ARTH 594: The Museum

ARTH 594-001: The Museum
(Spring 2026)

04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T

Aquia Building 347

View the schedule of classes

Section Information for Spring 2026

This course will examine the history of the art museum and the issues surrounding art museums today. We will consider the origins of art collections and public viewing of them, and consider the museum as a political and social entity. What are the stakes in collecting, displaying, and viewing art? What purposes do museums serve, and for whom are they intended? How has the history of the art museum affected and shaped the institution we know today? How are museums changing and what will they be like in the future? We will also consider some of the practicalities of work in a museum, from the conservator to the registrar, from the curator to the educator, and we will look at some of the issues museums face today, such as repatriation, forgeries, and funding. Assessments will be based on short writing assignments, a final paper, participation in class discussion and presentation of a research topic. 

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 may vary with instructor. Offered by History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
Recommended Prerequisite: Baccalaureate degree or permission of instructor.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate 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.