Museum History and Theory

Development of the art museum from its origins in private collections to the present. Themes will include evolution of museum design; symbolic value of art collecting for individuals and societies; how to display and interpret different kinds of art; current challenges and controversies in the museum world, including the return of cultural property, decolonization, diversity, and funding. Visits to local museums and guest speakers. This class is structured as an upper-level seminar and is best suited to students with some prior knowledge of art history and museums. Counts as a seminar for art history majors.