Core Courses
The UCLA/Getty Master’s Program in the Conservation of Cultural Heritage will equip students with a range of skills and knowledge that will help them respond effectively to changing needs and conditions in the field. The courses stress the importance of collaborative practice and decision-making, sustainability, and diversity, equity, & inclusion. They prepare students to operate in a number of potential contexts.
- Principles, Practice and Ethics in Conservation of Cultural Heritage: CLT HTG M221/ART HIS M272B
Introduction to preservation of cultural heritage materials, including what should be preserved and why, as well as who should be involved in decision-making process. Use of several examples of issues and problems involved in preservation of works of art, from L.A. Murals to Sistine Chapel, from ancient wall paintings to Statue of Liberty. Discussion of issues of preservation and restoration of these cultural heritage materials both in museum and outdoor environment contexts. Materials and techniques used to make cultural heritage materials, in relation to preservation efforts needed to prevent decay and loss. Introduction to examples of conservation issues related to sites, buildings, monuments, and collections. Ethical and contextual aspects with reference to changing values in conservation of cultural materials, illustrating how cultural materials may have been treated differently according to those values - Science Fundamentals in the Conservation of Materials: CLT HTG 211
Introduction to important scientific parameters in conservation of materials that are of great importance for both fundamental science and practical applications. Students gain better understanding of intrinsic properties of materials, mechanisms of deterioration, and conservation treatments. General chemistry, physics, and physical chemistry (atomic structure bonding, etc.), fluid transfer in porous materials, diffusion, interfaces, surface tension, wetting, adsorption, adhesion, dissolution and crystallization, mechanical properties (properties/characterization), phase transformations (glass, metals, polymers). - Cultural Materials Science I: Analytical Imaging and Documentation in the Conservation of Materials: CLT HTG M215/MAT SCI M213
Basic and advanced techniques on digital photography, computer-aided recording tools, and scientific imaging to determine and document condition (defects) and technological features of cultural heritage materials. Development of basic theoretical knowledge on imaging and photonics technology and practical skills on conservation photo-documentation, analytical (forensic) photography, and advanced new imaging technologies - Cultural Materials Science II: Characterization methods in the Conservation of Materials: CLT HTG 210
Preparation: general chemistry, inorganic and organic chemistry, materials science. Principles and methods of materials characterization in conservation: optical and electron microscopy, X-ray and electron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, reflectance spectroscopy and multispectral imaging spectroscopy, chromatography, design of cultural heritage object characterization procedures. - Cultural Materials Science Laboratory (Technical Study): CLT HTG 210L
Enforced requisites: course M215 (or M216) and one course from 260 through 264. Enforced corequisite: course M210 (or Materials Science CM212 or C112). Research-based laboratory through object-based problem- solving approach in conservation materials science. Experimental techniques, characterization, and analysis of cultural heritage materials (using materials science principles and reverse engineering processes) to determine technological features, defects, and products of alteration. Hands-on experience with noninvasive imaging and spectroscopic techniques. - Science of Conservation of Materials and Methods I: CLT HTG 216
Recommended requisite: Materials Science 104. Introduction to physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of conservation materials (employed for preservation of archaeological and cultural materials) and their aging characteristics. Science and application methods of traditional organic and inorganic systems and introduction of novel technology based on biomineralization processes and nanostructured materials. - Structure, Properties and Deterioration of Materials: Organics: CLT HTG 262
General introduction to different types of plant sourced organic materials used to produce cultural heritage: wood, bark, paper, bast fibers, grasses, as well as plastics and composites. Relationship between composition (chemistry), processing, and properties of natural and manufactured materials using concepts of morphology and chemistry. Structural stability and deterioration phenomena of these materials as found in cultural collections. - Structure, Properties and Deterioration of Materials: Organics: CLT HTG 265
