Course Description
An introduction to museums as important cultural sites. Through discussion, readings, written assignments, on-campus field trips, and guest lecturers, students will examine different types of museums, responsibilities of staff, and the challenges and issues encountered in entering the field.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to write a research paper
based on a specific issue in museology.
Athena Title
Introduction to Museum Studies
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course offers an overview of the field of museums that draws from resources on campus at the University of Georgia. Students will learn from professionals in museums and museum-related fields and visit institutions on campus, including the Georgia Museum of Art, Special Collections Libraries, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, and the Georgia Museum of Natural History. Students will also examine and discuss ethical questions and other current issues in the museum field.
Topical Outline
I. Philosophy and Purpose of Museums II. History and Types of Museums III. Organization and Administration IV. Curators and Collections V. Preservation and Conservation VI. Exhibitions VII. Exhibition Design VIII. Ethics IX. Interpretation and Museum Education X. Museum Audiences and Participation XI. Diversity in Museums XII. Technology in Museums XIII. Museums in the Community XIV. Evaluation XV. The Future of Museums
Syllabus
Public CV