Module: HT7008-30 Understanding Current Practice

Level: 7

Credit Value: 30

Module Tutor: Cassandra Newland

Module Tutor Contact Details: c.newland@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

This is a research-based module in which you will work independently to describe, analyse and assess an agreed aspect of contemporary heritage practice.

The in-depth study of a specific activity or organisation provides the basis for an informed evaluation of current practice. What is happening on the ground? Why do museums, arts and heritage organisations take one course of action rather than another? What options are really open to them?

We ask you to look beneath the surface of a historic house interior, a restored garden, a new gallery or a community project and to consider: why this? The module, in conjunction with the Placement, is intended to help you to understand the complexity of managing heritage, and of meeting the needs of the funders, stakeholders and audiences involved in any project or organisation.

Your research project may provide the basis for further investigation (e.g. through the Dissertation).

2.Outline syllabus

You will devise and implement your own research project, through which to explore and analyse an aspect of current practice of direct relevance and interest to you.

Previous projects have included:

• ‘Bringing the house to life’: the re-presentation of historic interiors by the National Trust
• Art and heritage: the reinterpretation of historic places or events through contemporary art
• The management of World Heritage Sites
• The concept of intangible cultural heritage in a UK context
• The changing role of ‘industrial’ museums
• Cultural learning and heritage education
• Volunteer development in arts, cultural and heritage organisations
• The challenge of changing funding models

3.Teaching and learning activities

Group seminars to explore, for example,

• Preparatory desk research and initial ideas
• Forward planning and risk analysis
• Assessment of possible methodologies
• Ethical issues in planning research

One-to-one tutorials and mentoring.

Note that the proposal paper and project plan for HT7008 is submitted as part the Heritage Management: Planning and Practice module (HT7003-30)

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Project Proposal (20%)
• % Weighting: 20%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Conceptual Framework Paper (2000 words)
• % Weighting: 30%

Assessment Item 3:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Final Research Paper (4000 words)
• % Weighting: 50%