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Course profile

Managing Cultural Heritage: Ethics, History and Practice (ARCS3118)

Study period
Sem 1 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Social Science School

ARCS3118 is a work Integrated learning course that prepares students for work in the cultural heritage sector. Heritage is increasingly recognised as a key element of human culture and is an important element of identity, power and authority. Managing heritage in the face of a range of pressures is a daily reality for professional archaeologists. It requires a nuanced understanding of what constitutes heritage, how heritage values are ascribed, legal structures controlling management practices, stakeholder values and professional ethical obligations – items that often conflict with each other in heritage practice! ARCS3118 delves into the theory, process and practice of heritage management through a combination of seminars, online modules, class exercises and fieldtrips to explore current best practice.

Class approach: The approach in class is participatory, along with class discussions to help students understand CHM issues at hand. The idea is that students come prepared to ask questions and get involved in group discussions. The classes are very focused on workplace skills, and it is strongly recommended that students attend and use the time to ask questions and understand the topics.

Readings: The readings for the class range from academic texts to legislation and international agreements. You must become familiar with key professional documents such as The Burra Charter, including its guidance notes, to successfully complete the assessments.

Field trips: The field trips will take place during class time and involve visiting nearby heritage places, recording significant elements and discussing management issues. There are no costs associated with the fieldtrips. You just have to get yourself to the designated starting place for each trip by the starting time.

Technical requirements: You will undertake technical training in GIS at your own pace over a five week period. This will be assessed. We are using QGIS as an open-access GIS platform.

Assessment: The course has assessment items, two relate to the online modules and one to the in-class content. Learning activities (class time, online modules) plus learning materials (online sources and readings) are all closely inter-related.

Course requirements

Assumed background

This is an advanced course in the archaeology major. Introductory and intermediate archaeology courses, including Australasian Archaeology, are suggested although students with no archaeology background can still succeed in this course. Knowledge of GIS is also beneficial but not required.

Recommended prerequisites

We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:

2 units of level 1 courses and 4 units of level 2 courses.

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

ARCA2118

Course contact

School enquiries

Student Enquiries School of Social Science

Level 3, Michie Building (09), St Lucia campus, The University of Queensland.

Monday-Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:00pm.

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Aims and outcomes

ARCS3118 aims to introduce students to the principles and practices of contemporary cultural heritage management, providing an international and historically grounded perspective on the topic. The course also aims to develop key employability skills including understanding legislation, how legislation applies to heritage problems, use of geographical information systems (GIS) and how to write a significance assessment and cultural heritage management plans meeting legislative and professional expectations in Queensland.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Be familiar with the ethics, history and legislative framework of cultural heritage management in Australia in general and Queensland in particular

LO2.

Recognise and apply the principles of The Burra Charter to heritage places

LO3.

Apply Geographical Information Systems (GIS) practices to cultural heritage management

LO4.

Understand key cultural heritage management practices within a critical framework, focusing on values-based significance assessment and stakeholder engagement

LO5.

Identify and describe significant heritage elements

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Quiz Online Quizzes
  • Online
30% 10% for each quiz

24/03/2025 - 26/03/2025

14/04/2025 - 16/04/2025

19/05/2025 - 21/05/2025

Each quiz will be open on Blackboard from midday Monday to midday Wednesday

Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Examination Heritage Asset Summary
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
30%

2/05/2025 8:00 am

This assessment is due in the timetabled class for Week 9.

Poster A Heritage Assessment 40%

28/05/2025 5:00 pm

Assessment details

Online Quizzes

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Quiz
Weight
30% 10% for each quiz
Due date

24/03/2025 - 26/03/2025

14/04/2025 - 16/04/2025

19/05/2025 - 21/05/2025

Each quiz will be open on Blackboard from midday Monday to midday Wednesday

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L05

Task description

For this assessment, you are required to complete a sequence of three online, multiple choice question quizzes. Quizzes will each be open for 48 hours and you can attempt the quiz at any time during that period. Once started, your attempt will be timed and you will only be able to make one attempt for each quiz.

The quizzes are worth 10% each and will each contain 10 questions. You will have 20 minutes to complete each quiz.

Quiz 1 will test your knowledge of the Burra Charter and key heritage legislation. Quiz 2 will cover GIS and architectural elements. Quiz 3 will cover significance and management practices. The online modules are designed to provide you with the core knowledge for the quizzes, although seminars will also contribute to your understanding.

The quizzes are 'open book': you can have the textbook, seminar notes or any other reading material on hand to assist you.

Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.

AI Use: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Quizzes are available on Blackboard. To attempt each quiz, electronically log in to http://learn.uq.edu.au/ with your UQ username and password, then click on Course Code>>Assessment>>Assessment Task 1, and use the appropriate link for each quiz.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time. 

The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic. 

In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) or an Extension Verification Letter (EVL) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).  

Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.  

Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements. 

Students may be asked to supply the work they have completed to date on the assessment piece. This is to establish what efforts have already been made to complete the assessment, and whether the proposed work plan is feasible. Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team. 

Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester. 

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Work will not be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval. 

