time with academic staff once again will be used to 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 and links to key web pages. This, along with the other unique online material can be accessed either on or off campus to encourage flexible and independent learning.
In your placement you will learn by engaging with professional conservators and museum personnel, and applying the knowledge that you have gathered from classroom-based and research-rich learning on the MA Conservation.

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

Week 1
You will receive the module guide which offers information on specific details relating to assignment and submission dates.

Seminars and 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 studio and laboratory attendance will also enable you to speak to tutors on a more informal basis about the work you are engaged in. These unscheduled conversations are often a useful time to discuss an immediate practical problem or question or to check-up on your progress.

Further feedback will enhance your academic progress, research and practical skills by facilitating your reflection on and awareness of your achievements and potential as an active learner. Your tutors’ contact details and availability for tutorials is included in the module guide and posted to the e-Learning Portal.

The e-Learning portal
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. Greater emphasis will be placed on encouraging you towards independent self-directed study but clearly offered guidance during tutorials or as requested.

General support
The University and the Faculty of Arts, Design and Social Sciences have a range of mechanisms underpinned by strategy, policy and practice that ensure that you are supported in your learning, employability and career development. You can also take advantage of a range of central university support services including Careers Advice and Chaplaincy.

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.

Knowledge & Understanding: (KU)

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 explain the degradation of artists' materials and supports in terms of the scientific understanding involved.
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.

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
2. The ability to situate conservation practice in relation to current and emerging international/global practices and debates

Summative Assessment
A) Viva Voce
15% weighting

B)Project Documentation
Word count 5500.
85% weighting



Combined the assignments equate to 100% of the module mark

Guidance
All assessment criteria and submission details are clearly defined eLP.

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 tutorials and seminar sessions.

VA7049, VA7050 and VA7051

N/A

The practical workshops which form the focus of this module are logically arranged in a sequence that parallels actual practice. Each topic serves to progress practical knowledge, expertise, and strategic planning skills in relation to core conservation treatments. To promote active learning, the teaching is once again delivered through a combination of exclusive on-line lectures and materials, demonstrations and practical studio workshops and seminars which culminate in a second a significant portfolio of work. This exciting module also furthers students’ understanding of a range of technologies used to examine and document artworks including spectroscopic techniques and microscopy. Greater emphasis is also placed on independent research, the historic, scientific and technical understanding of artist and conservation materials, professional advocacy, project management skills and situating conservation in relation to current and emerging international/global practices and debates.