AUS2030

The heritage industry

6 points · One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour seminar per week · Second semester · Berwick

Objectives This subject explores the different applications of heritage as a means of understanding and presenting the past. Students will gain an insight into the heritage 'industry' through its practitioners, key institutions and professional practice, the work of which students will be expected to evaluate. Students will learn about the policies and practices of heritage planning agencies, and the work of private practitioners and consultants. The subject will provide an understanding of Australia's heritage as a resource for tourism.

Synopsis The subject will explore the interface between the tourism and heritage 'industries' including historical recreation, commemoration and the presentation of the past in museums and theme parks. The assessment, conservation and restoration of material heritage will be a concern; also, cultural landscapes, built and natural environments and material culture, traditions such as folklore, and the like. Students will be introduced to debates and issues involving heritage questions, including 'who owns the past?' and the 'authenticity' of presented experiences in museums, historic precincts and theme parks. The role of UNESCO and World Heritage, ICOMOS and the Burra Charter, the Victorian Heritage Council and the National Trust will be explored.

Assessment Oral presentation (1000 words): 15% · Site analysis (1000 words): 25% · Research project (2000 words): 40% · Examination (1 hour): 20%

Prescribed texts

Marquis-Kyle P The illustrated Burra Charter Australia ICOMOS, 1992

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