CAHA10010 Museums and Collections

Academic Year 2021/2022

This core module provides an introduction to the historical, social, and theoretical contexts of museums and collections, as well as to the interpretive methodologies applied to some of the main categories of artefacts from prehistory to the modern world. Topics covered in seminars include the influence of the Classical past on western culture, the ethics of collecting artefacts and the decolonisation of heritage. The rise of online and digital technologies and their effects on museums and galleries for research and communication is also considered. Key artefact types such as pottery and paintings are introduced using the collections of the UCD Classical Museum and the National Gallery of Ireland. Assessments provide skills in a range of communication strategies to diverse audiences.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should:
- understand when, why and how diverse collections were developed and displayed
- recognise the main artefact types exhibited in museum/gallery contexts, their methods of analysis, and their contributions to our understanding of the past
- be able to communicate the stories of artefacts to a diverse audience using a variety of media
- be aware of contemporary issues in cultural heritage

Indicative Module Content:

- the Classical tradition, collecting and museums
- ceramics
- experimental archaeology
- museum display and communication
- curating
- decolonising heritage
- conservation
NB - these are indicative topics and are subject to change

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Seminar (or Webinar)

18
Specified Learning Activities

60
Autonomous Student Learning

22
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Seminars are delivered in a small group setting that encourages participation and discussion amongst students. Classes are led by the Curator of the UCD Classical Museum, and other members of the Schools of Classics, Archaeology, and Art History. Some sessions may include hands-on learning with artefacts in the Museum's collection or with digital artefacts, and others deal with more theoretical issues about museums and collections as illustrated through case studies. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Project: A digital story based around learnings/artefacts covered in the module. Training will be provided in use of technology, as well as storyboarding, etc. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

50
Assignment: Storyboard for digital story (which is Assessment 3) Week 9 n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale No

10
Assignment: Museum catalogue entry (c. 500 words + images) Week 5 n/a Graded No

40

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual feedback sheets will be sent to each student for Assessments 1 and 3 within 20 working days of submission. Assessment 2 is the preparation of a storyboard and oral/written feedback will be provided to guide the production of the digital story for Assessment 3. Students are welcome to arrange a meeting with the module coordinator to discuss their grade/feedback on any assessment.