UCLA/GETTY Program in Archaeological and Ethnographic Conservation

Conservation Training at the
UCLA/GETTY Program in Archaeological and Ethnographic Conservation

This new program took in its first group of students in 2005 and now
we are seeking applications from suitably qualified students for
entry in the Fall of 2007.  We have moved into our splendid new
laboratories at the Getty Villa site and also continue to retain a
small lab and offices at UCLA for additional teaching and research
functions.

In this program, students study for a 3 year Masters Degree in
Conservation, dealing specifically with archaeological and
ethnographic material. [Students experience] UCLA based excavations
for on-site conservation work and an interesting array of local LA
Museums, some with a number of conservation issues provide a wealth
of local resources for conservation internship work and research as
well as sites abroad.

The aim of the UCLA/Getty Conservation Program is to provide
students with a solid educational base and practical training in
both archaeological and ethnographic materials; as well as an
appreciation of the often complex issues relating to significance,
access and use of these materials which can be very different from
the criteria for conservation of fine art or historical materials.
In the case of ethnographic materials especially, the program will
facilitate an understanding of the multiple values that artifacts
hold for indigenous populations, and will foster a sense of
partnership with indigenous communities in relevant aspects of the
conservation process.

The partnership between UCLA and the Getty in creating this program
ensures that both a major research university and an institution
with a major mandate for conservation of the artistic heritage of
the world are working to create a rich and vibrant conservation
training opportunity. The program will help the student develop
working relationships with a wide array of colleagues in the Getty
Conservation Institute, the J. Paul Getty Museum, and UCLA
departments of Archaeology, Anthropology, Art History, Chemistry,
and Geology to name only a few. Unparalleled library resources form
an important resource for the UCLA/Getty students and staff.

Application should be made online via the Graduate Division's web
site of UCLA. Further details can be found at the UCLA web site of
the Cotsen Institute: <URL:http://ioa.ucla.edu/conservation>.

Course Prerequisites: A minimum of one academic year (2 semesters or
3 quarters) of study is required in each of the following areas:

    Archaeology, Cultural Anthropology, or Ethnography
    Art History (studies in archaeological or ethnographic materials
    and/or traditions preferred)
    General Chemistry
    Organic Chemistry

    One other Science (i.e., Physical Chemistry, Biology, Geology,
    Physics, etc.) is preferred, but is not essential to be
    considered for admission.

Language: Proficiency in one modern foreign Language must be
demonstrated (see Plan of Study). Applicants for whom English is not
the first language are required to submit TOEFL (Test of English as
a Foreign Language) scores.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Each applicant is required to
submit results from the Graduate Record Examination General Test.

Experience: Between 200-400 hours (the equivalent of 5 to 10 weeks
of full-time work) of documented practical experience in
conservation is required for admission to the program. The
requirement is meant to ensure the applicant's familiarity with
conservation as a career option. Appropriate experience (volunteer,
paid, or a combination) includes field work, laboratory experience,
exhibit preparation, or similar responsibilities performed under the
supervision of a professional conservator. A letter of
recommendation is required from at least one conservation supervisor
(see Letters of Recommendation).

Portfolio: Each applicant is required to submit a portfolio that
demonstrates an understanding of the characteristics of materials
and dexterity in their handling, fabrication, and preservation.
Because of their common application in the conservation field, it is
recommended that the portfolio include samples of representational
drawing, photography, and/or scientific illustration. These samples
should demonstrate the use of drawing and photography for
documentation purposes, particularly those produced during an
applicant's experience in a conservation lab, fieldwork, or
exhibition preparation. Samples of other studio arts and crafts may
also be included, such as painting, ceramics, sculpture, weaving,
papermaking, woodworking, basketry, etc. The portfolios must not
exceed an 8-1/2x11 inch format and should include only those
examples that best represent the applicant's skill. Evaluation of
the portfolio will consider the applicant's familiarity with
materials and their handling, technical aptitude, and clarity of
presentation.

Statement of Purpose: Each applicant is required to submit a
"Statement of Purpose" that describes his or her previous experience
in conservation and related fields, plan of study, and professional
goals.

Writing Sample: Each applicant is required to supply a written
sample of previous research in archaeology, anthropology, art
history, conservation, the sciences, or related fields. This may be
in the form of one or more publications, papers for college courses,
conservation reports, etc.

Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation must be
submitted by each applicant. One letter must be from a conservation
supervisor, and one must be from a former professor.

Interview: Those applicants who reach the final stages of evaluation
will be interviewed in person as part of the admissions evaluation
process.

Student Fellowships: The program is fortunate to have an endowed
fund dedicated to student financial support. These fellowships will
not generally be sufficient to cover all costs; however they should
make a substantial contribution to meeting student expenses. The
amount of internal financial support for students will be decided on
an individual basis by the admissions committee and students will be
notified of fellowship support at the time they are accepted to the
program. Dr. David A. Scott Program Chair

In the first instance please contact

    Amber Cordts-Cole
    Program Assistant
    acordts [at] ucla__edu


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 20:21
                Distributed: Wednesday, October 18, 2006
                       Message Id: cdl-20-21-004
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