HIS 185 - Introduction to Museum Education
Course Description
Effective: 2014-08-01
Explores the basic elements of museum education, the different programming techniques museums use to reach all types of audiences, and the ways museums identify audiences. This course is cross-listed with ART 185. Credit will not be awarded for both.
Credit - 3 Lecture - 3 hoursTotal - 3 hours per week.
3 credits
General Course Purpose
This course explores the core purpose of museums as community educators. Particular emphasis will be given to educational techniques for different audiences and types of museums, how to evaluate museum programs, and how museums work to reach new audiences with their programs.
Course Objectives
- Understand the importance of education for museums
- Understand the different techniques museums use to educate different audiences
- Evaluate the quality of a museum education program
Major Topics to be Included
- How education fits into a museum mission
- The importance and place of informal learning
- Different learning styles and how to incorporate them in museum programs
- Different types of museum programming
- School programs
- Guided tours
- First and third person interpretation
- Education within exhibitions
- Program evaluation and audience research