131-071 Museums, Objects, Spectacles

Formerly available as 131-290/390. Students who have completed 131-290 or 131-390 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

25 points of first-year history, cultural studies or art history is recommended see Prerequisites.

This subject traces the historical development from the 19th century of Western practices of exhibiting cultures, ranging from the public spectacles of monarchy to international expositions, with a focus on material culture and the role of museums. Students should develop an understanding of the role of emergent disciplines (eg. ethnography) and technologies (eg. photography) in authorising and popularising exhibits of 'other' societies, particularly in the context of European imperialism and postcolonialism; the politics of collecting; concepts of tradition and nostalgia in public representations of the past; the exhibition of indigenous peoples; the ways collecting and exhibiting practices create and maintain ideologies of racial, class and gender differences; and new technologies and the 'virtual museum'. A range of visual and written texts, methodologies and theoretical frameworks will be examined, and the subject includes field trips to museums and guest lectures from curators.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.

A research essay of 2500 words 60% (due mid-semester) and a review essay of 1500 words 40% (due end of semester).

A subject reader will be available.