Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis This subject introduces students to the developing field of material culture research. After a series of general seminars discussing theories of material culture research, students address a range of topics including material culture as evidenced in art history/social history, material culture and everyday life, and material culture and ultural policy. Further sessions will address critical issues such as the future of the National Museum of Australia, museums without artefacts, the documentation of contemporary material culture such as Samook in Sweden, contemporary collecting, and material culture and tourism. A strong emphasis will be placed on fieldwork, with field trips both in and outside of Melbourne.
Assessment (8 points) Class paper (1500 words): 25% + Field project (1500 words): 25% + Research essay (4000 words): 50%
Assessment (12 points) Class paper (2000 words): 25% + Field project (2000 words): 25% + Research essay (5000 words): 50%