M.A.H.P. Elective Courses

HP 615. CULTURAL PARTNERSHIP (3)
What are effective strategies for scholars and organizations to work with communities to help develop the capacity for those communities to make choices about what matters to them? This course explores ways that effective enduring partnerships and programs can be developed to reflect the voices and aspirations of communities, their stakeholders, and the cultural organizations that serve them.

HP 623. PRESERVATION ECONOMICS (3)
Exploration of the economics of preservation including the impact of preservation programs and activities on a national, state and local level and the feasibility of individual preservation projects.

HP 628. INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-4.5)
Students develop the topic and focus of their own course in any area of historic preservation with the assistance of the program director. The faculty member is drawn from experts in the area selected. The course syllabus is written by the student during the semester prior to the one in which HP 628. Independent Study is taken.

HP 629. HISTORIC PRESERVATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE (3)
Prepares students to preserve our past in a way that contributes to sustainability and resilience. Explores concepts such as the integrated approach, energy efficiency, water management, globalization, and climate change and how they can be integrated into preservation theory, practice, and policy.

HP 632. PRESERVATION AND PLANNING FOR HERITAGE (3)
Exploration of preservation planning at the federal, state and local levels with emphasis on the relationship between documenting the historic environment and community planning and on development and the use of local planning techniques to further historic preservation.

HP 634. PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGY (3)
The properties of building materials, the mechanism of deterioration and diagnostic methods, including examining and evaluating historic fabric, sustainability issues, and the whole building's performance as a system is emphasized as the basis for recommendation of appropriate conservation or restoration treatments. 

HP 635. PRESERVATION LAW (3)
Examines the federal, state, and local laws concerning historic preservation, including tax laws and real estate opportunities (and easements for structures, open areas and historic monuments, locations, and other nationally recognized properties).  Additionally reviewed are current developments in historic preservation law litigation, recent decisions in the “takings” area and other constitutional developments relating to landmarking of properties.

HP 636. ETHNOGRAPHY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION (3)
The course builds on and amplifies the program’s goals to expose students to people- and values-centered approaches in historic preservation. It is designed to introduce students specializing in historic preservation with the objectives and methods of ethnography, a qualitative research tool and the cornerstone of anthropological and sociological fieldwork. It also prepares students to develop essential relationships with the people who live, work, and play in communities where historic preservationists practice their craft and with which they consult. Course readings, discussions, and case studies where ethnography and community engagement have been successfully combined expose students to the key concepts and tools so they can successfully complete their own people- and values-centered historic preservation projects.  

HP 660. ORAL HISTORY (3)
This course provides training in best practices in oral history documentation. Through hands on instruction and mentorship with oral history practice, students will develop the knowledge and skills to professionally conduct oral history research.

GRW 601. WRITING STUDIO (0) Designed as a studio to enhance writing and find your academic voice, this course helps students assess and improve critical reading and writing skills, especially those necessary for academic writing and thinking. With the instructor acting as coach, students workshop their writing, either a paper for another course, or a new piece. Topics include thinking about writing (metacognition); reading for content; planning, organizing and using evidence in academic writing and thinking; making a supported argument; and editing for clarity and effectiveness. Students who have taken this course show a marked increase in their confidence and integrity as academic writers.

Select courses from the M.A. in Cultural Sustainability program may be taken as electives with the Director’s approval:

CSP 600: Cultural Sustainability (3)

CSP 628: Principles of Cultural Mediation (3)

CSP 635: Interpretive Planning and Project Management (3) 

CSP 642: Culture and Calamity (3) 

CSP 645: Advanced Cultural Documentation and Archival Management (3)

CSP 650: Organizing Communities: Advocacy, Activism, and Social Justice (3)

CSP 660: Oral History (3)

 

“Goucher is on the cutting edge, always trying to keep on top of what people are talking about in preservation.”


Zach Burt, M.A.H.P ’22

Community Outreach and Grants Manager at DC Preservation League