Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Bachelor of Arts in Conservation, Restoration of Cultural Property and Sacred Art (Open for Admission)

Multilingual
126 credits
For students entering the program at the Freshman level
(Please click here for more info on the Freshman program)
96 credits
For students entering the program at the Sophomore level
(holders of a recognized Baccalaureate or Freshman diploma - equivalent to 30 credits)

Courses

Specialization
CRCS270Conservation & Restoration Lab I
4 credits
This course is a part of the applied lessons and practical work in conservation and restoration. Lessons Applied: Book Script Terminology - Book Archeology - Copper and Parchment: Origin and Manufacture - Identification of Animal Species and Skin Recognition - Factor Degradation - Card Format and File Creation - Technique Photography and images for the restoration and conservation of cultural property Practical activities: sewing test - realization of the primary and secondary capital - proof of beveling in copper and parchment - proof of beveling and restoration - execution of a modern ligature.
CRCS275Artwork Lab II + Internship
4 credits
Phenomena of alteration and deterioration of wooden objects: Analysis of the causes and phenomenology of degradation. Methods and materials of treatments for preservation and restoration (disinfection, consolidation, sanitation support) - Plotting and documentation of objects - Prevention and Safety in restoration and construction laboratories - Resilient pack and structures - Integration of missing elements and mouldings.
CRCS370Artwork Lab III
4 credits
Phenomena of alteration and deterioration of wooden objects: Analysis of the causes and phenomenology of degradation. Methods and materials of treatments for conservation and restoration (disinfection, consolidation, sanitation support) - Plotting and documentation of objects - Prevention and safety in restoration laboratories and in construction sites - Parchettatura and elastic restraint structures - integration of missing elements and mouldings.
CRCS375Artwork Lab IV + Internship
4 credits
The phenomenology of degradation and treatment methodologies of the textile support: rheological performance of constituent materials. Analysis of the causes and phenomenology of the degradation of the support, preparatory layers and illustrations - History of techniques and traditional methods of restoration - Illustration of case studies - Velinatura, pre-consolidation technique, consolidation and joining layers - Improvement of the surface by lowering the cracks, treatment of acidification and cleaning of repaired textiles. Structural reorganization of layers: rheological performance of constituent materials. History of traditional techniques and methods for the structural recovery of paints - Illustration of case studies - Innovative technologies applied to textiles - lining and insertion of lining pads - lining with synthetic products - tension systems - illustration of case studies.
CRCS470Artwork Lab V
4 credits
Artworks: structural improvements of layers - Rheological performance of constitutive materials. History of traditional techniques and methods for the structural recovery of paintings. Illustration of case studies - Techniques of total and partial lining, insertions, compensation - innovative technologies applied to textiles - lining and insertion of lining pads - lining with synthetic products - tension systems - illustration of case studies. Techniques for cleaning polychrome artworks: cleaning the surfaces and elimination of overlapped substances - Materials and methods: acidic medium and water base, thickeners, buffer solutions, organic solvents, solvents gels, emulsions, pregelatinized resin soaps - Emulsions, thickening agents. Illustration of case studies - Exercises and laboratory tests aiming to identify cleaning products and methods.
CRCS475Artwork Lab VI+ Internship
4 credits
Artworks: structural improvements of the layers
Rheological performance of constituent materials. History of traditional techniques and methods for the structural recovery of paintings. Illustration of case studies - Techniques of total and partial lining, insertions, compensation - innovative technologies applied to textiles - lining and insertion of lining pads; - lining with synthetic products - tension systems - illustration of case studies.
Techniques for cleaning polychrome artworks: : cleaning the surfaces and elimination of overlapped substances - Materials and methods: acidic medium and water base, thickeners, buffer solutions, organic solvents, solvents gels, emulsions, pregelatinized resin soaps - Emulsions, thickening agents. Illustration of case studies - Exercises and laboratory tests to identify cleaning products and methods.
CRCS490Final Project
3 credits
Electives
CRCS330Museography
3 credits
This course is designed for students for students aspiring to specialize in museology and museography, for future museum professionals. As an introduction to this discipline, it aims to provide basic theoretical formation and a first approach to museum management. Its objective is to enable students to acquire knowledge and skills by covering a wide range of fundamental subjects specific to the museum institution. Thus, throughout seven thematic chapters, the history, the definition and the important diversity of museums, the different roles and functions exercised by the museum nowadays, the question of its community, will be studied successively, and look in depth at the four essential functions or missions of the current museum, which are: the presentation, conservation, scientific research, and animation. The detailed examination of the museological and museography questions discussed will be illustrated by numerous reference examples at the local and international levels. The course will also include the analysis of specialized documentaries projected in class.In terms of personal work, the students will have to work on a research project which includes the visit and the study of a Lebanese museum of their choice (in various aspects: history, conception, museum layout, activities, etc.), followed by a written report and an oral presentation on the institution and the pieces on display
CRCS410Science & Technology of Materials
3 credits    |    Pre-requisite: CRCS320
This course aims to provide knowledge on elements of structural chemistry and thermodynamics which are useful for understanding the chemical and physical phenomena of polymeric materials. These bases can be used to improve the choice of materials and interventions to be made in the conservation of cultural heritage.
