This course focuses on best practice in managing heritage places. This intensive topic is based at a key heritage site in Australia and will include heritage experts with a wide range of local and international experience in the field of heritage management. Issues relating to the documentation of heritage places as well as heritage management practice are explored directly with expert staff.  Australian and international examples of heritage management methodology and practice from a wide range fo sites will be explored and opportunities will be provided for an exploration of management issues provided by participants. Students will have the opportunity to learn practical heritage management skills alongside of gaining a thorough understanding of the theoretical and political issues relating to cultural heritage management.

This course focuses on:

• Identifying and implementing best practice in cultural heritage management
• Social, political and legal dimensions of modern heritage place management
• Development of effective site management plans and their implementation
• Complexities, practicalities and issues in significance assessment
• Heritage and tourism - synergies and conflicts
• Innovations in heritage management
• Local, State and Commonwealth Government legislation and administrative practice relating to heritage identification, listing and  management

The aims of this course are to:

1. give students an understanding of the outlook, skills experience and context required for successful heritage site management;
2. expose students to a range of case studies of best practice in cultural heritage management;
3. highlight innovation in cultural heritage management;
4. make students aware of the unique theoretical and political issues surrounding heritage management;
5. enable students to demonstrate independent thought and the ability to work in a team to address a key management or research questions in the field;
6. synthesise and articulate key concepts in the various disciplines that contribute to field practice in heritage studies, and demonstrate effective interdisciplinary thinking;
7. apply methodological, conceptual and analytic tools to advanced level skills and research in heritage practice; and
8. model best practice and have a commitment to ethical, reflective practice in heritage practice.

On completing this course, students will have skills in:

1. comprehension and  appreciation of the complex issues involved in heritage conservation and management and best practice in resolving them;
2. the use of appropriate concepts and technical language for a variety of relevant professional and academic purposes that involve cultural heritage issues;
3. interdisciplinary thinking and the ability to apply theoretical ideas to real-life issues;
4. model best practice and have a commitment to ethical, reflective practice in regard to cultural heritage;
5. apply a functioning knowledge of current policy frameworks for cultural heritage management to academic and professional practice; and
6. contributing to the management of a range of heritage places through enhanced understanding, skills and practical knowledge.

Assignment 1: Management of heritage places worksheet (1500 words) 30%

Assignment 2: Site Management Plan (4000 words) 70%

Contact time for this 6 unit course will be approximately 30-40 contact hours. This course will be run as a 5-day intensive topic.

As there are limited places available, entry to the course requires permission of the Course Coordinator.

Courses offered from the Liberal Arts program, specifically the Cultural and Environmental Heritage sub-plan.

Pearson, M. and Sullivan, S.  1995.  Looking after Heritage Places. The basics of heritage planning for managers, landowners and administrators, Melbourne University Press, Melbourne.

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