Heritage Resources Management (HERM) 670

Introduction

Industrial heritage is an important part of cultural heritage management, with a mature, methodological base, a dynamic subject area, and an exceptional social relevance to industrial and postindustrial societies. A concern for conserving and appreciating the material culture of the industrial society emerged in England in the 1950s as the early “monuments” of the Industrial Revolution began to disappear. It spread rapidly to all countries that had experienced industrialization, and by the 1980s had become established as an integrated, multidisciplinary field, which attracted preservationists, historians of technology, archaeologists and architects, urban planners, and, notably, many nonspecialists and volunteer groups, who were enthused by this accessible new subject. Today, anyone involved in cultural heritage will need to be aware of the remains of industry and of the artifacts, buildings, sites, towns, and landscapes created, transformed, and sometimes abandoned by industrial activity.

Course Structure

HERM 670 is made up of eleven units:

• Unit 1: Introduction to Industrial Heritage
• Unit 2: The Industrial Revolution and the Challenge of the Evidence
• Unit 3: Understanding the Resource
• Unit 4: Determining Cultural Significance
• Unit 5: Conservation Strategies
• Unit 6: Heritage-Led Regeneration
• Unit 7: Collections and Museums
• Unit 8: Exhibitions and Interpretation
• Unit 9: Industrial Heritage Tourism
• Unit 10: Future Trends
• Unit 11: Onsite Field Study

Course Objectives

By completing HERM 670: Industrial Heritage, students will become familiar with the principle characteristics of industrial heritage and the array of tools and techniques used for its study, care, and use. After completing the course, students should be able to do the following:

• Analyze historic industrial artifacts, sites, and landscapes, integrating both archaeological and documentary sources.
• Identify and demonstrate industrial heritage’s most significant elements.
• Apply relevant techniques to ensure the integrity of the remains and their continuity into the future.
• Assess the adequate presence of industrial heritage in lists, collections, and databases of historic resources.
• Assess the cultural, social, academic, and economic possibilities offered by industrial heritage.
• Develop management policies for heritage planning, sustainable repurposing and urban regeneration, research, museum collections and historic interpretation, and cultural tourism.

Evaluation

To receive credit in HERM 670, you must complete all assignments and achieve a course composite grade of at least C (60 percent).