Exploring the School of Art Collections: Research and Museums

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Identify, analyse, and interpret museum objects as primary sources.
2. Make effective use of museum collections data systems for research.
3. Evidence skills in academic writing using appropriate scholarly apparatus.
4. Compare similar objects from different museum collections.
5. Communicate research through speech and writing.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the content and histories of the SoA Collections
7. Express an informed opinion about current debates relating to museum collections

The School of Art Museum and Galleries is an accredited museum housing growing collections and related archives comprising over 22,000 paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, ceramics, and decorative art. Unique in Wales and of international importance, these collections offer primary research material for staff, students, and external scholars. This module lets you in on the behind-the-scenes work of the museum. Working alongside experienced art historians and museum curators, you will engage with material culture through hands-on study of original artworks from the School of Art collections. You will learn about the formation and history of the collection and its objects, and develop the object handling, analysis, research, interpretation, and writing skills necessary to make sense of them. What you learn on this module is directly applicable to your future study in the School of Art, and will enhance your employability, in particular for careers in the museums and galleries sector.

Through in-person lectures, seminars, writing workshops, and object handling sessions (2 hours per week in total), you will gain in-depth knowledge of the School of Art collections and develop the skills needed to investigate, interpret, and share your understanding of the collections' objects. The module draws on the expertise and research of academic and museum professionals from across the School of Art and beyond to examine a range of topics related to the collections. These vary over time in response to new research and developments in the field, but will typically include Victorian art and culture, ethnological collections, studio ceramics, and 20th century printmaking and photography.

The module also explores the debates, perspectives, and practices currently underway within contemporary museums, such as those around equality, diversity, and inclusion; and decolonising museums. In addition to being informed about the latest developments in the museum sector, through embedded employability teaching delivered by the Careers Service, you will also learn how to make best use of the knowledge and skills you develop on the module for your future career.

This module is at CQFW Level 4