A broad introduction to the museum world, focusing on what a museum is, what differentiates various types of museums, and how museums function. Examines museums in terms of education, curation, exhibition, public relations, research, administration, ethical and legal obligations, funding and knowledge. Prerequisite: One year of college coursework.

Supervised field experience in museums, both on and off-campus, designed to introduce students to professional practice. Builds on museum studies coursework, and provides opportunities for applying academic knowledge and analyzing personal development. Students work part-time (150 hours) in a program-approved museum under the guidance of an instructional team. Requires an internship contract before the term, regular reporting and documentation during the term, and compilation of a project portfolio at the end of the term. May be repeated in same and separate terms to a maximum of six hours. Prerequisite: Three courses (nine hours) within the undergraduate minor in Museum Studies. Requires approval of the Museum Studies program advisor.

A critical examination of both historical and current theoretical issues in museum practice. Addresses the development of museums within varied social, cultural and intellectual contexts, and the conceptualizations and criticisms of museums in terms of paradigmatic, institutional, symbolic and other theories. In addition to surveying the broad range of theoretical frameworks adopted in contemporary museum scholarship, students will examine and evaluate curatorial and institutional strategies for responding to the myriad external pressure (including multiple constituencies, standards and best practices) currently placed on museums. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.