American Studies 411 - SEM:AMER CULT: COPY IN MUSEUM

This seminar examines the history, functions, theories, and meanings of museums in society, focusing primarily on the changing role of the museum in the digital age. From the emergence of photography in the mid nineteenth century to the ever-expanding use of the Internet today, the notion of the museum in the United States has been and is constantly in flux. While elite art museum officials of the nineteenth century sought primarily to teach and promote ?high? culture, today?s museum administrators highlight the museum?s position in global communication, dissemination of information, and cross-cultural understanding. Students will be introduced to all aspects of the museum field and examine the impact of media and technology from the period when photography was new in the nineteenth century to today. (Open only to members of the Smithsonian Internship Program. Given in Washington, D.C.).

Instructor Permission.