CRCS415History of Science & Technology
3 credits
DIPN305Archives, Bibliography and Library Sciences
3 credits
General Education Requirements Core Courses
ARC222CAD I
2 credits
Design and develop 2D and 3D architectural drawings using standard CAD software and in accordance with industry standards, used widely in industry.
ARC322CAD II
2 credits
Virtual reality in architecture is a focus for architecture students who wish to improve modelling in the 3rd dimension, in order to increase possibilities and variation in their designs, ranging from orthogonal shapes to complex organic forms and rendering in high quality engines.
ARS240History of the Christian Iconography
3 credits
This course is an exploration of the history of the Christian iconography, allowing the student to look over the foundations of sacred Christian art, its purpose and its historical chronology, by understanding the genesis of the Christian icon and its different transformations and evolution. It includes a brief introduction to the Christian aesthetics and iconography, and in-depth studies of the chronology of the Christian Iconography, and learning the different iconographical schools and movements, especially the Byzantine and Syro-Maronite iconography, in addition to the an overview of the iconography of the Oriental churches.
BIO228General Botany
3 credits
The course has two parts: plant histology and biology. Histology is the study of meristems, parenchyma and plant tissues, their origins, their characteristics, and role. Plant biology looks at the lower and higher plants, their characteristics and their classifications.
CHM210Fundamentals of Chemistry
3 credits
This course presents a general introduction to chemistry. It highlights the structure of the atom (various models and properties of the elements in the periodic table), various chemical bonds (Lewis structure, VSEPR rules), thermochemistry (thermodynamics and chemical equilibrium), kinetic chemistry (reactions rate orders, Arrhenius law), solutions chemistry (acids and bases and various acid base equilibrium), complexation, liquid solid equilibrium and solubility product, redox titration and electrochemical cells.
CRCS205Theory and Techniques of Restoration I
3 credits
Study, analysis and actualization of the works of C. Brandi, Theory of restoration, Rome 1963: definition of "restoration", the subject-matter of the artwork, the potential unit, time, historical value and aesthetic value, preventive restoration, falsification. Comparison with the theory of restoration of G. Urbani. . History of restoration from the origins to the 18th century: remake, repaint, integration, transfer of frescoes to canvas, revolutionary vandalism, requisitions and refunds.
CRCS210Applied Physics for the Cultural Heritage
3 credits
PART I: elements of physics
Atomic physics, physical properties of materials, electromagnetic spectrum (infrared, ultraviolet and x-rays), particles as probe in diagnostic, radiation-matter interaction. Raman effect, radioactive decay
PART II: diagnostic techniques
Optical spectroscopy (Raman, Ir and UV), thermography, electron microscopy and microanalysis, X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), traditional radiography and tomography (TAC), X-ray diffraction, ion beam
techniques (outlines), colorimetry, dating methods based on radioactivity.
PART III: Laboratory experiments.
Portable XRF (demonstrative); Electron microscopy and microanalysis (demonstrative); IR spectroscopy (demonstrative); Measure of gas emission spectra using a spectrophotometer; Subtractive and additive color; colorimeter (demonstrative); Digital Radiography;
CRCS220Documentation and Representation
2 credits
The course aims to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to consciously apply the language of design, aimed at analyzing, understanding, relieving and communicating on the morphology of the paintings artifacts, the wooden artifacts and multi-material artifacts. Part of the course is dedicated to the documentation and cataloging of cultural heritage as a first approach to knowledge. The course aims to provide, on the one hand, a basic understanding of the historical and scientific foundations of the encoded methods of graphic representation that allows you to read the geometric structure in the works of figurative art, and on the other hand, the theoretical and practical tools for analyzing representation of artifacts of a different nature through conventional language.The techniques of representation used will range from the traditional ones of freehand drawing and technical drawing to digitally-supported drawing using specific software, with particular reference to the documentation of restoration sites. The course aims to direct the student in the use of techniques and methods for detection and graphical representation for the purposes of analytical and synthetic problems of graphic documentation for the restoration of cultural heritage.
CRCS305Christian and Medieval Archeology
3 credits
This course provides information on the essential basis of Christian and medieval archeology, either from a historical point of view of this discipline or from a methodological point of view, presenting the development of research themes, results and methodological problems, including the reading of some archaeological contexts.
CRCS310Petography for the Cultural Heritage
3 credits
Scientific and technical-commercial criteria for the classification of natural stone materials used in Cultural Heritage. Analysis of most common rock-types, focusing on historical stone materials from local country. Petrographic techniques relevant to Cultural Heritage, with examples of current analytical methods; representation of analytical results. Basic elements for the petrographic description of mortars. Types, mechanisms and causes of deterioration of historic and contemporary natural stone materials. Italian and European standards and recommendations concerning the use and conservation of natural stone materials. Petro-archeometric and conservation case studies.
CRCS315Applied Microbiology for the Cultural Heritage
3 credits
The aim of this course is to provide the basic knowledge on biodeteriogens and on the biodeterioration processes of cultural heritage as well as the methods of controlling biological growth on artworks.
CRCS320Applied Chemistry for the Cultural Heritage
3 credits
This course aims to provide knowledge on elements of structural chemistry and thermodynamics which are useful for understanding the chemical and physical phenomena of polymeric materials. These bases can be used to improve the choice of materials and interventions to be made in the conservation of cultural heritage.
