Museology

EAR706 Museology

Professor: Kali TZORTZI | Course outline [pdf file]

The course focuses on contemporary reality and examines the evolution of the institution of the museum in times of social change and differentiation. Building on the knowledge, theoretical and practical, acquired in the previous courses, it aims to contribute to the understanding of the complex and amplified educational and social role that the museum of the 21st century is required to take, and examines how this affects its internal functioning and exterior relations. It gives particular emphasis to issues in the organization of educational activities in museums, in relation to different groups of visitors, in particular on educational programmes and ressources addressed to school groups. It examines how museums are responding to contemporary needs – such as the need for an extrovert policy and promotion at an international level and, in parallel, for a strong connection to the local society – and to new perspectives – such as museums as landmarks, their contribution to urban development. It analyzes key challenges which have emerged in recent years, including the restructuring of museum collections, the re-staging of histories and identities, and issues of museum ethics. Key parts of the course are: the conceptualization and design of educational resources in response to specific aims and audiences; and the writing of a paper, through which students apply the knowledge acquired during the lectures, and develop the ability to formulate, document, and present arguments in relation to the issues under discussion.