Register by: November 24, 2025. This is an online asynchronous class offered in a time-flexible learning format from January to April 2026 and is eligible for PIBC CPL units. Click here for PIBC CPL reporting information.
Date: Jan. 5 - Apr. 12, 2026
Register by: November 24, 2025
Instructor: Chris Wiebe
Fees: $641.48, plus UVSS fees as applicable
Credit and Non-Credit options available
This course provides an introduction to the principles and practices of heritage conservation. The concept of heritage has expanded to encompass historic districts, cultural landscapes and living heritage as well as buildings, structures and gardens. This expansion of the concept of heritage has had a profound impact on the principles that guide conservation actions, the types of strategies employed to safeguard historic places and the role of heritage practitioners.
This course introduces values-based conservation and the practices that flow from it. A broad range of case studies is used to illustrate key concepts, and the assignments provide the opportunity to apply ideas and concepts to real situations. Topics include:
- definitions of historic place
- authenticity and conservation
- links between heritage conservation and broader societal goals, such as sustainability
The course explores approaches to heritage evaluation, planning, interventions, interpretation and urban revitalization, and introduces the roles of governments, organizations and citizens.
Learning Objectives:
- Apply the principles of values-based conservation to the management of historic places.
- Engage in multi-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder processes to evaluate and conserve historic places.
- Take into consideration political, cultural and social dynamics when working with historic places.
- Play an active role in discussions regarding contemporary practices and new directions within the field of heritage resource management.
Prerequisites:
All participants are encouraged to have a professional or voluntary role in a heritage or cultural organization, which may serve as their ‘partner organization’ for completion of course assignments. If you have any questions about your suitability for this course, please ask us how to contact the course instructor directly before the course start date.
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable internet connection.
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable internet connection.
- University-level research, writing and critical thinking skills.
