"MSST 110 Contemporary Issues in Museum Studies Cowan Fall 2024" by Sarah Cowan
 

Document Type

Syllabus

Publication Date

Fall 9-1-2024

Course Description

This course introduces and examines the institutional practices of museums and other exhibition spaces with emphasis on the ethical dimensions of these practices. We will think through and address these questions: How do the creators of exhibits find ways to translate complex ideas and contextual material into accessible, compelling displays? What methods do museum professionals employ to involve and assist visitors? Why do some exhibitions become sites of public controversies and battles over representation—whose voices are heard and whose are silenced? In what manner do discussions of power, privilege, and diverse representation come into play in museums? How do exhibition planners negotiate ethnic, racial, class, religious, gender, and sexual difference? Through these explorations, we will consider the social roles of museums in the past, present, and future.

Student Outcomes

Students will be able to: Describe the history, function, and operations of museums (especially exhibition design as it relates to new museology techniques), as well as careers in museums and other exhibitions spaces. Explain and discuss the critical issues of power, privilege, and representation in contemporary Museum Studies. Situate museum strategies and practices in a larger context, examining changing museum ideologies and institutional engagements with the politics of cultural representation, as well as the ethical debates over the “ownership” of culture and cultural artifacts. Further strengthen reading, writing, speaking, collaboration, and critical thinking skills in pursuit of preparing for a career in museums.

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