CRCS400Cultural Property Legislation
1 credits
Legislation, standards and professions.
CRCS405Theory and Techniques of Restoration II
3 credits
The first part of the course will focus on the following topics:
- Definition, methods and areas of museology;
- History, identity and aims of the museum from the studio and the Wunderkammer to the XIXth models and the different kinds of the contemporary museum;
- Legislation, standards and professions.
In aim of pointing out the relation between museums and the restoration culture, the second part will describe some paradigmatic cases of this interaction within the local context during the XIXth and the XXth Centuries.
CRCS410Science and Technology of Materials
3 credits
The students should know the structure of ta polymeric substance and know how to classify them according to their connections (linear, branched, reticulated or graft), chemical composition (homo-polymer, co-polymer) and to the structure of the backbone (homo-chain or hetero-chain polymer). They will need to know the importance of their physical (molecular weight, viscosity, glass-transition temperature, solubility) and chemical (reactivity) properties of each polymer class. They will also have to know what class of synthetic polymers could be used in restoration and conservation of Cultural Heritage. The level of this knowledge will be evaluated with oral questions
CRCS445Cultural Heritage Management
3 credits
General introduction and awareness of the influence of architectural trends throughout history on the various construction systems of places of worship (churches and monasteries). Analytical and critical study of Christian religious buildings in Lebanon and the Middle East.
CRCS450Biochemistry for the Cultural Heritage
3 credits
The following items will be developed and investigated through the analyses of some cases selected on the basis of the main types of artistic artifacts.
- Diversity of biodeteriogens and biodeterioration processes.
- Environmental factors affecting biological contamination.
- Biodegradation and biodeterioration.
- Biodeterioration agent’s diversity; technical analysis (microbiological, botanical entomological analysis).
CVA210Fundamentals of Computer Graphics
3 credits
Turn out professional-looking graphics for web or print with Adobe Illustrator software. Through practical exercises, become fluent in the premier program for line art, logos, vector graphics and quick page layout as well as tricks and time efficient techniques to keep work clean and professional.
DAA241General History of Art
3 credits
The objective of the course is to provide students with an understanding of the chronological sequence of events that form the history of art. They will employ the methodological tools of the discipline to learn how to place, compare, and comprehend the relationships between these events through an examination of their stylistic characteristics and socio-historical context.
ITL215Italian I
3 credits
This course is for all beginners who have had no previous exposure to Italian. It is to achieve level A1- of the Common European framework of Reference. Students may expect to practice Italian at a basic level. They learn to understand and use oral and written basic practical expressions for day-to-day simple interactions, and provide personal contact information, express preferences, and ask for information about immediate simple needs. Students feel comfortable in a conversational context where the other speaker speaks slowly and is prepared to cooperate.
PHO227Photography
3 credits
Students will acquire advanced skills in black & white, and color photography, both by manipulation of film exposure and processing or through digital tools. The students will apply zone system know-how to control contrast.
Emphasis: Sacred Art
CRCS273Conservation and Restoration Lab I (Sacred Art)
4 credits
This course is a part of the applied lessons and practical work in conservation and restoration The main objective of the course is the theoretical and practical knowledge of the activities aimed at knowledge of the types of goods and materials, through the identification and study of the different types of artefacts and related conservation issues.
CRCS278Artwork Lab II + Internship (Sacred Art)
4 credits
This course is a part of the applied lessons and practical work in conservation and restoration The main objective of the course is the theoretical and practical knowledge of the activities aimed at knowledge of the types of goods and materials, through the identification and study of the different types of artefacts and related conservation issues.
CRCS340Iconographic Hagiography
2 credits
The Saints and their Iconography: through their lives in the various traditions of the Church.
CRCS373Artwork Lab III (Sacred Art)
4 credits
STONE MATERIALS: the student will acquire theoretical and practical skills for a correct methodological approach to the restoration intervention of stone artefacts, through:
a) Knowledge of execution techniques, constituent materials, causes of decay, previous restoration interventions on stone artefacts.
b) recognize the conservation state
c) Knowledge of the main intervention methodologies for artefacts of different historical and artistic periods. Knowledge of documentation techniques.
CRCS378Artwork Lab IV + Internship (Sacred Art)
4 credits
Stone Matirials - Knowledge of materials and methodologies used in the execution techniques, through the reading of technical sources, of Documents, Case Studies and visits to museums and monuments. The student will be able to recognize the o notice and to recognize the different types and causes of decay, to summarize data in graphics, to recognize the execution technique, to recognize previous restoration interventions, to document the restoration intervention and to prepare a final report. The student will work with professionals of different disciplines.
CRCS473Artwork Lab V (Sacred Art)
3 credits
The main objective of the course is the theoretical and practical knowledge of the activities aimed at knowledge of the types of goods and materials, through the identification and study of the different types of artefacts and related conservation issues.
CRCS478Artwork Lab VI + Internship (Sacred Art)
3 credits
This course is a part of the applied lessons and practical work in conservation and restoration. The main objective of the course is the theoretical and practical knowledge of the activities aimed at knowledge of the types of goods and materials, through the identification and study of the different types of artefacts and related conservation issues.

