2017-2018 Course Catalog

Museum Studies

MUST 200. Introduction to Museum Studies (4F)

This course considers museums—their history, social context, and their challenges—in the 21st century. The format is seminar-style, based on case studies, field trips, readings, and a class project. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the course examines the roles that a broad range of museum types play in society: the diversity of collections, exhibitions, and interpretation techniques; management and marketing challenges; visitor behavior and learning; virtual museums; and museum ethics, law, and controversies. This course fulfills the Core Curriculum requirement in Arts.

MUST 300. Museum Education (4S)

This course introduces students to the history, theory, and practice of educational programming at institutions that preserve and interpret public resources, such as museums, zoos, archives, and parks. Examples for study will be drawn from a wide variety of these institutions, and will include programs designed for learners from pre-school to adults. Through lectures, readings, assignments, discussion, and field trips, students will cover program development, implementation, and evaluation, building the practical skills and critical thinking required to be a creative, engaging, and effective educator in this growing field.

MUST 390. Topics in Museum Studies ()

This course provides analysis of substantive issues in museum studies. Topics will vary each semester the course is offered and reflect current interests of students and the instructor. May be repeated for credit if the topic is not duplicated. For a description of each course, see the current online “Schedule of Classes.”

MUST 398/498. Museum Studies Internship (8E)

Internships provide direct hands-on and academic experience in a museum environment selected by the student, approved by the program coordinator, mentored by a member of the museum studies steering committee, and formalized in a learning contract. The internship may be undertaken in a nearby institution, but further afield or abroad as well.