UCLA/Getty Conservation Program

UCLA/Getty Program in Archaeological and Ethnographic Conservation

Course Calendar

The Program will equip students with a range of skills and knowledge that will help them respond effectively to changing needs and conditions in the field of ethnographic and archaeological conservation. The courses will stress the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and decision-making and prepare students to operate in a number of potential contexts.

Fall 2007:

Ancient Materials: Technology & Characterization (ARCH C110/C210)

Archaeological Materials Science: Techniques, Methods, and Interpretation (CAEM 210/M210/M112)

Digital Imaging and Documentation for Conservation, Art and Archaeology (CAEM 215)

Deterioration & Conservation of Inorganic Materials I: Ceramics, Glass, and Stone (CAEM 230)

Winter 2008:

Conservation Principles & Decisions (ARCH 220)

Science of Conservation Materials & Methods I (CAEM 216)

Deterioration & Conservation of Organic Materials I (CAEM 232)

Deterioration & Conservation of Metals I (CAEM 234)

Spring 2008:

Deterioration & Conservation of Organic Materials II (CAEM 238)
Deterioration & Conservation of Metals II (CAEM 239)

Materials and Techniques of Archaeological Wall Paintings, Rock Art and Mosaics (CAEM 250/M215)

Elective*

Fall 2008:

Repatriation of Native American Human Remains & Cultural Objects (ANTHRO A269R)

Deterioration & Conservation of Ancient Building Materials & Sites (CAEM 236)

Principles of Preventive Conservation (CAEM 240)

Deterioration & Conservation of Organic Materials III (CAEM 241)

Winter 2009:

Ethnography & Conservation Needs (CAEM 222)

Management of Archaeological Sites: (CAEM 224)

Elective

Spring 2009:

Managing Collections for Conservators (CAEM 242)

Elective

Elective

In addition, students will undertake a summer internship between their first and second years, and a summer, fall and winter internship in the third year.

*For the elective, students can take either a course offered at UCLA or register for Directed Individual Studies (CAEM 596) with one of the faculty members to undertake a research project or conservation treatment for the term.

Other Courses taught by our faculty include:

Archaeology C180/C280 - Ancient and Historic Metals: Corrosion, Technology, and Microstructure - David A. Scott
This course is an overview of the technology of ancient metals, aspects of extraction and alloying, corrosion that ancient metals undergo, and how this impacts their preservation. The course explores the knowledge and research work of the last two decades that has substantially advanced the understanding of processes of extraction, alloying, surface patination, metallic coatings, corrosion, and microstructure. Laboratory work is conducted in the preparation and examination of metallic samples under the microscope, and lectures are given on the technology of metallic works of art. The discussion of phase and stability diagrams of common alloying systems and environments is included. Students have the opportunity to examine and learn about metallographic study samples representing Bronze Age Europe, Renaissance Europe, China from Warring States to Tang dynasty, Japanese sword making, Indian high-tin bronze alloys, bronzes, and Peruvian, Colombian, Costa Rican, and Panamanian copper and gold-copper alloys.

Art History C103D - Issues in Materials Preservation - David A. Scott
This course will provide an introduction to the preservation of cultural heritage materials. What should be preserved and why, as well as who should be involved in the decision-making process will be addressed. Issues of the preservation and restoration of these cultural materials will be discussed both in Museum and outdoor environment contexts. Materials and techniques used to make cultural heritage materials will be briefly described, in relation to the preservation efforts needed to prevent decay and loss.

Chemistry & Biochemistry 19 - Chemistry and Art: A Dialogue - David A. Scott
This Fiat Lux Freshman Seminar explores the relationships between chemistry and art and how modern chemical knowledge can be used to analyse the composition of artifacts, ranging from ancient pigments to Renaissance metals. The ability to authenticate works of art is an important part of the chemical investigation of antiquities which will be discussed in this seminar.