History of Museum Education

Catalog description

The history of museums dates back to the 18th century. But the idea that museums should be devoted to education—a notion rooted in democratic ideals, especially in the U.S.—did not really take hold until the Progressive Era. This course traces that history, looking at the development of various museum pedagogies over the course of the past century. How are approaches to museum education impacted by shifting societal values, by economic factors, and by trends in technology?