Built environments and contemporary challenges

The course is included in the Master study programme in Conservation, and can also be taught as a stand alone course.

The course can be part of the following programme: 1) Master of Science in Conservation (N2KUV)

Bachelor in Conservation (180 credits) or equivalent. Students with other academic background relevant to the subject area of cultural heritage corresponding to at least degree (180 credits) can after consideration be given access to the course.

The aim of this course is to explore complexities involved in the professional practice of conservation, with a focus on the sustainable management and development of built environments.

Engaging with various aspects of conservation of built environments requires addressing society’s demand for more sustainable living environments. A range of external challenges, including climate change, large-scale urban development, and industrial developments, but also mass tourism, neglect or underuse of historic environments, affect both the need for and the outcomes of conservation efforts. These dynamics often lead to goal conflicts between various societal priorities and stakeholder interests. Responding effectively to such challenges needs transdisciplinary approaches and collaboration across professional fields and stakeholder groups.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
• Describe and explain key concepts and theoretical foundations related to conservation, architecture, and planning,
• Demonstrate understanding of sustainable development frameworks operating at various administrative levels,

Competence and skills
• Analyse complex built environments and assess challenges and opportunities involved in maintaining and developing their cultural significance,
• Identify key factors and stakeholders influencing the conservation of built environments,
• Independently search for and select relevant data to formulate strategies that integrate conservation approaches within planning processes,

Judgement and approach
• Critically reflect on goal conflicts related to conservation of built environments, particularly in relation to wider planning and development objectives,
• Problematise the interaction between sustainable development as an overarching societal strategy and conservation approaches within specific local contexts, and
• Present and communicate conservation aims and strategies to audiences without specialist knowledge in the field.

The course consists of lectures, seminars, workshops, project work, study visits and/or study trips. Studies are carried out both in teams and individually. The course requires active participation in projects, seminars, and workshops.

Language of instruction: English

Examination 1: Individual written assignment (Individuell skriftlig uppgift), 5 hp
Examination 2: Seminars (Seminarier), 2 hp
Examination 3: Project assignment (Projektuppgift), 8 hp

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

For examination 1, one of the grades Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) or Fail (U) is given. 

For examinations 2 and 3, one of the grades Pass (G) or Fail (U) is given.

For the grade Pass (G) on the course, the grade Pass (G) is required on exam parts 1, 2 and 3.

For the grade Pass with distinction (VG) on the course, the grade Pass (G) is required on both exam parts 2 and 3 and Pass with distinction (VG) on exam part 1.

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

Costs: All expenses that may occur in connection with the course, including literature, materials, personal tools and protective gear, and travelling to excavation sites or other travelling connected to the course, are paid for by the student.

Environment and sustainable development: The Gothenburg University's environmental management system is certified according to ISO 14001 and EMAS.

Quality assurance: Follow-up and evaluation of the program takes place in accordance with the applicable policy for quality assurance and quality development of education at the University of Gothenburg