Program Overview

Introduction to AHIS3005: PACE: Cultural Heritage and Public History

Unit Overview

AHIS3005: PACE: Cultural Heritage and Public History is a university program designed to introduce students to the study and management of cultural heritage and the ways in which history is created, practiced, and consumed in public. The unit combines instruction with practical experience, including an internship in the cultural heritage or public history sectors.

General Information

• Unit Convenor and Teaching Staff: Ray Laurence
• Credit Points: 10
• Prerequisites: 130cp at 1000 level or above and permission by special approval
• Corequisites: None
• Co-badged Status: None
• Unit Description: This unit covers definitions of cultural heritage and public history, the history of cultural heritage, cultural heritage management in Australia, assessment of cultural significance, preparation of conservation plans, collections and site management, interpretation and communication of heritage, community history, aural history, and the role of the museum sector.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• Articulate knowledge about cultural heritage and public history management
• Identify and analyze important concepts and principles associated with cultural heritage and public history
• Critically evaluate current issues in the study of cultural heritage and public history
• Demonstrate independent research and synthesis of acquired knowledge and skills
• Model best practice and demonstrate commitment to an ethical, reflective approach in a professional context

Assessment Tasks

• Online Quizzes: 30%
  • Three online quizzes testing knowledge of cultural heritage material presented in lectures, tutorials, and readings
• Reflective Writing: 30%
  • Ten short weekly reflective blog posts on the link between practical and theoretical knowledge
• Placement Project: 40%
  • Production of a creative output communicating the relevance of the PACE activity undertaken to the wider community

Delivery and Resources

• All lectures are pre-recorded and provided online
• Weekly required readings are provided on the unit's iLearn website or via the Library
• Additional reading lists are also provided on the unit website each week

Unit Schedule

The unit schedule includes the following topics:

• Week 1: What is cultural heritage?
• Week 2: What is public history?
• Week 3: History of Cultural Heritage Management in Australia
• Week 4: Tangible Heritage: Objects
• Week 5: Tangible Heritage: Sites
• Week 6: Intangible Heritage and Indigenous Cultural Heritage Management
• Week 7: Drowning in Heritage?
• Week 8: Communicating Heritage
• Week 9: Community History
• Week 10: Aural/oral history
• Week 11: History Games and Walking Tours
• Week 12: Museum and GLAM sector
• Week 13: Wrap up, feedback - futures

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the Academic Appeals Policy, Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Progression Policy, Assessment Policy, Fitness to Practice Procedure, Assessment Procedure, Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public, and Special Consideration Policy.

Academic Integrity

Macquarie University emphasizes academic integrity, including honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness, and courage, as core values in learning, teaching, and research. Resources and services are available to help students meet expectations and complete assessments, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development, and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

The university provides a range of support services for students, including:

• Academic Success resources for developing English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills
• Library support for finding and using relevant information resources
• IT Support
• Accessibility and disability support
• Mental health support
• Safety support
• Social support
• Student Advocacy
• IT Help