Sacred Objects/Secular Spaces

Catalog description

Taught by GTU/Center for Arts and Religion Most museums, explicitly or implicitly, deal with religion and spirituality. Museums exhibit objects considered holy, they serve as repositories for things that are held sacred, and they conserve and care for revered items. Using concepts from material culture theory, visual culture theory, museology, and allied fields, students will consider the role of religious objects and are in museums, galleries, and other secular spaces. This seminar, designed for PhD and advanced MA students, is based on reading and discussion, as well as site visits to Bay Area museums to meet with curators, conservators, and other museum professionals. Assignments will include presentations, short papers, reading summaries, and a final paper. [Auditors with faculty permission]