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.

2 hours per week for 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus. Teaching may include lectures, seminars, workshops and fieldtrips

INFOSTUD5015

None

A seminar critique or book review (30%) of 750 words and an essay (70%) of 3,000 words.

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.

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 context

■ 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

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.