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Museum Studies |
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Also see the Certificate in Museum Studies. Courselist
MUSE E-100
An Introduction to Museology (10207)
(Syllabus)
This course provides a behind-the-scenes view of museums from the people who are actively involved in their operation. Students will be exposed to the history and objectives of various types of museums (art, natural history, science, historical, zoological) through panel discussions that involve museum directors, curators, conservators, collection managers, and exhibit designers. The focus will be the rich and diverse resources of Harvard University's museums, but there also will be guest lecturers from other local museums. Back to top of page.
MUSE E-110
Museum Exhibition (20185)
(Syllabus)
This course explores the issues and processes involved in the conceptualization, planning, and design of exhibits in a variety of museum settings. Topics include the development of exhibition themes and educational goals, intellectual and physical accessibility, Universal Design, and exhibit evaluation methods. The course will encourage students to develop creative communication and problem-solving skills through assignments, workshops, and field trips. Back to top of page.
MUSE E-115
Collections and Curation (20186)
(Syllabus)
This course investigates the formation of collections and their use by museums for educational and research purposes. It also examines the role of those who care for collections. Topics addressed include acquisitions, cataloguing, documentation, ethics, interpretation, loans, registration, and research. Back to top of page.
MUSE E-120
Museum Education (11096)
(Syllabus)
An exploration of what is known about the learning that takes place in museums. Topics will include theories of learning and knowledge, construction and use of evaluation tools, survey of museum education functions in museums today and historically, and understanding museum audiences. Students will complete a research project that will occupy most of the semester and will make several trips to area museums for observations and studies of visitor behavior. Prerequisite: MUSE E-100 is strongly recommended. Back to top of page.
MUSE E-123
Research and Evaluation Methodologies for Museums (21791)
(Syllabus)
Exploration of the history and current status of research and evaluation studies in museums. Topics will include: survey of research and evaluation methodologies; history of the application of these methodologies in museums; analytical approaches to data collection and interpretation; and case studies. Students will conduct actual field studies in local museums as part of a term project for the course. Prerequisites: MUSE E-100 and MUSE E-120 or equivalents. Back to top of page.
MUSE E-125
Preservation and Care of Collections (20988)
(Syllabus)
Topics in this course include: the nature of the inorganic and organic materials used to make artifacts; factors that contribute to their deterioration before and after they enter a collection; monitoring of the environment; proper materials for construction of display and storage cabinetry and cases; and assessing the condition of different types of artifacts. Also discussed are the development of pest management and disaster preparedness plans, preservation issues related to loaning and transportation, and ethical considerations as they relate to preservation. Back to top of page.
MUSE E-130
Information Technology for Museums (11374)
(Syllabus)
This course provides an overview of the use of information technology by museums in the following functional areas: administrative and office management systems, marketing, fundraising, asset management (for example, museum collections, image archives), and e-commerce. It provides instruction in the development of databases using MS Access or FileMaker, in the development of webpages using Dreamweaver, or in imaging using Photoshop. It provides an in-depth look at the use of databases and websites to further an organization's mission. Topics include: data models and data dictionaries, information standards and their use, the development of new media products, and issues of copyright and fair use. Prerequisite: MUSE E-100 or equivalent. Back to top of page.
MUSE E-140
Inventing the Boston Museum of Fine Arts (11811)
(Syllabus)
One of the most significant art institutions in this country for more than a century, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts has had a continually evolving identity. This course will examine the history and character of the Museum of Fine Arts from its founding in 1870 through its early years at Copley Square, to its development after the 1909 relocation to Huntington Avenue. Topics emphasized will include: major patrons and outstanding acquisitions, landmark exhibitions and their historical context, and the complex role of the museum as a cultural symbol within Boston and beyond. Also considered will be changing ideas about interpretation, display, and audience reactions to works of art. Back to top of page.
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