Introduction to Museum Studies

All museums share responsibility for preserving and interpreting our cultural and natural heritage for the benefit of the public and society.

However, museums are more than the collections they house and the exhibits and programs they present.

Each museum is a complex network of individuals whose common goal is to create knowledge and to share information and experiences with others.

This course provides a broad introduction to the museum world.

Students gain an understanding of the museum and the challenges and responsibilities that museums and their staff members encounter.

After discussing what a museum is, the various types of museums, and their roles in the community, we introduce current and emerging issues in museums in a number of areas including governance, management of collections, fundraising, and museum jobs and responsibilities.