Museums Concentration 118 - HIST & CRIT ISSUES OF MUSEUMS

Through readings and lectures by Smith faculty and guests, we examine institutions that shape knowledge and understanding through the collection, preservation, interpretation and display of material culture. We look at the history of museums, the role of museums in preserving and elucidating our cultural heritage, and such critical issues as the ethics of collection and display and the importance of cultural property rights. We examine different types of museums, using the Smith College Museum of Art and the Smith Botanic Gardens as case studies. The final lecture considers the future of museums and how they are evolving to meet society?s needs. Graded S/U only.