CRP 3601 - Museum and the Public Sphere

Spring. 3 credits.

Co-meets with CRP 6601.

J. Chusid.

Evaluates different types of museums (art, science, history, arboreta, etc.), and their constantly evolving missions in contemporary societies. The material is addressed through site visits, lectures by faculty and guests, readings, case studies and a team semester-long project. Issues covered include the nature of collections; the nature of the audience; the purpose and role of museums; political and cultural questions about collecting, history and interpretation; governance and management; and the core ethical and intellectual values and positions implied or expressed by the institutions. Students will also undertake a comprehensive planning project for a local museum, to be presented to the client at the end of the semester.