This course provides a behind-the-scenes view of museums from the people who are actively involved in their operation. Students learn about 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 is the rich and diverse resources of Harvard University's museums, but there also are guest lecturers from other local museums. The course is required for students planning to apply to the Graduate Program in Museum Studies, but it is also appropriate for the avid museum goer who desires a more comprehensive understanding of how museums function.
(4 credits)
Fall term (10207)
Katherine Burton Jones, MA, Assistant Director of the Museum Studies Program, Harvard Extension School.
