ARTH 394: The Museum

ARTH 394-001: The Museum
(Spring 2016)

04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R

Music Theater Building 1002

Section Information for Spring 2016

This course will be an introduction to the history and practices of art museums, taking advantage of the superb museums in Washington, DC.  Through our readings, discussions and visits, we will learn about museum history, operations, careers, ethical issues and current controversies.  Readings will also introduce issues of cultural representation as expressed through museum exhibitions.  The course will end with a consideration of international law regarding collecting, UNESCO’s World Heritage program, and cultural property management worldwide.  During  the course, class members will be required to get themselves to a selected group of local museums, galleries or exhibits four times, following assigned weekend itineraries.

ARTH 394 fulfills a requirement for the Art History major, and fulfils the University’s Mason Core requirement for a synthesis course. Please note that as a synthesis course, it does not fulfill the Mason Core requirement for Fine Arts.

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Examines history, theory, practice, ethics, and current problems of collecting and displaying art and artifacts to the public. Emphasizes issues central to museums in Washington, D.C., or museums in other locations; focus varies with instructor. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Synthesis
Recommended Prerequisite: 6 credits in art history at the 300-level and completion or concurrent enrollment in ENGH 302.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.