Museum Studies (MUSE)

Exploration of the careers and professions available to students of Art History and Museum Studies, through professional development exercises and career-related activities and excursions.

Individual study open to junior and senior majors or minors wishing to do further research in art history. Prior approval of instructor required.

Advanced study of museum studies themes and issues. Topics will be announced each semester the course is offered.

Introductory survey of a wide variety of institutions within the museum industry, including art museums, history museums, children's museums, historical societies, and house museums. Museum professions and areas of specialization such as administration, fundraising, education, and collections management will also be covered.

Introduction to the principles and practices of collections management in museums, including the legal and ethical obligations as stewards of collections; the fundamentals of the museum environment, space management, and storage methods; the acquisition, accession and deaccessioning processes as well as registration duties including collection documentation and cataloging, collections plans, policies, and procedures.

Introduction to the foundations of exhibitions, visitor types, and the role of objects. Students will gain a foundation of exhibition planning, label writing, and evaluation of exhibitions. This course will include hands-on projects, museum visits, and exhibition critiques.

Supervised professional work experience in the museum industry.