History and Philosophy of Museums (AHIS90005)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This subject examines the growth of the museum from its origins in the wunderkammer and antiquarian collections of the 16th century to the dynamic and constantly shifting field of possibilities available to museums today. The subject charts the progression of the museum from the private collections of the Renaissance and Baroque to the vast public institutional spaces of the late 18th and 19th centuries, and beyond. Special attention will be given to the ways in which the changing objectives of the museum (e.g. moral elevation, public instruction, mass entertainment, propoganda) are reflected in the architecture, design and display techniques developed in different counties in different times. Students should develop an understanding of the relationship between museums and concepts of national and cultural identity, focusing on their development within Australia. This will include visits to appropriate sites and institutions.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students hould be able to:



  • understand the social, cultural and political history of museums and the history of collecting;
  • understand the changing role of museums / galleries in society as reflected in their architecture, design and display techniques; and
  • develop an understanding of the relationship between museums and concepts of national and cultural identity.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:

  • further developed their research skills;
  • developed their ability to think and argue critically and to express their ideas in written communication; and
  • developed skills in oral presentation.

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Assessment

Additional details

  • A 2,000 word exercise (40%), due during the semester
  • A 3,000 word research essay (55%), due in the examination period
  • Participation in classes (5%)
  • Hurdle: Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject and regular class participation is expected.

 

 

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorChristopher Marshall
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursTotal 24 hours: 12 x 2 hour seminar per week throughout semester.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017
    Last self-enrol date10 March 2017
    Census date31 March 2017
    Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017
    Assessment period ends23 June 2017

    Semester 1 contact information

    crmars@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Further information

Last updated: 3 November 2022