General introduction to different types of animal sourced organic materials used to produce cultural heritage: skin and leather, hair and wool, quills and feathers, bone and ivory. Relationship between composition (chemistry), processing, and properties of natural and manufactured materials using basic concepts from biology and chemistry. Structural stability and deterioration phenomena of these materials as found in cultural collections. - Conservation Laboratory: Organics I: CLT HTG 232
Enforced requisite: course 262. Designed for graduate conservation students. How to recognize characteristic deterioration problems found in organic materials from cultural heritage contexts and introduction to typical treatments used historically and currently for these materials. Materials focus on wood, bark and barkcloth, paper, and plastics and rubber. - Conservation Laboratory: Organics II: CLT HTG 238
Enforced requisite: course 265. Designed for graduate conservation students. Typical treatments used historically and currently for deterioration problems found in organic materials from cultural heritage contexts. Materials include animal fibers, leather, feathers, and quills. - Structure, Properties and Deterioration of Materials: Ceramics, Glass, Glazes: CLT HTG 260
General introduction to different types of ancient ceramic and glass materials. Relationship between composition (chemistry), structure (crystals, molecular arrangement, and microstructure), and properties of ceramics, glass, glazes. Nature of frit and faience deterioration explained using basic concepts from physics and chemistry. Chemical, optical, and structural properties. Deterioration phenomena, defects, and products of alteration of ceramics and vitreous artifacts. Hands-on examination of variety of samples and artifacts. - Conservation Laboratory: Ceramics, Glass and Glazes: CLT HTG 230
Enforced requisite: course 260. Recommended: course M215. Hands-on study in deterioration and conservation of ceramics and glass. Evaluation of use of conservation materials in joining, gap-filling, and restoration of ceramics and experience in their use provided. - Structure, Properties and Deterioration of Materials: Metals: CLT HTG 263
General introduction to different types of metals. Relationship between composition (chemistry), structure (crystals, molecular arrangement, and microstructure), and properties of metals explained using basic concepts from physics and chemistry. Chemical, optical, and structural properties. Deterioration phenomena, defects, and products of alteration of metallic artifacts. Hands-on examination of a variety of samples and artifacts. - Conservation Laboratory: Metals I: CLT HTG 234
Recommended: course M215. Recommended corequisite: course M210. Designed for graduate conservation students. Hands-on work to study deterioration and conservation of metallic artifacts and composite objects containing metals (copper and copper alloys, and silver). Corrosion of ancient metals and their deterioration processes, conservation, problems in stability, issues with composite objects, their deterioration and stabilization, cleaning, joining, and gap-filling. - Conservation Laboratory: Metals II: CLT HTG 239
Enforced requisites: courses 234, 263. Recommended: courses M210, M215. Treatment of conservation problems of metallic artifacts made of iron, steel, cast iron, gold, zinc, and aluminum found on cultural heritage objects. Practical work on metallic artifacts. - Structure, Properties and Deterioration of Materials: Stone and Adobe: CLT HTG 261
Introduction to igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks (geological context, mineralogical composition, macrostructure, and microstructure). Clay minerals: composition, structure, and properties. Rocks and stone: geographical distribution and occurrence, and usage by ancient cultures. Adobe: clay-based manmade materials. Mechanical and petrophysical properties of stone and adobe. Relationships between composition/structure and properties. Intrinsic and structural stability, resistance to weathering. Deterioration mechanisms and factors (physical, chemical, and biochemical). - Conservation Laboratory: Stone and Adobe: CLT HTG 231
Enforced requisite: course 261. Research-based laboratory on conservation of stone and adobe. Conservation issues on cleaning, consolidation, protection, and structural instability. Characterization, diagnostic assessment, and development of conservation treatment proposals. Testing of materials. - Structure, Properties and Deterioration of Materials: Rock Art, Wall Paintings, Mosaics: CLT HTG 264
Recommended preparation: basic knowledge of general chemistry and materials science. Introduction to materials and techniques of rock art, wall paintings (including painted surfaces on cement and composite decorative architectural surfaces), and mosaics. Cultural context, techniques, and materials. Pigments, colorants, and binding media. Chemical, optical, and structural properties. Relationship between composition (chemistry), structure (crystals, molecular arrangement, and microstructure), and properties explained using basic concepts from physics and chemistry. Intrinsic attributes and resistance to weathering. Causes, sources, and mechanisms of deterioration (physical, chemical, and biochemical). - Conservation Laboratory: Rock art, Wall Paintings and Mosaics: CLT HTG 250
