ARTH 494: The Museum

ARTH 494-B01: The Museum
(Summer 2025)

Online

Section Information for Summer 2025

This course will examine the history of the museum as an institution from its origins among semi-private collections to its emergence as a highly visible global practice. How and why did museums come into being? What ideologies guide their priorities and what audiences do they serve? In addition to considering the historical development of the museum we will also explore the complex issues that these institutions generate. Questions of nationhood, repatriation, forgery, and funding will guide our analysis. This is an online course, so content will be delivered through videos and readings. Assignments will consist of multiple writing assignments. The course will require a museum visit. 

ARTH 494 B01 is an online asynchronous section.

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. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Mason Apex
Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of 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.