ARTH 495: RS: Curating an Exhibit

ARTH 495-001: Curating an Exhibition: How Did The Pharaohs Become Pop Icons?
(Fall 2025)

01:30 PM to 04:10 PM F

Research Hall 202

Section Information for Fall 2025

This course will explore the challenges and exciting opportunities in displaying art related to the reception of Ancient Egypt in modern popular culture. We will ask: ‘how did the Pharaohs become pop icons and media stars?’ Through the study of texts and objects, students will develop, design, and build a museum exhibition show that will be on display at George Mason University. This show will teach students how curators use critical analysis, art historical knowledge, standard museum practices, imagination, and an ethical code not only to determine how to display objects, but also how to communicate knowledge and ideas. 

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Conduct hands-on research with objects or other primary sources. Select particular artifacts or works of art and undertake original research, bringing objects from storage to publication to exhibition. Develop skills in material and visual analysis, critical reading, and academic writing. Focus is on VA/DC/MD libraries, archives, and storerooms. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 9 credits.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Writing Intensive in Major
Specialized Designation: Research/Scholarship Intensive
Recommended Prerequisite: 6 credits of 300-level courses in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and ENGH 302.
Schedule Type: Seminar
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.