Enforced requisites: courses M210 (or Materials Science M216 or C112), 210L, 264. Recommended: course M215. Research-based laboratory on conservation of rock art, wall paintings (archaeological and modern composites on cements), mosaics, and decorated architectural surfaces. Experimental techniques and analysis of materials (using materials science and reverse engineering processes) for characterization of technology, constituent materials, and alteration products; development of conservation treatment proposals, testing of conservation products, and methods and conservation treatment. - Conservation and Community: CLT HTG 222
Designed for graduate conservation students. Introduction to work as conservators with indigenous repositories housing cultural collections. Students learn different models for tribal museums and cultural centers, and importance of material selection and properties in baskets they are treating. - Environmental Protection for Museums, Libraries, and Archives: CLT HTG M240/INF STD M238
Requisite: Information Studies 432. Required of graduate conservation students. Review of environmental and biological agents of deterioration, including light, temperature, relative humidity, pollution, insects, and fungi. Emphasis on monitoring to identify agents and understanding of materials sensitivities, along with protective measures for collections. - Collections Management for Museums, Libraries and Archives: CLT HTG 244
How conservators work together with curators, collections managers, mount makers, designers, and registrars to permit collections to be both accessed and preserved. - Field Methods in Archaeological Conservation: Readiness, Response, and Recovery: CLT HTG C120/C220
Overview of risks (direct and indirect) and materials vulnerability of in situ cultural heritage and movable archaeological materials in emergency situations (rescue excavations, disasters, conflicts), with emphasis on readiness, first aid response, and recovery. Readiness focuses on preparedness and preventive measures, including reburials, shelters, rescue excavations, and documentation as well as developing inventories and awareness campaigns. First aid response covers development of on-site emergency risk assessments to evaluate damage and putting triage theory into practice, salvage rescue operations, emergency temporary in situ stabilization and protection (using locally available materials), and training. Recovery is based on documentation, lifting methods, handling, transportation, and storage. Emphasis on finding practical solutions to prevent and mitigate damage and to recover and safeguard archaeological artifacts.
- MA Thesis Preparation: CLT HTG 598
Development of research paper on conservation topic or treatment-based investigation that can be theoretical in scope or practically oriented.
In addition, students will undertake a summer internship between their first and second years, and an internship during the third year of the program.
OTHER COURSES TAUGHT BY OUR FACULTY INCLUDE
CAEM 224 – Issues in Preservation and Management of Archaeological and Cultural Sites– Ioanna Kakoulli
Designed to offer a practical model of preservation and management planning for heritage sites that reflects real case-study scenarios. Adaptive management planning following iterative processes for sustainable heritage preservation addressing threats and challenges such as climate change and global warming, conflicts, and neglect. Consideration of significance and value of heritage sites and role of stakeholders. Investigation of methods of evaluation of physical condition and development of risk assessments to address physical risks in milieu of site preservation management, including visitors’ organization, urban development, socioeconomic growth, and tourist development.
INF STD 432 – Issues and Problems in the Preservation of Heritage Materials – Ellen Pearlstein
This course is designed to familiarize students with various media found in special collections and considered nontraditional for libraries, including ceramics, metals and glass. Students explore how materials deteriorate and how environment and storage conditions influence rates of deterioration, and the important links between documentation and preservation. The specific demands placed on collections are evaluated through a case study, where risks involve handling and security as well as disasters, pests and uncontrolled climate. Preservation planning methods such as collections assessments and surveys are reviewed. Students also gain experience with archival materials and storage concepts and how they contribute to collections preservation, and learn how the collections caretaker can responsibly manage preservation functions and develop a preservation plan. The components of a preservation program are described along with how they can be incorporated into an organization’s policies.
