ARTH 394: The Museum

ARTH 394-B01: The Museum
(Summer 2021)

Online

Section Information for Summer 2021

This course will examine how the museum has evolved over the centuries from cabinets of curiosity to large-scale cultural institutions. We will study the museum as a concept with particular attention to its history, function, architecture, and ethical responsibility. Using recent controversies as case studies, we will address issues regarding collecting practices and repatriation, debates over exhibition content, as well as the commercialization of museum spaces and the commodification of collections. We will  be attentive to how museums negotiate between entertaining and educating the public and also consider the continuing impact of the pandemic on the museum world.

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.

ARTH 394 B01 is a distance education section that meets asynchronously.

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.