Course Catalogue

Introduction to Museology INFOST5017

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Humanities
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

Introduction to Museology introduces students to different theoretical approaches to, and critical reflections on, museums. It covers the history and role of museums; their architecture, design and layout; use of collections; ethical issues; and questions of definition, description, documentation, interpretation and display. This course is taught via Blended Learning, combining online activities with on campus seminars and visits.

Timetable

2 hours per week for 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus. Teaching is via Blended Learning and may include online lectures, on campus seminars, workshops and fieldtrips

Requirements of Entry

Standard entry to Masters at College Level

Excluded Courses

INFOSTUD5015

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ A seminar critique or book review of 750 words - 30%

■ Essay of 3,000 words - 70%

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the critique or review, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ There is no alternative to the essay, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ develop a critical understanding of museological issues;

■ reflect on multiple theoretical approaches to museums;

■ appreciate the evolving role of museums

■ develop an understanding of how theoretical debates relate to museum practice.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

 

■ Identify and evaluate key issues in both historical and contemporary museum practice

■ Evaluate the changing and alternative roles that museums have fulfilled in society

■ Evaluate the impact of national and international contexts on historical and contemporary museum practice

■ Apply theoretical knowledge through engagement with contemporary museological debates and identify constructive responses to the practical challenges museology poses

■ Apply theoretical frameworks for analysing museums to their own national contexts

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions