Art Conservation and Heritage Science

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Professors Coats, Hatcher-Skeers, Macko, MacNaughton
Associate Professors Wenzel, Williams
Lecturer Doehne

This major introduces students to the field of art conservation and heritage science, which addresses artistic, ethical, and technical questions regarding our material culture and combines the liberal arts and sciences to solve problems of preservation. Science and technology are changing how we understand and preserve cultural heritage. Concerns can range from rising sea levels impacting historic cities, to new treatments for sculptures damaged by air pollution, to the scientific understanding of an artist’s materials, and to preventing the loss of digital heritage.The major is structured to prepare students for rigorous graduate programs in art conservation, heritage science, and historic preservation. A variety of science, art history, art, and other courses prepare students to engage in internships at the Williamson Gallery, enroll in conservation courses in Study Abroad and Global Education programs, build a portfolio and gain the practical experience necessary for graduate school admission and employment. The major introduces students to careers in the field, which can offer positions in art conservation, historical and preservation research, and policy development. These roles correspond to application, science and policy areas of study in the preservation of art collections, archives, architecture, and archaeology.    

Learning Outcomes of the Program in Art Conservation and Heritage Science

Department Goals and/or Objectives

Goals are broad statements that describe what the program wants to accomplish

1. Students will learn the importance of preserving cultural resources in art collections, archaeology, archives, and architecture.
2. Students will learn how to analyze preservation problems from different perspectives, including anthropology, archaeology, art history, chemistry and studio art.
3. Students will learn how to communicate effectively about art conservation, heritage science, and objects of material culture both orally and in written forms.
4. Students will develop artistic skills in working with two-dimensional and three-dimensional materials.
5. Students will learn how to conduct research in the discipline and produce senior thesis demonstrating their ability to define a problem; use the available resources (archives, libraries, museums, sites, etc.) to analyze the problem; and present results of the research with clear documentation in clear prose following correct academic form.
6. Students will learn to apply a knowledge of general and organic chemistry to problems in art conservation and heritage science.
7. Students working on scientifically focused art-conservation projects will develop hypotheses, test them using quantitative techniques, and explain scientific concepts both verbally and in writing.

Student Learning Outcomes

Outcomes describe specific knowledge, abilities, values, and attitudes students should demonstrate

SLO1: Students will demonstrate knowledge of works of cultural resources in art collections, archaeology, archives, and architecture in a range of historical, sociopolitical, and cultural contexts.
SLO2: Students will demonstrate knowledge of analysis of conservation problems from different perspectives, including anthropology, archaeology, art history, chemistry, and studio art.
SLO3: Students will communicate effectively about works of art and architecture both orally and in written forms.
SLO4: Students will demonstrate artistic skills in working with two-dimensional and three-dimensional materials.
SLO5: Students will produce senior theses demonstrating their ability to define a problem; use the resources readily available in the area (libraries, archives, museums, galleries, etc.) to carry out research; and present the results of their research with full documentation in clear prose following correct academic form.
SLO6: Students will learn to apply a knowledge of general and organic chemistry to problems in art conservation.
SLO7: Students working on scientifically focused art-conservation projects will demonstrate development of hypotheses, test them using quantitative techniques, and explain scientific concepts both verbally and in writing.
SLO8: Students will learn to apply science and technology to cultural heritage to improve understanding, management, and engagement.
 

Programs

• Art Conservation and Heritage Science Major
• Art Conservation Minor
• Courses in Art Conservation and Heritage Science

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