Study Guide

Objective

- The student will know the basics of archaeological conservation.
- The student will know the natural features and deterioration process of organic textile material and associated challenges.
- The student will understand the problems, challenges and aims of archaeological conservation.
- The student will be able to assess previous conservation methods and compare those in the light of current knowledge.
- The student will be able to carry out independently simple conservation methods on archaeological textile material.
- The student will know the basic mechanic cleaning methods and she/he will be able to apply those to archaeological textile materials if applicable.
- The student will be able to understand documentation being a part of conservation and she/he will be able to draft an appropriate description, condition estimate, conservation plan and conservation report of an object, and make a written, graphic and pictorial documentation of the examined object.
- The student will know how to monitor the effect on conservation treatments and she/he will be able to assess their effects.

Content

- The natural features of archaeological textile material and its challenges
- Learning from the past methods and research and their methodological assessment
- Conservation of archaeological textile material
- Conservation methods of archaeological material in general
- Stabilization of archaeological textile material for packing and storage
- Handling, packing and transport of archaeological material
- Monitoring of archaeological conservation

Location and time

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Hämeentie 135 D, Degree Programme in Conservation's premises.

Materials

Literature list and study hand-outs given by the lecturer before the course start and during the course.

Teaching methods

Lectures, contact teaching, problem based learning, guided assignments, work assignments, independent work with literature.

Employer connections

Working life collaboration takes place through visits and/or visiting lectures and professional discussions. Objects for the study modules will be acquired through museums, institutions and private clients.

The study module will be implemented in cooperation with a local museum.

Completion alternatives

No other course will replace this course.

Student workload

The weekly working hours of a student is 1,5 cr which is equivalent to 40 hours of studies. 40 hours is formed from approx. 15 - 20 hours of contact studies with a lecturer. The remaining hours is spent by independent literature survey or practical work. 1 credit (cr) is equivalent to 27 hours (h).

Further information

During the study module the student should read up on the given literature together with practical work and give a PowerPoint presentation on a given subject.

The course will be implemented as project based learning. The student will have a role of an investigative learner.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student has a lot of absences from the teaching sessions. Activity during the teaching sessions and learning assignments is unsatisfactory. The student should improve her/his group working abilities.

The capacity to formulate relevant problems associated with the work is limited and therefore the problem solving and ability to apply theoretical studies to a practical work need to be improved.

The student does not work independently and there is a lot of need for teacher’s further guidance. The student has not given a requisite amount of attention for the subject and the result of the course is unbalanced. The student needs to improve her/his skills and knowledge in many areas. The student needs a lot of training in her/his manual skills and techniques.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student has taken part to all of the teaching sessions and learning assignments and the activity for the course is good. The student acts flexibly as a group member.

The studies proceed coherently. The student is able to understand the basic motifs of the course and is able to apply theoretical studies to a practical work. The reasoning of the rehearsal works is competent and the student understands causes and consequences of one's choice.

The student works independently but there is still need for teacher’s further guidance. The student has given a requisite amount of attention for the subject and the result of the course is balanced. The student has achieved a good level at her/his skills and knowledge. The student has good manual skills and techniques required in conservation.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The course objectives have been achieved in a competent manner. The student has taken actively and constructively part to the teaching and learning assignments. The student’s function enhances group activities.

The student masters the motifs of the course and prerequisites and is able to apply theoretical studies to a practical work. The reasoning of the rehearsal works is professional and the student can validate causes and consequences of one's choice.

The student works independently enough. The student is able to master the whole of subject both in theory and practice. The student has achieved an excellent level at her/his skills and knowledge. The student has excellent manual skills and techniques required in conservation

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student has a lot of absences from the teaching sessions. Activity during the teaching sessions and learning assignments is unsatisfactory. The student should improve her/his group working abilities.

The capacity to formulate relevant problems associated with the work is limited and therefore the problem solving and ability to apply theoretical studies to a practical work need to be improved.

The student does not work independently and there is a lot of need for teacher’s further guidance. The student has not given a requisite amount of attention for the subject and the result of the course is unbalanced. The student needs to improve her/his skills and knowledge in many areas. The student needs a lot of training in her/his manual skills and techniques.

Assessment methods and criteria

Learning assignment 70 %, continuous assessment 30 %. Attendance 80 % during the course.
Assessment is based on continuous assessment of a student, attendance, practical conservation work and its assessment. Each student is assessed from the starting point of her/his abilities, and how she/he will develop her/his abilities during the course.

Prerequisites

Textile Materials, Techniques and Fibre Identification 5 cr, Chemistry I 5 cr, Chemistry I cont. 5 cr, Chemistry II 5 cr, Stitching Techniques in Textile Conservation 5 cr, Cleaning Methods in Textile Conservation I 5 cr, Adhesives and Their Use in Conservation 10 cr

Further information

The course is implemented as a project based learning. Idea is learning through making the practical work. Student has a role as an investigative learner