Module Identifier |
MG30110 |
Module Title |
INTERPRETATION AND COMMUNICATION: READING AND WRITING MUSEUM TEXTS |
Academic Year |
2006/2007 |
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 |
Ms Moira M Vincentelli, Mr Neil A Holland |
Pre-Requisite |
MG10120 , MG20410 , MG20110 |
Course delivery |
Lecture | x 10 |
|
Other | 3 x 2 hour workshops |
Assessment |
Assessment Type | Assessment Length/Details | Proportion |
Semester Assessment | Project | 50% |
Semester Assessment | Essay of 2500 words | 50% |
|
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. assess the implications of syntax and register in all types of museum texts
2. assess types of museums visitors and how to engage them
3. devise communication strategies to involve and not alienate the visitor
4. evaluate target audiences
Relation to Assessment
Project (1-4), Essay (1-4)
The project is designed to identify the students' level of comprehension, practical understanding and application of necessary interpretation and communication skills in museum work. The essay allows the opportunity to articulate the theoretical issues surrounding methods of engaging museum visitors and audience evaluation.
Brief description
The module examines the theory and practice of reading and writing museum texts, and communicating ideas through object displays. It explores methods of textual analysis and the methods of producing texts that will engage rather than alienate the museum visitor. A wide range of texts from artefact labels to web pages is considered
Aims
1. explain and facilitate the critical examination of written texts in the museum context
2. explain the processes of effective communication and interpretation
3. identify target audiences
4. explain the importance of active publicity
Content
PART 1
-
Reading and Writing the Museum Text (some theories)
-
Textual Analysis: Using Approachable Language
-
Making Collections Accessible: Writing Labels and Information Boards
-
Museum Publications
-
Multimedia and IT
PART 2
-
Marketing and Publicity to promote an Exhibition
-
Reaching the Target Audience and Attracting a Wider Audience
-
Writing a Press Release
-
Reading Poster Design
-
Writing Web Pages
Transferable skills
1 Independent project work
Seminar preparation
Project assignments
2 IT and information handling
Word Processing
DTP Software
3 Use and analysis of numerical information
None
4 Writing in an academic context
Essay
Project assignments
5 Oral discussion and presentation
Seminars and Workshops
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
Course Work
8 Group activity
Seminars
Workshops
Reading Lists
Books
Eilean Hooper-Greenhill (ed.) (1999) The Educational Role of Museums
Routledge, London
I Karp & S D Levine (1991) Exhibiting Cultures. The Poetics and Politics of Museum Display
Routledge, London
Museums Association (1992) Manual of Curatorship
Butterworths, London
Museums Association (1997) Museum Practice `Outreach?, Issue 3, Vol. 1, [December] 1996, `Interpretation?, Issue 5, Vol. 2, No.2
Peter Vergo (ed.) (1989) The New Museology
Reaktion Books, London
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6