Chabot College
Fall 2002
Course Outline for Art 6
MUSEUM STUDIES
Catalog Description:
6 – Museum Studies
3 units
Historical overview of museums and practical, hands-on instruction in the skills needed by
museum and gallery workers. Held in Chabot’s student art gallery with visits to local museums,
galleries and historical societies. Students learn the important social role of museums, as well as
the skills of art handling, curating, registration, preparation, exhibition and art education.
Culminates in the hanging of an on-campus art exhibition. Strongly recommended: eligibility for
English 1A. 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab.
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
identify the history of museums from their origins to the present;
demonstrate an understanding of museums as guardians of history and culture;
assess the changing roles and responsibilities of today’s museums;
demonstrate an understanding of the political implications of museum display;
identify and discuss specific exhibitions from the distant and recent past;
demonstrate an understanding of the changing relationship between museums and
technology;
7. identify and demonstrate skills in the basic operative procedures of museums such as art
handling, curating, registration, preparation, exhibition and education.
Course Content:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
The history of museums
The importance of museums for preserving history and purveying culture
Why museums change as society changes
The political implications of museum display
Case studies of specific exhibitions
The changing relationship between museums and technology
Field study: learn behind-the-scenes operations of local East Bay museums, galleries and
historical societies
8. Hang an art exhibition: hands-on experience in art handling, curating, registration,
preparation, exhibition and education
9. Prepare and organize opening night event
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Lectures
Discussion
Field study
Lab work
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Oral summaries of readings
b. Written assignments based on museum visits
c. All tasks required for hanging exhibition
Course Outline for Art 6
Museum Studies
Fall 2002
Page 2
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Participation in discussions
b. Oral presentation
c. Lab work
d. Written assignments
e. Exams
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Museums for a New Century: A Report of the Commission on Museums for a New Century.
Washington, D.C.: American Association of Museums, 1984.
Exhibiting Cultures: The Poetics and Politics of Museum Display. Ivan Karp and Steven Lavine,
editors. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, 1991.
Special Student Materials:
None
DZ z/curriculum/Art6
New: 11/15/01