This course provides an introduction to the cultural heritage sector and enables students to gain an understanding of how they may contribute to the sector as professionals after graduation. It explores both the material and symbolic properties of objects in order to analyse why artefacts matter, and why they are collected, exhibited and conserved; concepts from material culture frameworks, such as object biographies, are introduced as 'working tools' for interdisciplinary research by those involved in preserving and interpreting objects.

Two hours per week

None

None

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Essay developing one of the topics encountered in this course (3,500-word) - 80%

■ Group report (1,000 words per student). Students work together in small, mixed groups to write a joint report on an object, including an object record and assessment of condition, a significance assessment and a display rationale. The students' individual contributions are acknowledged - 20%

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the essay, but a flexible deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ A recorded presentation OR 1-to-1 presentation OR a PowerPoint with substantial notes as alternative to the group report

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

This course aims to:

■ Introduce cultural heritage issues with special reference to textile and dress collections

■ Give an insight into how graduates, as professionals, may contribute to the sector, and how different roles fit together

■ Use objects to explore and communicate key ideas

■ Introduce concepts from material culture studies, such as the object biography

■ Impart a knowledge of the key literature and of key institutions and professional bodies

■ Provide the opportunity to undertake a collaborative project

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

■ Explain the concept of cultural heritage, how it is defined and why it matters

■ Use concepts from material culture or heritage studies as interdisciplinary research tools

■ Apply concepts of object significance to a proposal for the display and interpretation of objects

■ Work collaboratively to produce a joint report

■ Communicate and present information appropriate for different audiences