Material culture: theory and practice
Gwenda Davey and Peter Spearritt
8 or 12 points
* One 2-hour seminar per week
* Second semester
*
Clayton
Objectives On successful completion of this subject students should demonstrate an understanding of theories of material research and of the role of material culture as historical and cultural evidence. Students should also show an awareness of the importance of the detail of everyday life in the study of culture and society. In this subject critical issues will be addressed such as the documentation of contemporary material culture, contemporary collecting, and material culture and tourism. A strong emphasis will be placed on fieldwork, with field trips both in and outside of Melbourne.
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 cultural 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%
| Published by Monash University, Clayton, Victoria
3168 Copyright © Monash University 1996 - All Rights Reserved - Caution Authorised by the Academic Registrar December 1996 |