| Module Identifier |
MG30610 |
| Module Title |
THE MUSEUM AS ARTEFACT |
| Academic Year |
2007/2008 |
| Co-ordinator |
Mr Robert K Meyrick |
| Semester |
Intended for use in future years |
| Next year offered |
N/A |
| Next semester offered |
N/A |
| Other staff |
Mr Neil A Holland, Ms Moira M Vincentelli |
| Pre-Requisite |
MG10120 |
| Course delivery |
Lecture | x 8 hrs |
| |
Seminars / Tutorials | x 6.5 hrs |
| Assessment |
| Assessment Type | Assessment Length/Details | Proportion |
|---|
| Semester Assessment | Museum evaluation and appraisal of 4000 words | 100% |
|
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
analyse purpose-built museum buildings, relating museum architecture to their various functions and collections
to appreciate how the museum building underpins our perception of collections and the material culture displayed therein
to write a critical or appraisal of a museum
to explain the function of different types of museum
Relation to assessment:
Museum evaluation and appraisal (1-4)
The Evaluation and Appraisal is structured in order to identify and assess the students? ability to analyse the museum environment in an informed and critical manner, demonstrating their comprehension of the relationship between objects and displays, and in the context of the function of the museum building.
Brief description
The module explores the history of museum architecture and the development of buildings purposely built to house and display collections, both public and private. It considers how the museum building underpins our perception of collections and the material culture displayed therein as we consider the articulation of structures, internal spaces and displays in museums from the outer skin to the display cabinet. The specific requirements of a museum building will be investigated through the examination of specific case studies, looking constructively and critically at the buildings and how they function in relation to their stated aims. Contemporary designs and changes in the design of established museums are explored to appreciate how museums learn.
Aims
explore the development of buildings purposely built to house and display collections, public and private
look constructively and critically at museum buildings and how they function in relation to their stated aims
to examine in depth specific case studies, paying particular attention to art museums
to investigate the specific requirements of a museum building
to analyse the articulation of space in museums from the outer skin to the display cabinet
Content
History of Museum Architecture
How Museums Learn: Changes in Museum Design
Contemporary Design
The Museum Environment
Structures, Internal Spaces and Displays
The Commercial Gallery and artist-run space
The Virtual Museum
Country House, Private Residences and the National Trust
Transferable skills
1 Independent project work
Museum evaluation and appraisal
Site visit and seminar preparation
2 IT and information handling
Word processing
Internet searches
3 Use and analysis of numerical information
None.
4 Writing in an academic context
Essay - Museum evaluation and appraisal
5 Oral discussion and presentation
Seminars
Group activities during visits
6 Careers need awareness
The module is specifically for students considering a career in museums, art gallery administration, public art organisations, freelance curators and exhibition organisers, and in private galleries.
7 Self-management
Seminar preparation
Assignment deadlines
8 Group activity
Project work on site.
Seminars
Reading Lists
Books
Daniel J Sherman & Irit Rogoff (eds.) (1994) Museum Culture, Histories, Discourses, Spectacles,
Routledge, London,
Giles Waterford (ed.) (1992) Palaces of Art, Art Galleries in Britain 1790-1990,
Lund Humphries & Dulwich Picture Gallery, London
John Elsner & Roger Cardinal (eds.) (1994) The Cultures of Collecting
Reaktion Books, London
Lumley, R., (ed.), (1989) The Museum Time Machine
Methuen/Routledge, London
Mike Sixsmith (ed.) (1999) Designing Galleries: The Complete Guide to Developing and Designing Spaces and Services for Temporary Exhibitions
Arts Councils of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland
Pearce, Susan M (1992) Museums, Objects & Collections
Leicester University Press
Peter Vergo (ed.) (1989) The New Museology
Reaktion Books, London
Vittorio Magnago Lampugnani and Angeli Sachs (eds) (1999) Museums for a New Millennium
Prestel Verlag, Munich, London, New York
Phaidon series on the design of selected museums worldwide
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6