UNIVERSITY OF KENT
MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE
SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATION
1. Title of the module:
Museum Studies: (with internship)
2. School which will be responsible for management of the module:
School of European Culture and Languages (SECL)
3. Start Date of the Module:
Autumn 2012 –Revised for 2014
4. The number of students expected to take the module:
c.8-10
5. Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other
relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal:
None
6. The level of the module:
I/H
7. The number of credits and ECTS level which the module represents:
30 (7.5 ECTS)
8. Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern):
Autumn and Spring Term
9. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules:
None.
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes:
Classical & Archaeological Studies.
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes:
On successful completion of the module I level students will have:
11.1. obtained knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of
museum studies and of the way in which those principles have developed;
11.2. demonstrated the ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the
context in which they were first studied, particularly during the internship
11.3. displayed knowledge of the main methods of enquiry on different topics related to
collections care, management and interpretation, and ability to evaluate critically the
appropriateness of these different approaches to solving problems
11.4. shown an understanding of the limits of their knowledge, in particular of their biases,
and how these influence their analyses and interpretation of collections and decisions
related to conservation and management
On successful completion of the module H level students will have:
11.5. obtained a systematic understanding of the well-established principles of museum
studies and a detailed knowledge of the way in which those principles have developed;
11.6. acquired the ability to deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and
enquiry within a discipline, in the context of academia and outside
11.7. obtained a systematic and conceptual understanding of the main methods of enquiry
on different topics related to collections care, management and interpretation, and ability to
evaluate critically the appropriateness of these different approaches to solving problems
New module specification approved by Faculty 23 January 2012
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
11.8. have an in-depth appreciation of the limits of their knowledge, in particular of their
biases, and how these influence their analyses and interpretation of collections and
decisions related to conservation and management.
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module I level students will have:
12.1. acted as part of a team, maintaining effective working relationships with employers
and employees.
12.2. demonstrated communication skills, written and oral, both one to one and with an
audience.
12.3. displayed the ability to make effective use of source materials, as well as IT skills, to
support activities.
12.4. displayed organisational, prioritisation, time management and negotiating skills.
12.5. engaged in self-analysis, problem-solving and critical evaluation.
On successful completion of the module H level students will have:
12.6 Qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment;
12.7. demonstrated the ability to communicate information, ideas, problems, and solutions
to both specialist and non-specialist audiences;
12.8. displayed the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of
professional or equivalent nature.
12.9. qualities and transferable skills necessary for decision-making in complex and
unpredictable contexts;
12.10. demonstrated the ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility.
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
The module will allow the student to acquire knowledge and critical understanding of the
fundamental principles related to collecting and interpreting objects within museums and
managing these institutions. .Students will be required to become familiar and engage
critically, during the seminars, with the key references on these topics. Students will then
be required to apply concepts and principles learnt in class in the context of their
internship.. As part of their internship, each student will devise a special project in
consultation with the mentor and the module convenor. Precise objectives and skills to be
learnt will be recorded and tracked regularly. Students will keep a weekly log of their
activities. The placement may take place either as a block during the Easter vacation of
Stage 2 or 3, or at regular intervals over the Autumn and Spring terms.
14. Indicative Reading List
- Ambrose, T. and Paine, C., 2012. Museum Basics. Routledge
- Edson, G. and Dean. D., 2005. The Handbook for Museums. Routledge
- Anderson, G. 2004. Reinventing the Museum: Historical and Contemporary; Perspectives
on the Paradigm Shift. Walnut Creek, Cal.: AltaMira Press
- Fforde, C. et al (eds), 2004. The Dead and Their Possessions: Repatriation in Principle,
Policy and Practice. London: Routledge
- Kwashima, N.1997. Museum Management in a Time of Change Warwick: University of
Warwick, Centre for the Study of Cultural Policy
- Hooper-Greenhill, E. 1997. Cultural Diversity: Developing Museum audiences in Britain,
Routledge
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the
total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the
intended learning outcomes
In the autumn term, the student will acquire knowledge and critical understanding of the
principles of museum studies. This will be achieved through lectures, seminars and group
activities.
New module specification approved by Faculty 23 January 2012
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
In the second term or during the first and second term, students will undertake an
internship in a museum, guided by a designated mentor. The students will engage in work
based activities and conduct a well-defined project under the guidance of the mentor and/or
other staff members. Precise objectives will be defined for the internship by the mentor, to
be regularly monitored. Regular seminars with the module convenor will facilitate the
successful completion of this internship. The mentor is a museum staff who will supervise a
student during his/her internship.
The mentor will define the objectives of the internship in collaboration with the student (and
in agreement with the module convenor), write a mid-term review of the student's
performances and write a final evaluation. The mentor is not at all involved in the marking of
the module.
These learning and teaching methods will achieve subject specific learning outcomes 11.1-4
for I level students and 11.5-11.8 for H level students and generic learning outcomes 12.1-5
for I level students and 12.6-12.10 for I level students.
Contact hours: Autumn term: One hour Lecture/seminar for 10 weeks: 20 hours.
Spring term: two hours seminars for 5 weeks: 10 hours.
Placement time: Approximately 70 hours (equivalent to one half day per week for 22 weeks).
Independent study: 200 hours.
Total: 300 hours.
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning
outcomes
100% Coursework
There are four methods of assessment. Learning outcomes being assessed are shown in
brackets.
I level students:
a. 2x1,500 word essay (15% each) (11.1-4 and 12.2-5)
b. Blog / online collaborative Forum (20%). One entry for each placement day, up to a
maximum of 250 words. (11.2 & 11.4 and 12.1-5)
c. Oral Presentation: there will be 2 presentations. The first will be 10 minutes in length (8%
of the mark), the second 20 minutes (17% of the mark). Total presentation mark 25% (11.1-4
& 12.1-5)
d. Report on placement (25%), 2,500 words (11.1-4 & 12.1-5),
H level students
a. 2x 2,000 words essay (15% each) (11.5-8 and 12.6-10)
Different essay questions will be provided for I and H level students
b. Blog / online collaborative Forum (20%). One entry for each placement day. (11.5-8 and
12.6-10)
c. Oral Presentation: there will be 2 presentations. The first will be 10 minutes in length (8%
of the mark), the second 20 minutes (17% of the mark). Total presentation mark 25% (11.5-8
& 12.6-10)
Report on placement (25%) 3,000 words. (11.5-8 and 12.6-10)
In order to differentiate between the two levels at which the module is operating, H level
students will be expected to show a wider research ability and demonstrate a stronger
critical analysis of the material than their counterparts at I level
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
No implications in terms of IT, learning resources or space. No additional staff requirement.
A small fund will be needed for student and convenor travel costs in cases where the
internship takes place outside the Canterbury area.
18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality
legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its
teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including
additional or substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have
New module specification approved by Faculty 23 January 2012
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
declared and discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared
disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s
disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be provided where needed.
19. Campus(es) where module will be delivered:
Canterbury
New module specification approved by Faculty 23 January 2012