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
Fundamentals of Museum Studies I
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: 2005--06.) (3+0) Offered Alternate Fall
MSM 212 3 Credits
Fundamentals of Museum Studies II
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: 2005--06.) (3+0) Offered Alternate Spring
MSM 311 3 Credits
Museum Administration
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: 2005--06.) (3+0) Offered Alternate Fall
MSM 312 3 Credits
Museum Collection Management
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: 2005--06.) (3+0) Offered Alternate Spring
MSM 487 3 Credits
Museum Practicum
Supervised participation in one or more phases of museum operations or disciplines. (Prerequisites: MSM 211 and 212 and permission of instructor.) Offered As Demand Warrants
MSM 488 3 Credits
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.) Offered As Demand Warrants