CRP 6601 - [Museum and the Public]

Spring. Next Offered: 2020-2021. 3 credits. Student option grading.

Co-meets with CRP 3601.

Staff.

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 audience; the purpose and role of museums; political and cultural questions about collecting, history and interpretation; governance and management. It also discusses the core ethical and intellectual values and positions implied or expressed by the institutions. Students will undertake a comprehensive planning project for a local museum, to be presented to the client at the end of the semester.