AUS4120

Museums as exhibiting institutions

David Dunstan

8 points -One 2-hour seminar per week -First semester -Clayton

Objectives Students should develop an understanding of a range of issues in the conduct of contemporary museums and art museums, including an understanding of contemporary debates concerning the role and future of museums, and a critical understanding of exhibitions and their institutional and social contexts.

Synopsis Both the collecting and exhibiting functions of museums are considered. Discussions range from the evolution and development of public museums to the analysis of different types of museum collections and the problems faced. Issues include problems faced in balancing public access and financial accountability, issues of cultural diversity, museums and indigenous peoples, notions of cultural ownership, identity and appropriation, museums and tourism development, and the critical evaluation of exhibitions. Fieldwork excursions are a feature of the subject.

Assessment One seminar paper (1500 words): 25% -Exhibition review (1500 words): 25% -Exhibition brief (3000 words): 40% -Presentation seminar: 10%

Preliminary reading

Bennett T The birth of the museum Routledge, 1995

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