2012/13 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
ARTF1042 Museum and Country House Studies 2: Introduction to Museum Studies
20 creditsClass Size: 50
Module manager: Dr Abigail Harrison Moore
Email: A.L.Moore@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2012/13
This module is approved as an Elective
Module summary
- Do you enjoy visiting museums and art galleries? - Have you ever stopped to think about the role that these institutions and objects play in contemporary cultures? - What relevance do they have for people today? - Are they really 'part of our heritage' and, if so, what does this mean? - What issues are involved in curating and displaying collections? This module offers you the opportunity to explore these and other questions through the consideration of recent theories and practices. Emphasis is placed on working directly with collections and the module will include study visits to: - Leeds Art Gallery- The Henry Moore Institute and Centre for the Study of Sculpture- The Royal Armouries and the Leeds Museum.Objectives
To introduce students to the history of the museum, and explore how this history impacts upon the operation of museums and galleries today.To introduce students to the key readings from museum studies and museology.
To introduce students to ways of reading museum practice, including a consideration of interpretation and communication practices in museums.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students:
- have acquired a basic understanding of the museum in history and in the contemporary cultural marketplace;
- be acquainted with key texts of the secondary literature of museology and museum history;
- begin to develop an ability to analyse the current ideologies and methods which inform the presentation of objects to visitors in museums.
Through various visits, students will become familiar with the museums and galleries in the Leeds area and will learn to use them as examples in class and in essays, seminar papers and exams. The module also aims to develop first year students' understanding of different teaching methods and will focus on aspects of presenting ideas to class.
Skills outcomes
Verbal and written fluency in constructing a logical and coherent argument.
Use of audio visual aids
Participation in group discussions
Co-ordination and dissemination of a range of historical, contextual visual information
Using bibliographies and databases
Syllabus
This module provides students with an introduction to museum studies with a distinct focus on visiting local museums and art galleries. The module examines the social formation of museums from their development in the private collections of the 17th century to the present day. Museums are studied thematically and theoretically.
Students consider interpretation, communication, education, display, market research and visitor reaction, building a portfolio of knowledge which highlights different elements of museum work.
Visits are made to Leeds City Art Gallery, the Henry Moore Institute and Sculpture Galleries, the Royal Armouries and the Leeds Museum.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Visit | 3 | 3.00 | 9.00 |
Lecture | 8 | 2.00 | 16.00 |
Private study hours | 178.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 25.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 203.00 |
Private study
Students are given an extensive reading list, with suggestions for further readings. Students are expected to complete readings for prior to each visit or lecture, and to develop a bibliography throughout the module which will feed into their essays and exam preparation. They are also given feedback on their critical analysis of key texts on the module reading list through seminar presentations.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Students will be assigned two group class presentations, based on specific readings and themes arising from the module (non-assessed). The seminar teaching format in these sessions ensures ample opportunity for discussion and testing students comprehension and progress. Lectures will be followed each week by a question and answer session, and visits will include the opportunity to test learning.Attendance at lectures and visits is compulsory and monitored.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Essay | 2-3,000 word essay | 50.00 |
Presentation | Group presentation x 2 | 0.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 1 hr 00 mins | 50.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 18/03/2014
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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