Museums and Communities

Catalog description

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of the Director of Museum Studies. This course examines how museums and heritage institutions have sought to attract new audiences and broaden program offerings. It focuses on how these entities identify community characteristics and needs, create entry points for multiple audiences at museums, and build strong, long-term relationships with local partners. It considers difficult histories, conflict, and strategies to create space for diverse perspectives; the role of communications technologies in soliciting participation and promoting dialogue; and networks and the organizational skills for community development. Students will examine case studies of community-based museum programming and develop an engagement strategy around an exhibit.