ARTH 394: The Museum

ARTH 394-DL1: The Museum
(Spring 2021)

03:00 PM to 04:15 PM TR

Online

Section Information for Spring 2021

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 political stakes in collecting, displaying, and viewing art? What purposes and ideologies 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 race, 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. Prereqs: 6 credits in art history at the 300-level and completion or concurrent enrollment in ENGH 302.

ARTH 394 DL1 is a distance education section taught synchronously. Students should expect to meet on the days and time scheduled.

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.