Component

MA Public Opinion and Political Behaviour
BA Curating options

Year 2, Component 03

Option(s) from list
AR326-5-SP
Archives of Heritage
(15 CREDITS)

Archives have often been central to how we make, break, and understand heritage, even as much heritage work is linked to tangible remains or intangible practices. As archives (defined broadly) are used to help delimit the boundaries of what heritage is, without them certain forms of heritage—and the people and groups connected to them—risk underrepresentation or lack of representation entirely. Why has this situation come about, and how might rethinking archives help to overcome such issues? This module explores not only how we can use archives to help understand the history of heritage and museums, but also how archives can be used to relate new and underrepresented types of heritage. Examining different types of archive, we will explore how and why those archives have shaped heritage and museum work today. Simultaneously, we will think about how archiving offers the potential of more representative ‘heritage futures’.

AR327-5-AU
Heritage, Colonialism, Decolonisation
(15 CREDITS)

This module explores how ideas about heritage are historically entangled with colonialism and its forms of knowledge. During the module, we will discuss the ways in which the fields of knowledge that have defined heritage—archaeology, anthropology, architecture, and preservation—have often been inseparable from colonial rule. We will also discuss the possibilities for decolonising heritage. The module will provide a broad historical background to the development of heritage, examining heritage’s connections with colonialism across global time and space. Teasing out these links, we will grapple with the very material ways in which this process has played out. Likewise, we will begin to understand the material possibilities for decolonising heritage.

HR222-5-SP
Public History Project
(15 CREDITS)

In this work-based learning module, you’ll work as part of a small team to deliver a real public history project that’s been commissioned by an external body, for example, a community group, local history society, charity, museum, archive or company. Outputs could include a small exhibition, website, podcast or pamphlet – but communicating the past can take almost any form! You’ll be able to bid to a dedicated funding pot to produce any materials you need (much like heritage organisations themselves do) and receive academic credit for it. You’ll be supported throughout by staff and have access to representatives of the commissioning organisation, gaining invaluable real-world experience to enhance your academic learning. It’s also really rewarding and enjoyable – a chance to take your interest in history and skills as a historian out of the university and into public spaces.

At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.

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