Chabot College
Fall 2007
Course Outline for Art History 51
ART GALLERY II: MUSEUM STUDIES
Catalog Description:
51 – Art Gallery II: Museum Studies
(May be repeated 3 times.)
4.5 units
Overview of museum history and theory, plus practical, hands-on instruction in skills basic to
museum and gallery workers including art handling, curating, registration, preparation, exhibition
and art education. Held in the Chabot Art Gallery with visits to local museums, galleries and/or
historical societies. Culminates in the hanging of a large student art exhibition. (Formerly ART6;
may not receive credit if ART 6 has been completed.) 3 hours lecture, 5 hours laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: lecture 52.5; laboratory 87.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:
1. chart the history of museums from their origins to the present and recognize the importance
of museums as guardians of history and culture;
2. reflect upon changing theories of museum responsibilities in light of challenges posed by
multiculturalism, technology, gender issues, globalization, etc.;
3. discuss specific watershed exhibitions from the distant and recent past;
4. differentiate the duties of various museum professionals such as registrar, curator, and
educator after hearing from guest speakers who hold these positions;
5. identify the holdings and behind-the-scenes operations of local museums, galleries and/or
historical societies;
6. demonstrate basic museum-specific skills such as art handling, curating, registration,
preparation, exhibition and education;
7. participate in the preparation of an opening night gallery event.
Course Content:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
The history of museums and their importance for preserving history and purveying culture
How museums and their exhibitions reflect social change
Case studies of specific watershed exhibitions
The various museum professions
Behind-the-scenes operations of local museums, galleries and/or historical societies
Art handling, curating, registration, preparation, exhibition and education
The function of an opening night event
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Lectures
Discussion
Guest speakers
Field trips
Chabot College
Course Outline for Art History 51, Page 2
Fall 2007
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Prepare a summary of the reading and deliver it orally to the class
b. Write an essay on a museum visit
c. Undertake a task required for hanging the exhibit
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Participation in discussions
b. Quizzes
c. Gallery talks
d. Lab work
e. Written assignments
f. Final exam
Textbook(s) (Typical):
The Birth of the Museum: History, Theory, Politics. Tony Bennett. Routledge, 2003.
The Manual of Museum Exhibitions. Barry Lord and Gail Dexter Lord. Altamira Press, 2001.
Special Student Materials:
None
DZ g\Curriculum2006\Arth51
Revised: 10/24/06