HIST 632 Conservation Techniques

This course will allow a student to explore methods for preserving cultural artifacts, focusing on material care, restoration processes, and preventive conservation strategies.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Course Guide

View this course’s outcomes, policies, schedule, and more.*

*The information contained in our Course Guides is provided as a sample. Specific course curriculum and requirements for each course are provided by individual instructors each semester. Students should not use Course Guides to find and complete assignments, class prerequisites, or order books.


This course provides in-depth knowledge of the preservation of cultural artifacts. It emphasizes the importance of material care, restoration, and preventive conservation, equipping the student to safeguard historical integrity and cultural heritage for future generations.


Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Discussions (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will complete three discussion assignments in this course. The student will complete a thread of at least 500 to 700 words based on the given prompt instructions and reply to at least three peers. Each thread should contain at least two citations from scholarly sources. Each reply must be at least 250 to 400 words based on the instructions and contain at least one citation from a scholarly source. Current Turabian formatting must be used.

Timeline for the History of Conservation Assignment

The student will conduct an in-depth analysis of the assigned chapter, articles, and video, focusing on the historical evolution of conservation practices. Then, the student will develop a detailed and scholarly visual timeline that chronologically organizes significant events and key figures in the history of conservation practices. The student will use advanced timeline creation software such as PowerPoint, Prezi, or any other suitable tool to create a 15-slide presentation. Each slide must be thoroughly researched and include citations in Turabian format.

Ethical Considerations in Historic Conservation Assignment

The student will write a 3–4 page essay based on analysis of one of the provided case studies. Current Turabian formatting must be used.

Analyzing a Historic Object Assignment

The student will choose a historic object of interest. This could be an artifact from a museum, a family heirloom, or an object from a historic site. The student will write a 2 to 4-page research paper with a title page, body, and bibliography (separate sheet and in alphabetical order). The title page and bibliography are not included in the page count. Current Turabian formatting must be used.

Restoration of an Artifact Assignment

The student will research and analyze the materials and methods used in the restoration of a specific artifact and will write a 5–7 page paper (excluding the bibliography and title page) detailing this research. Current Turabian formatting must be used.

Stabilize a Deteriorating Structure Assignment

The student will analyze and develop a stabilization plan for a deteriorating structure, ensuring its safety, preventing further damage, and extending its usable life. Current Turabian formatting must be used. 


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