HST-282 Introduction to Historic Preservation
This course examines the history, theory, and current practices of historic preservation, with a focus on the United States, Europe, and global initiatives like UNESCO World Heritage sites. We will explore the techniques, practices, laws, and policies that govern preservation work, as well as the evolving cultural priorities that determine when, how, and which buildings and landscapes receive protection. The course also addresses contemporary debates surrounding environmental sustainability, adaptive reuse, and green infrastructure. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and site visits to preservation-related locations in the Boston area, we will engage with preservation issues at local, state, national, and global levels.