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Collection Management (ACUR90007)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This subject will introduce students to the theory and practice of collection management as applied to collections of visual cultural material, with emphasis on works of art. This can range from wider debates regarding significance, ‘canons’ of art history and the impact of new technologies to specific skills associated with accessioning and de-accessioning, cataloguing systems, and collection policies. The subject will be taught in collaboration with the staff of the University of Melbourne’s Ian Potter Museum of Art.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should:



  • have an understanding of the key issues in current debates regarding collection management and collection development; the ethical issues raised by de-accessioning; collections and sustainability;
  • have an understanding of knowledge and skills relating to collection management practices, ranging from accessioning and de-accessioning works of art to provenance surveys, etc;
  • have an understanding of knowledge and skills relating to cataloguing, significance assessments and other collection management tools; and
  • gain an understanding of the types of institutions and organisations that acquire collections of art and visual culture and their varying requirements.

Generic skills

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

  • be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;
  • be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgments and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;
  • be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;
  • be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision; and
  • be able to participate in team work through involvement in syndicate groups and group discussions.

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Recommended background knowledge

Major in art history or a cognate discipline, or other background as deemed appropriate after individual student discussion with the Subject Coordinator.

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

  • 1,500 word acquisition report, due mid-semester (25%)
  • 1,500 word cataloguing exercise, due late in semester (25%)
  • 2,000 word essay, due in the examination period (50%)
  • 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
    CoordinatorMatthew Martin
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursTotal 24 hours: 12 x 2 hour seminar per week throughout semester.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 4 March 2019 to 2 June 2019
    Last self-enrol date15 March 2019
    Census date31 March 2019
    Last date to withdraw without fail10 May 2019
    Assessment period ends28 June 2019

    Semester 1 contact information

    mmartin1@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    A subject reader will be available.

  • Subject notes

    Admission to the Master of Art Curatorship program (038AB) is required.

  • Links to additional information

    http://arts.unimelb.edu.au/culture-communication

  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

    Additional information for this subject

    Subject coordinator approval required

Last updated: 3 November 2022