ARTH 078. Museum Matters: Practice, Theory, Controversy

This course investigates the art museum and its function for the preservation and interpretation of culture. We will consider how the art museum reflects the ideological concerns of the society in which it was created, and explore how the museum has adapted (or attempted to adapt) over time to meet the changing needs of its audience. Museums played a critical role in the construction of identity (local, regional, and national); they also helped shape western understandings of culture, society, power, and difference. We will analyze a variety of case studies to address such concepts and related issues, in order to trace the evolving objectives of museum theory and practices. An important focus of this course will be on current debates and museological discourse, as well as learning about museums from behind the scenes. Field trips to local and regional museums and collaboration with museum professionals will be an essential component of this course.
Humanities.
1 credit.
Fall 2023. Staff.
Catalog chapter: Art and Art History: Art History
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/art

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