MUSE 500

Credit: 4 hours.

A critical examination of both historical and current theoretical issues in museum practice. Addresses the development of museums within varied social, cultural and intellectual contexts, and the conceptualizations and criticisms of museums in terms of paradigmatic, institutional, symbolic and other theories. In addition to surveying the broad range of theoretical frameworks adopted in contemporary museum scholarship, students will examine and evaluate curatorial and institutional strategies for responding to the myriad external pressure (including multiple constituencies, standards and best practices) currently placed on museums.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.