Course content

Introduction to Museology is an interdisciplinary course with close links to the museum sector. The course provides a broad, theory-based introduction to the museum sector and the research field of museology. Focusing on museum ethics and on museum and exhibition history, as well as on present-day exhibition productions and other forms of museal outreach activities, the course also gives attention to other important museum activities. The course centres on art museums and museums of cultural history, but it also includes other types of museums and heritage centres. Thus, the course is highly relevant for students from different academic disciplines with an interest in museums and uses of heritage. Excursions to different museums and guest lecturers from the museum sector give the students insights into the museum practice and provide present-day examples and discussions, which they may study by using museological theories, dilemmas in museum ethics, and knowledge in museum and exhibition history.

Learning outcome

A candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome according to the course curriculum, defined as knowledge and skills:

Knowledge, the candidate:

• has a good overview of the museum and exhibition history, both internationally and in Norway.
• has a good overview of basic functions in museum practice.
• has good knowledge about museum ethics with international and national codes as well as current discussions.
• has knowledge about museological theory and history.
• has knowledge about laws, guidelines and other official documents governing the museum sector in Norway.

Skills, the candidate:

• has skills in reflecting upon and discussing central themes in museum and exhibition history.
• has skills in reflecting upon and discussing professional and ethical dilemmas related to museum practice.
• has experience in conducting analyses of museum exhibitions and other museal outreach activities.
• has experience in critically using museum ethics in and by means of international and national codes as well as current discussions.
• has been trained in writing academic presentations and in contributing to qualified discussions about museum ethics, museum and exhibition history, and present-day museum and exhibition practices.
• has acquired basic demand competence within the museum sector.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, excursions and individual term assignment as well as group assignments with oral and written presentations.

Compulsory assignments:

• group assignments
• individual term assignment

Compulsory assignments

• Assignment
• Assignment

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

Reading list and selected source material

Credit reductions