Museum Studies
Museum studies courses (MSM) provide students with an understanding of the functions and roles of museums in contemporary society, with academic instruction as well as practical hands-on experience. Emphasizing a broad natural history focus, museum studies courses present a comprehensive perspective of education, research and public service in museums and cover a variety of subjects.
MSM 211 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Fundamentals of Museum Studies I (3+0)
Origin, structure and development of museums, types of museums and their functions, professional directions and ethics. Collection management systems and techniques, role and ethics of museum conservation. (Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2003-04.)
MSM 212 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Fundamentals of Museum Studies II (3+0)
Museum education, including educational goals and objectives, the museum visitor, program development and publicity. A comprehensive survey of exhibits theory and practices, museum management, administrative frameworks, legal considerations, and financial management. (Prerequisite: MSM 211. Next offered: 2003 - 04.)
MSM 311 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Museum Administration (3+0)
Administrative philosophy and procedures in public and private, large and small museums; the types and sources of support and interactions with local and national supportive groups. (Prerequisites: MSM 211 and 212 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2003-04.)
MSM 312 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Museum Collection Management (3+0)
Basic curatorial techniques and problems. Field collecting and other forms of acquisition through accessioning, cataloging, preparation, exhibit, teaching, and research. (Prerequisites: MSM 211 and 212 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2003 - 04.)
MSM 487 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Museum Practicum
Supervised participation in one or more phases of museum operations or disciplines. (Prerequisites: MSM 211 and 212 and permission of instructor.)
MSM 488 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Individual Research: Field Collecting Museum Specimens
Philosophies, purposes and goals of field collection, procedures for collecting museum specimens, and methods of handling before they reach the museum. Field trips may be required. By arrangement with the appropriate curator(s). May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. (Prerequisites: MSM 211 and 212 and prior disciplinary preparation or permission of instructor.)