Term: Fall, Spring

Prerequisites: None

Students in the course learn of the conservation of paper artifacts including  art on paper, archival materials and books. They are introduced to perspectives on conservation theory and practice such as developing preservation strategies and undertaking interventive conservation such as repair and chemical treatments. The course will also provide opportunities to work with museum professionals and understand what it means to advocate for conservation to the broader community. The primary course objective is to thoroughly introduce students to conservation methods and techniques in the context of today’s diverse cultural environments. It will also ensure that students carry out some basic conservation treatments working with paper and parchments objects and with a level of sensitivity that is a cornerstone of conservation issues. Students will learn of the values of the conservation field while developing an understanding of relevant areas of the science of materials as well as the importance of conservation in the work of libraries, museums, and archives.