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Course Descriptions
MUSE 101 Introduction to Museum Studies -
This introductory survey of the museum profession will cover types of museums and their philosophy,
history, functions and goals, responsibilites to the profession and to the public's continuing education,
public perception of museums, and how to win community support. Field trips will be taken to sites in the
area to study various methods of museum operations.
MUSE 201 Curatorial and Collection Management-
The collecting, cataloging, researching, and conserving of two-dimensional and three-dimensional artifacts
are basic to all museums and historical societies. The class will study types and use of collection records
and the legal aspects and liabilities of collections. A field trip will study various methods of cataloging and
collection management. Basic precepts of conservation will be practiced with the completion of a project
required.
MUSE 202 Architecture and Historic Preservation-
The styles and types of buildings and how they reflect cultural values will be studied. The course will
review various methods used to preserve, restore, and maintain the buildings. Field trips will be taken to
various buildings in the area to study their historic value and potential for restoration and/or adaptive use.
MUSE 310 Development of Exhibits-
The background, planning, and philosophy for an exhibit area and the development of a storyline for the
museum and individual exhibits therein will be examined. The class will explore the many different ways
in which an individual artifact may be displayed to illustrate a concept or principle. A project of planning
and building a museum exhibit, including the mechanics of labelling and lighting, will be required.
MUSE 340 Interpretation and Museum Education-
The social and cultural life of the region is reflected through the talk and action of its people. This course
will formulate plans and implement a program to interpret this culture to present-day audiences, both adult
and children, through the use of artifacts and interpreters. A major field trip will be taken to compare
various methods of interpretation and various education programs in museums.
MUSE 401 Seminar on Non-Profit Management-
This survey of museum organization covers policies, ethics, types of authority, relations to the public and
supporters, budgets, fund accounting, fund-raising, and long-range planning. The course will explore
museum marketing, government relations, and job opportunities in the field. The course will include
attendance at a museum association meeting.
MUSE 402 Museum Internship (minimum 12 semester hours)-
This internship will be under the guidance of faculty in an actual museum setting, putting into practice all
the previous courses and introducing the student to the professional museum world. Content of each
internship will be based upon a contractual agreement between the student, the museum, and the Director
of Museum Studies. The student's grade will reflect input from outside evaluators and an oral and written
presentation.
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