Museums, History, Interpretation
Fall 2013
This course explores the culture of museums, using an American frame of reference with some reference to international museums. “Museum” is defined broadly, and includes historic sites, open landscapes, historic houses, memorials, and more formal national and regional exhibitions. Major emphasis is placed on how historical thinking, sociocultural values, and political considerations enter public spaces and shape national culture. We focus on how both academic and public historians work, on issues of national identity, on questions of contested history. In exploring how public historians work, we will also explore how the web is transforming access to source materials. Specific case studies explore the impact of politics in American museums, representation of minorities (African-Americans, Native-Americans, Latino-Americans), and the growth of museums of conscience (Holocaust museums).
Readings for the course are available at the Bookstore and at Brillig Books (Elliewood Place).
Materials for the course include the following books and printed materials:
- Catherine Lewis, The Changing Face of Public History
- Ivan Karp and Steven Lavine, eds., Exhibiting Cultures
- Michael Kammen, Visual Shock
In addition, web based readings can be accessed through the electronic syllabus for the course.
Grades will be based on class participation and discussion (10%), and three essays. Two of these will be based on class readings (25%, 30%). In addition, an independent analysis of a specific museum in the context of the final class readings will form the basis of the third essay (35%). Several times during the semester, students will be expected to participate in site visits to local museums and exhibits that are accessible. Class discussion is an important part of the course.
