MUSE 6894 - Museum as Site for Social Action

Credits: 3
This course examines the evolving role of museums, where audiences now look for institutions to make room for their voices and narratives. Museums, archives, historic sites and science centers are expected to be generators of discourse that can disrupt the dominant social narratives that exist within their communities and societies. In this way these institutions are vitally important for a free and just civil society. This course examines the work of The MASS Action Project (Museums as a Site for Social Action) and their belief that museums are responsible for serving as sites for social engagement and action. Students examine the theory and practice of how local institutions become sites of community healing by deeply engaging with their local and regional communities. Students will also explore how these shifts also impact funding sources. To promote a hands-on experience, some class sessions will be held off-campus at museums, archives, historic sites, and science centers.