The World of Museums: Logistics, Laws, and Loans

Class canceled WORK ON YOUR PAPER

Description:

This course will examine critically the collection of ancient objects. From functional, historical, material and aesthetic perspectives, the relationships between the cultural contexts of objects and museums will be examined. Case studies, guest lectures and site visits (virtual and real) will be used to demonstrate evolving theory, practice, law and ethical implications of collecting archaeological objects. This seminar explores many of the logistical aspects of the museum including the laws and mission statements, which guide its practice. The legal and ethical features of museums will also be examined. This is not a lecture-based course – emphasis is on class participation and presentations. 

W 2:00-4:20, Wilson Hall 305. Instructor: Morag Kersel

Office Hours 2:30-4:30 Tuesdays or by appointment

Course Objectives: At the end of the course, the student should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the history and organization of museums
• Understand the historical, but changing roles of objects for museums
• Debate ethical issues pertaining to museums
• Discuss critically, in written and verbal form, current issues in the philosophy of museums, museum missions, representation of the past, interpretation of cultural objects, and the role of museums in society
• Evaluate critically a museum exhibition
• Locate the core museum studies literature, principal museum organizations, and museum reference sources, including on-line resources
• Conduct original research on a topic related to museum law, logistics and loans and present that research in a poster or exhibit panel
• Work collaboratively with others in team based learning and problem solving

The current schedule is tentative and the readings may change

Down load the syllabus here:Download
ViewARCH 1160.pdf

Weekly Schedule|Assignments|Grading|Readings|NOTES, NEWS and LINKS|The Great Debate|POSTERS