CONS512 THEORY OF REST.AND CONSERVATION

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will:

• Explain and analyze the evolving scope and definitions of cultural heritage, considering historical, social, and legal contexts.
• Establish a critical framework for assessing how conservation theories and principles influence conservation approaches and implementations across different geographical and cultural contexts, including Turkey.
• Assess and critique real-world conservation projects by applying theoretical, contextual, and ethical considerations.
• Critically evaluate the impact of global challenges—such as climate change, crises, conflicts and wars, and mass migrations—on conservation projects and implementations at different scales.
• Examine and compare the roles, needs, and values of diverse stakeholders in conservation, integrating perspectives on both human and more-than-human agents.

Course Content

The historical background of restoration and conservation in different countries are discussed and compared to evaluate the contemporary scopes. The evaluation and discussed on the theoretical approaches towards restoration and conservation aim to reach a comprehensive theoretical approach relevant for Turkey. The practices in different countries, including Turkey are also questioned within this framework.

Course Learning Outcomes

Student, who passed the course satisfactorily will be able to:

• Define and examine the evolving scope, typologies, and definitions of cultural heritage within historical, social, and legal contexts.
• Identify and assess key theoretical frameworks in conservation and restoration, evaluating their relevance in contemporary debates.
• Analyze how cultural, political, technological, and environmental shifts—including the digital era, post-anthropocentric perspectives, and global crises—have influenced heritage conservation.
• Examine the roles, responsibilities, and values of various stakeholders in conservation, including policymakers, professionals, local communities, and more-than-human agents.
• Critically assess conflicts, negotiations, and ethical dilemmas in conservation decision-making.
• Evaluate the impact of global challenges—such as climate change, conflicts, disasters, and mass migrations—on conservation policies and practices.
• Assess case studies from Turkey and other countries to explore the application and adaptation of conservation principles in diverse contexts.
• Investigate how digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and emerging tools are reshaping conservation practices and heritage engagement.
• Develop a multi-perspective, context-sensitive, and ethical approach to evaluating contemporary conservation theory and practices in response to current heritage challenges.
• Communicate complex conservation issues effectively through discussions, presentations, and written analyses.