Entry requirements

60 credits in Conservation, Art History, Archaeology or other relevant discipline

Learning outcomes

After having finished the course the student should be able to

• give a general description of the historical development of the museum institution within a global context,
• briefly explain how museological scholarship has interpreted the activity and public role of museums,
• analyse the relationship between museums and surrounding communities,
• discuss how the activities of museums may reflect cultural expressions.

Content

"Museum Contexts" explores how the museum as an institution has developed historically. The course connects to the school of ”New Museum Theory” which has developed since the late 1980s and problematises how museums represent culture and society. Museums are understood as institutions for production, mediation and preservation of knowledge about the conditions of human society. The culture-boundedness of museums is discussed from a historic point of view. The course focuses on three themes: the emergence of the museum as idea and as institution, the representation of culture-bound values and contemporary practices in representing human culture.

Instruction

The course is given in English. There are lectures, seminars and excursions.

Assessment

The course is examined with a written test. Except for the written text the student needs to take active part in the literature seminars. Grades are Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) or Fail (U).