AN 390 - Museum Studies

Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact Department

4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: AN 101 or AN 110.

This course covers a variety of museum topics with a focus on interpreting and using anthropological and archaeological collections in exhibits. Students will gain an understanding of the operations of museum anthropology departments, including working with and curating collections, collections management and conservation methods, and exhibition development. Along the way students explore related careers, and learn the latest museum technology in use by anthropologists. Students learn the role of museums, historical societies, and archaeologists in telling the story of our past through interpretation and dissemination of material culture and historical documents. Students participate in preparing artifacts and objects, displays, and content for real exhibits using archaeological collections; they discuss current laws, controversies, the curation crisis, and issues affecting collecting and the future of museums. Local trips to critically analyze museum exhibits and content labels are included. This course prepares students for summer work at a historical society or museum.