Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Heritage Planning

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Marco Amati

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 9934

Course Coordinator Email: marco.amati@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 8.11.36

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None.


Course Description

Planning for the protection and management of Australia's heritage, whether it be built, natural, or cultural, presents a significant challenge in both urban and rural areas. These forms of heritage hold great value to communities, as they possess scientific and other qualities that hold both local and global significance. In the realm of urban planning, the management of heritage is often a topic of debate. However, it operates within frameworks that involve assessment and recognition, offering various approaches to safeguarding and acknowledging important sites and locations. This course aims to introduce students to historical and contemporary methods used to recognize and protect heritage, with a specific focus on Australian examples, such as Aboriginal cultural heritage, urban buildings, and heritage landscapes. Participants will gain an understanding of current legislation and frameworks for identifying the significance of heritage and applying protective measures through regulatory systems. Through the use of case studies, students will explore how development proposals can be evaluated based on their potential impact on heritage sites. 

This course will include examples of industry partnered learning including through site visits and guest lectures. 

Note: this course may involve field visits within and outside Melbourne and these may have an associated materials fee to cover additional costs of travel and accommodation. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes 

This course will complement the RMIT capabilities you are developing in your program.  


Course Learning Outcomes 

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: 

  1. Develop a critical appreciation and understanding of the diverse categories of heritage places and values both in an Australian and international context
  2. Analyse and apply various approaches and frameworks for assessing heritage values
  3. Utilise case studies to engage in heritage planning debates, assessments and decision making
  4. Engage in critical reflection of the value, uses and limitations of heritage management and planning considering both  local and global context 


Overview of Learning Activities

The course will involve the following elements: 

  • Lectures, reading, discussion and reflection on contemporary community and professional understandings of heritage and its management, with a focus on Australian examples
  • Lectures, readings and discussions introducing legal and regulatory frameworks aimed at identifying and protecting heritage in Australia and internationally
  • Field visits to understand features of heritage identification and protection through local examples
  • Assessments that apply and extend your learning to understanding the politics and practices of heritage planning 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. A comprehensive reading list and resource pack will be provided on the Canvas LMS. 

There are services and resources available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the RMIT student website. 


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and your development against the program learning outcomes. 

Assessment Tasks 

  1. Heritage Reflection Assessment 20% CLO1, CLO2, CLO4
  2. Heritage Case Study Analysis: 40%, CLO2, CLO3, CLO4
  3. Field Study Report, 40% CLO1, CLO2, CLO3 

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks. 

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more. 

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.