Key facts
UNE unit code: HIST535
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2026
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Historic cultural heritage encompasses the places, landscapes and material evidence associated with Australia’s history since 1606, including the heritage of First Nation’s Peoples, Anglo-European, Chinese, Afghan, Pacifika and many other peoples and communities. Researching, conserving and interpreting this heritage is an interesting and rewarding process and a highly specialised undertaking.
In this unit, you will build your knowledge and understanding of the diversity of Australia’s historic heritage as you explore key philosophies, debates, policies, issues, and controversies of note, drawing on a wide range of case studies. You will develop new research skills necessary to analyse and assess the significance of historic heritage, with an emphasis on the contribution of historians to heritage conservation alongside other disciplines.
To help you to develop an advanced knowledge of heritage conservation philosophy and practice, you will critically examine fundamental concepts in heritage. You will also research and analyse an historic heritage place in order to identify and describe its cultural significance while exploring key aspects of conservation planning.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
offered in odd-numbered years
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the diversity of Australia’s historical heritage as well as conservation philosophy and practice;
- identify and critically analyse the cultural significance of Australia's built heritage;
- synthesise and critically evaluate approaches and theories relating to the conservation and interpretation of historic heritage;
- demonstrate advanced knowledge and an in-depth understanding of current approaches to researching and conserving historic heritage, and key debates;
- transmit a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas demonstrating depth of understanding in historic heritage conservation in Australia; and
- exercise critical thinking, judgement and an advanced capacity to identify and use appropriate sources of information and analysis relevant to historic heritage conservation.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Quiz | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 500 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 2: Essay | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Analyse a Statement of Significance No. Words: 1500 |
| Assessment 3: Quiz | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 500 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 4: Essay | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Research and prepare a Statement of Significance No. Words: 3000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
See Note
Text refers to: All offerings
The Illustrated Burra Charter: Good Practice for Heritage Places
ISBN: 9780957852822
Walker, M. and Marquis-Kyle, P., ICOMOS Inc 2004
Text refers to: All offerings
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