Heritage Asset Summary

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Examination
Weight
30%
Due date

2/05/2025 8:00 am

This assessment is due in the timetabled class for Week 9.

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L02, L04, L05

Task description

For this task, you will summarise your understanding of the five steps of heritage management that we will examine in class: describing the asset, assessing its value, assessing risks to it, proposing management strategies and engaging with stakeholders. You will apply this process to a 'heritage asset' (a museum) that we have explored in-class, with a site visit and through collectively brainstorming about this asset type.

For this task you will write a summary of each of the five steps for the heritage asset. Combine the brainstorming notes from class and your observations from the site visit to inform your summary. Each step should incorporate an illustrative example based on your observations of the place. You can choose either the Queensland Museum or the UQ Anthropology Museum as the asset.

You will write this summary as an in-class exam. In class, you will be provided with a worksheet with the five sections as headings and you will be required to write a short summary for each section (100-200 words). You will be able to bring a single A4 page of notes with no more than 100 words in total on it to assist you with your writing and up to two images (photographs or sketches of the museum) that you would like to support your summary. Your pre-prepared notes and your images will be handed in with your summary.

Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.

AI Use: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Exam details

Planning time no planning time minutes
Duration 60 minutes
Calculator options

No calculators permitted

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted
Materials

One A4 sheet of handwritten or typed notes, single sided, is permitted

Up to two images of the museum to support your answer

Exam platform Paper based
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

This is an in-class exam; the assessment requires students to attend in-person at the beginning of the timetabled Seminar for Week 9.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

You can request a deferred exam if you can provide evidence of unavoidable circumstances that prevented you from sitting your original exam at its scheduled date and time. Your application must include supporting evidence. The request will be assessed based on the evidence you provide when you apply. 

An application on the basis of a Student Access Plan (SAP) or Extension Verification Letter (EVL) alone will not be accepted. If you are applying on medical grounds, a medical practitioner must assess your condition and provide a signed medical certificate that covers the day of the examination. You must obtain a medical certificate no later than two business days after the date of the original examination. Further details of acceptable evidence for deferred examination can be found here

For information on eligibility and application instructions, please view the following page on myUQ: Deferring an exam - my.UQ - University of Queensland 

Late submission

You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.

A Heritage Assessment

Mode
Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
Category
Poster
Weight
40%
Due date

28/05/2025 5:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L05

Task description

Select a heritage place or object or intangible heritage thing that is NOT on any heritage register, list or overlay at the local, state, national or international levels. 

Produce a poster that:

1. Describes the heritage place, object or intangible thing;

2. Presents a significance statement the heritage place, object or intangible thing;

3. Proposes a values-based, heritage management policy for the heritage place, object or intangible thing.

The target audience for your poster is a conference of heritage managers. Therefore, ensure that you use professional heritage jargon throughout your poster.

Your poster should be A3 in size and must contain illustrations. The expected word count is between 1000 and 1500 words. If the item is a place, you may wish to convey heritage elements, significance or management strategies as a map. Your poster needs to be accompanied by a reference list (including image sources). Submit your poster as a pdf through Turnitin on Blackboard. Do not submit a hardcopy of the poster.

For information on creating a poster you can google "creating a poster in PowerPoint". There are many websites that provide advice.

Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.

AI Use: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.

Submission guidelines

You must submit your assignment electronically by the due time, on the due date. 

Your assignment must be submitted via Turnitin on blackboard. To submit your assignment electronically log in to https://learn.uq.edu.au/ultra with your UQ username and password, then click on Course Code>>Assessment>>Assignments, and use the appropriate assignment submission link for each piece of assessment. No e-mailed submissions of assessments will be accepted. 

By uploading your assignment via Turnitin, you are certifying that the work you submit is your own work except where correctly attributed to another source. Do not submit your assignment if it contains any work that is not your own. 

You are required to retain proof of submission of your assessment. Your Digital Receipt is available for download from your Assignment Dashboard. If you cannot see your submission and download your digital receipt, your assessment has not been successfully submitted; please submit again.  

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with Blackboard, please contact the ITS Support Team

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time. 

The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic. 

In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) or an Extension Verification Letter (EVL) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).  

Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.  

Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements. 

Students may be asked to supply the work they have completed to date on the assessment piece. This is to establish what efforts have already been made to complete the assessment, and whether the proposed work plan is feasible. Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team. 

Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester. 

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Work will not be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval. 

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 1 - 29

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

2 (Fail) 30 - 44

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

3 (Marginal Fail) 45 - 49

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

4 (Pass) 50 - 64

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

5 (Credit) 65 - 74

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

6 (Distinction) 75 - 84

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

7 (High Distinction) 85 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Supplementary assessment is an additional opportunity to demonstrate that the learning requirements for an eligible course have been satisfied and that the graduate attributes for the course have been attained. Supplementary assessment may only be granted where Supplementary Assessment – procedures allow. A passing grade of 4 (or P) is the highest grade that can be awarded in a course where supplementary assessment has been granted. For further information on supplementary assessment please see my.UQ

Additional assessment information

Academic Integrity: All students must complete the Academic Integrity Modules https://www.uq.edu.au/integrity/ 

School Guide for Written Assessments: School of Social Science Guide for Written Assessments 

Release of Marks: The marks and feedback for assessments will be released to students in a timely manner, prior to the due date of the next assessment piece for the course. This is with the exception of the final piece of assessment. The marks and feedback for the final assessment item will only be made available to the student on the Finalisation of Grades date at the end of semester.  

