Museums and Public History: Theory & Practices ((3 Credits))

Catalog description

This course takes up historical and cultural theory to examine how museums co-create history and public memory with communities. Through readings, research, discussion, and use of on-line resources, students explore institutional histories and current trends in the thinking and practices of academic and museum professionals, with a focus on identity, authority, and representation. They trace shifts in correspondent communities' and public expectations, with comparative views of venues and performance that represent history outside established institutions, including cross-cultural examples. They also consider how technology has changed certain museum practices and functions, in particular through the appraisal and comparison of on-line virtual museums and live visits to museums. This course is required for the Public History advanced certificate and the Heritage Preservation advanced certificate. This course was previously LIB 640628.