Course Catalogs

Museum Studies (MUS)

MUS 100  Selected Topics  (1-6 Credits)  
Design  
Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
Repeatable  
MUS 270  Experience Credit  (1-6 Credits)  
Design  
Participation in a discipline or subject related experience. Student must be evaluated by written or oral reports or an examination. Permission in advance with the consent of the department chairperson, instructor, and dean. Limited to those in good academic standing.
Repeatable  
MUS 290  Independent Study  (1-6 Credits)  
Design  
Exploration of a problem, or problems, in depth. Individual independent study upon a plan submitted by the student. Admission by consent of supervising instructor(s) and the department.
Repeatable  
MUS 300  Selected Topics  (1-6 Credits)  
Design  
Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
Repeatable  
MUS 380  International Course  (1-12 Credits)  
Design  
Offered through SUAbroad by educational institution outside the United States. Student registers for the course at the foreign institution and is graded according to that institution's practice. SUAbroad works with the S.U. academic department to assign the appropriate course level, title, and grade for the student's transcript.
Repeatable  
MUS 400  Selected Topics  (1-6 Credits)  
Design  
Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
Repeatable  
MUS 405  Print Curatorship  (3 Credits)  
Design  
Double-numbered with MUS 705  
The origins and development of printmaking media are highlighted. Emphasizing the study of original prints by Durer, Rembrandt, Whistler, Picasso, and Rauschenberg in the University Art Collection. Additional work required of graduate students.
MUS 406  Exhibition Design  (3 Credits)  
Design  
Double-numbered with MUS 706  
This course teaches the fundamental theory and practice of exhibition design. Concepts including accessibility in design, practical and digital approaches and conceptual strategies will be presented. University and community museums and collections provide hands-on opportunity to apply technical skills and theoretical concepts. Additional work for graduate students.
Prereq: DES 102  
MUS 407  Collections Management  (3 Credits)  
Design  
Double-numbered with MUS 607  
Administration and operation of a museum collection, including registration, cataloging, storage techniques, conservation, insurance, shipping, handling. Computer registration, photographic documentation systems, and other information retrieval systems. Laboratory experience in SU Art Collections. Additional work required of graduate students.
MUS 408  Public Learning in Museums  (3 Credits)  
Design  
Double-numbered with MUS 708  
Examine the educational role of museums in society. Study contemporary educational theory, audience development, and accessibility issues within the museum context. Additional work required of graduate students.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking  
MUS 409  Museum Management  (3 Credits)  
Design  
Double-numbered with MUS 709  
Principles of effective leadership; mission, vision, and values; board, staff, executive relationships; civic engagement; assembling workforce; fiscal procedures; budget development. Short and long term goals planning. Direct experience with local museum professionals. Additional work required of graduate students.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking  
MUS 412  Museum Development  (3 Credits)  
Design  
Double-numbered with MUS 712  
Understanding philanthropy and the fundamentals of successful fundraising, articulating a case for support, building endowment, capital campaigns, special events, planned giving, corporate and foundational support, practicing stewardship, the development profession. Additional work required of graduate students.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking  
MUS 414  Tourism, Museums and Heritage Sites  (3 Credits)  
Design  
Double-numbered with MUS 614  
This course explores cultural tourism in relation to museums and heritage sites.
MUS 416  Making History, Building Community: Debates and Themes in Museum Interpretation  (3 Credits)  
Design  
Double-numbered with MUS 616  
Explores the role of history museums and their companion spaces - historic sites, national parks, memorials and monuments - in shaping understanding of the past, the interpretive challenges that arise with public engagement
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking  
MUS 480  International Course  (1-12 Credits)  
Design  
Offered through SUAbroad by educational institution outside the United States. Student registers for the course at the foreign institution and is graded according to that institution's practice. SUAbroad works with the S.U. academic department to assign the appropriate course level, title, and grade for the student's transcript.
Repeatable  
MUS 490  Independent Study  (1-6 Credits)  
Design  
Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
Repeatable  
MUS 500  Selected Topics  (1-6 Credits)  
Design  
Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
Repeatable  
MUS 503  Introduction to Museum Studies  (3 Credits)  
Design  
The museum's historical development and its role in modern society. Curatorial methodologies, research techniques, professional ethics, and effective writing. Permission of instructor
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking  
MUS 504  Administrative Challenge and Change in Museums  (3 Credits)  
Design  
Organizational change and current practice will be explored through visits to New York City museums and galleries. Presentations will be given by museum professionals.
MUS 506  Ethnographic Curatorship  (3 Credits)  
Design  
Overview of important theoretical and practical challenges facing curators of history and anthropology, using theoretically grounded and case-study based readings. Students also have the opportunity for hands-on experience with collections through a final exhibition project.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking  
MUS 507  Digital Collections Management & Preservation  (3 Credits)  
Design  
Course explores the creation, organization, and preservation of digital collections. Born-digital, digital surrogate, and archival assets will be defined and discussed as they relate to museum collections and cultural heritage.
Repeatable  
Prereq: MUS 607 or MUS 407  
MUS 508  Identifying Materials, Processes & Techniques  (3 Credits)  
Design  
Students will examine, identify, and understand various techniques and materials used in the wide range of objects that populate permanent collections, an essential skill for museum collection professionals, curators, and historians.