Foundations of Museum Studies

Catalog description

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. An introduction to the interdisciplinary field of museum studies, exploring how museums collect, preserve, interpret and exhibit material culture to convey cultural, historical and scientific knowledge. Emphasizes museums as dynamic institutions shaped by ethical, educational and civic responsibilities and fosters critical inquiry into questions such as: Who do museums serve? How do objects acquire meaning? What responsibilities do museums have to communities and history? Provides a foundation for further study in museum work while developing skills in civic engagement, applied learning, collaboration, inclusion and leadership. Engages museums as spaces for dialogue and lifelong learning, encouraging reflection on how they shape public understanding and express broader social values. May incorporate topics that respond to current events, student interests or emerging issues in museum studies. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include: history and development of museums; collecting practices from antiquity to the present; analysis of museum organization, leadership structures and varying types of institutions; consideration of professional standards, collections stewardship; evaluation of interpretation, educational programming and strategies for access and inclusion; ethical, educational and civic responsibilities of museums. Cross Listing: ANTH 221 and ARCH 221 .