Mission

Considering the richness and the diversity of the Lebanese cultural and artistic heritage in general, and the religious cultural legacy in particular, the Bachelor of Arts in Conservation, Restoration of Cultural Property and Sacred Art has been created in order to meet the specific and urgent needs to preserve and restore this national heritage. The curriculum provides all the theoretical and practical knowledge related to the preservation, protection, and documentation of painted artworks on fabrics and wooden support.

Program Educational Objectives

1. Graduates will be able to analyze the historical, artistic and scientific values of an artwork, and propose a restoration/preservation study.
2. Graduates will possess the ability to complete a restoration or conservation project on any artwork made on fabric or a wooden support.
3. Graduates will be capable of understanding the value of sacred art items, and will contribute to the preservation of the national cultural goods.

Student Learning Outcomes

a. Preparing a conservation study which includes the description of the item, the method that will be followed, materials that will be used, and intervention proposals and measures.
b. Acquiring basic knowledge in restoring and conserving an artifact and developing technical, artistic and scientific abilities and methodology to safely execute the proposals of a preservation study.
c. Applying directly and effectively the scientific, technological and artistic knowledge and skills on an artwork made on fabric or a wooden support.
d. Explaining the techniques, media and iconography of any sacred art item using the appropriate vocabulary.

BROCHURE

Holy Spirit University of Kaslik
Tel.: (+961) 9 600 000
Fax : (+961) 9 600 100
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