History and Theory of Museums

This course will explore the transformation of cultural institutions in the United States and consider the continuing contemporary debates on the practices and public role of museums. How do museums-both large and small-serve the needs of the local communities in which they are located and the private interests of their founders? How have history museums shaped debates about public memory and national heritage? In addition to exploring the evolution of such institutions, the course will examine museum collecting and conservation, and the theory and practice of mounting exhibitions in museums, with an emphasis on those in New York City. This course includes a 15-hour practicum during which students will hear from and have open dialogues with senior professionals and practitioners in the museums and public culture fields. These guests’ professional work directly engages and corresponds with the specific topics addressed in weekly readings.

Fall, Spring