VA7054 - Collections Care I: Theory and Practice

In keeping with the ethos of the programme the learning is entirely led by you and you can progress through the online learning materials in your own time and at your own pace. rather than by following a series of lectures. You will also learn by carrying out a challenging assignment, designed to build on what you have learnt through the semester and to meet the learning outcomes for the module. . You will be given a series of live briefs based on real objects and/or real scenarios with which you will develop strategies for the care and management of collection object/s. There is an opportunity to engage with one or more formative exercises during a number of live seminars with your tutor. the feedback you will receive on your summative assignment will also guide your learning through subsequent modules.

While the learning is largely self-led via your independent progress through the online learning materials, you will be fully supported academically by your module tutor, programme leader and other academic staff in a number of ways:

Induction
Induction week introduces you to the module and resources available which support your independent learning. 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 with your module tutor which will 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.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding (K&U):
1. Understand the relevance of the history, materials, creation, deterioration, vulnerability as well as the physical and chemical characteristics of items/collections of movable cultural heritage to their care, preventive conservation and interpretation
2. Understand, develop and implement appropriate strategies, policies and procedures for the care and preventive conservation of items/collections of movable cultural heritage
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. The ability to use critical thinking and reflective practice in an independent learning, self-directed learning environment that draws upon and synthesises a wide range of knowledge and understanding of Preventive Conservation in order to develop and implement appropriate strategies for the care and management of items/collections of movable cultural heritage
4. Demonstrate the ability to take responsibility for your own learning by: selecting the knowledge required to complete assignments from primary and secondary sources; identifying appropriate additional resources of knowledge; working on independent and group projects; considering the views of tutors and peers in the development or enhancement of your own work; making constructive use of feedback; determining the focus for the dissertation; shaping their assignments;


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Demonstrate enthusiasm, curiosity, integrity, ethical and professional awareness in all aspects of work, communication and engagement with others

Formative Assessment
Formative assessment will take place via your participation in several group seminars throughout the module. You will be assessed on your contribution to online group discussions via the module discussion board.




Summative Assessment

A 5000 word written assignment covering the themes of the module and submitted to Turnitin. See Module Assessment Brief for further details.
Submission & Feedback
Written assignments are submitted via the online platform Turnitin. Provisional marks and written feedback are provided typically within 20 working days of the submission in line with university guidelines

Module Learning Outcomes

1,2,3,4 & 5

N/A

N/A

This exciting module immerses you in the world of preventive conservation and collections by engaging you with the complexities and challenges of professional practice. You will be introduced to the care of wide range of collections of heritage materials s including paper, paintings, metals, ceramics, textiles, wood and historic photographs.. You are introduced to the polices, legislation and ethics that provide the framework for professional practice in collections care, collections management and preventive conservation, such as condition surveys, documentation, environment, storage and display , emergency preparedness and health and safety. Learning is developed through the completion of a guided assignment which requires you to develop strategies for storage, display and transit, thereby placing you at the heart of professional practice.