Assessment Re-mark: For information on requesting an assessment re-mark, please view the following page on my.UQ: https://my.uq.edu.au/querying-result  

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Other course materials

Recommended

Item Description Further Requirement
A laptop for in-class work.

Additional learning resources information

Online GIS modules will be made available during the course on Blackboard as per the Learning Activities summary.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(24 Feb - 02 Mar)

Seminar

What is cultural heritage and why manage it?

We will look at what cultural heritage is, the diversity of heritage and archaeology's place in it. We look at how heritage developed, its legislative context and the central role of The Burra Charter in providing a framework for heritage practice. We also cover what you need to know about the course.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Information technology session

The Burra Charter

The Burra Charter is an important document that forms the basis of most heritage work in Australia. Work through the module at your own pace during the week.

Learning outcomes: L02

Week 2

(03 Mar - 09 Mar)

Seminar

Cultural heritage principles

An introduction on how we do cultural heritage management

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04

Information technology session

The Queensland Heritage Act 1992

A series of on-line modules so that you can understand important sections of the QHA1992 and Federal Legislation. Work through the module at your own pace during the week.

Learning outcomes: L01, L04

Week 3

(10 Mar - 16 Mar)

Excursion

Urban landscapes

A 'hands-on' approach to understanding and interpreting urban landscapes for heritage themes, and the role of public spaces and interpretation of heritage for the public. We'll be taking a walking tour of Brisbane CBD with Jon Prangnell.

Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05

Information technology session

Local heritage

Local heritage in Queensland is governed by the QHA and the Planning Act and these modules look specifically at Brisbane City Council and how it manages cultural heritage. Work through the module at your own pace during the week.

Learning outcomes: L01

Week 4

(17 Mar - 23 Mar)

Seminar

Indigenous heritage

This week we look at Indigenous heritage in Australian contexts.

Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05

Information technology session

The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003

A series of videos so that you can understand critical sections of the ACHA2003. Work through the module at your own pace during the week.

Learning outcomes: L01

Week 5

(24 Mar - 30 Mar)

Seminar

Working in Indigenous heritage

Working in Indigenous Heritage: An introduction to working in Indigenous heritage with a collections focus. Includes a facilitated exhibition visit to the UQ Anthropology Museum.

Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05

Information technology session

GIS module 1

An introduction to GIS. Work through the module at your own pace during the week.

Learning outcomes: L03

Week 6

(31 Mar - 06 Apr)

Seminar

Significance assessment

Significance Assessment : We will explore how to assess cultural heritage significance with a critical lens. We wil look at values, criteria and thresholds and learn how to write statements of significance.

Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05

Information technology session

GIS module 2

Introduction to QGIS. Work through the module at your own pace during the week.

Learning outcomes: L03

Week 7

(07 Apr - 13 Apr)

Seminar

Recording heritage

An introduction to recording heritage items, including architectural terms for built heritage elements

Learning outcomes: L05

Information technology session

GIS module 3

Making maps. Work through the module at your own pace during the week.

Learning outcomes: L03

Week 8

(14 Apr - 20 Apr)

Excursion

Managing assets and outcomes

Understanding public heritage spaces, exploring different types of heritage outcomes, and some of the practicalities of managing our heritage assets, with a visit to the Queensland Museum.

Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05

Mid-sem break

(21 Apr - 27 Apr)

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

Mid Semester Break

Week 9

(28 Apr - 04 May)

Seminar

CHM in the real world

We will workshop ethical and practical issues involved in managing cultural heritage places.

Learning outcomes: L01, L04

Week 10

(05 May - 11 May)

Seminar

Interpreting cultural heritage

We workshop the concept of authenticity in cultural heritage management and critically explore virtual approaches, mapping and other interpretive tools and outcomes. 

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Week 11

(12 May - 18 May)

Seminar

Heritage places and community

 In the context of 'desktop assessment' and the digital age of accessibility, we'll explore what defines a place and how visiting places and talking to community is critical to understanding cultural heritage places.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05

Week 12

(19 May - 25 May)

Seminar

Critical heritage studies

We reflect on the origins of CHM and the impacts of that and explore some critical approaches to heritage

Learning outcomes: L01, L04

Week 13

(26 May - 01 Jun)

Seminar

Working in cultural heritage

We explore career options and planning your future with a range of industry professionals.

Learning outcomes: L01

Additional learning activity information

Some activities (excursions) will occur off-campus and students will be required to make their own way to the class locations (Brisbane CBD or inner suburbs) for the timetabled class. Further detail will be provided on Blackboard and in the Week 1 seminar. Please bring a laptop to seminars to assist you in completing learning activities.

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course: