Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | AS.389.250

Introduction to Conservation

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.34)

This course will introduce you to the theoretical and practical underpinnings of the conservation profession: who gets to be a conservator, where we work and how. What are its origins and how has it evolved? At the end of the course you will be able to: outline the different roles and responsibilities of conservators working in museums, libraries/archives and in private practice, situate the field of conservation within the larger cultural heritage sector and articulate the ways conservators contribute to institutional goals of preservation, access, research and learning, evaluate the risks and vulnerabilities faced by conservators in today’s society, and apply theoretical knowledge to document and stabilize items from JHU Special Collections.

Spring 2015

(4.63)

Spring 2023

(4.05)

Spring 2015

Professor: Elizabeth Rodini, Lorraine Trusheim

(4.63)

Students enjoyed the field trips that made this class come to life. Students appreciated the connections that they were able to make with conservation professionals working in institutions around the city, as well as the exposure to real conservation labs. Some students had trouble taking tests on Blackboard, and others claimed that some of the readings seemed redundant. This class could be improved by having more hands on activities to practice conservation of material and incorporating perspectives from people in other disciplines, such as art history, materials science, or chemistry. Prospective students should know that this course involves frequent field trips, and that required readings are manageable.

Spring 2023

Professor: Jennifer Jarvis

(4.05)