This course explores the evolving role of museums in contemporary society, examining how these institutions navigate complex social, cultural, and technological landscapes. Students will engage with current theories and practices in museology, critically analyse the functions of museums, and develop practical skills in museum interpretation and design. Students develop critical capacities in analysing key debates and challenges, and in formulating analyses for effective proposals and recommendations.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- analyse the complex & evolving museum landscapes that shape museum practice;
- evaluate impact and representation in museum practice;
- present a convincing and comprehensive analysis of current museum challenges engaging with museum theories and practice;
- reflect on the social role and representation of museum practice and on your professional learning in relation to these concepts;
- generate concepts and strategies relevant to museum interpretation and design supported by a succinct rationale.
Work Integrated Learning
Other
This course includes several field trips to institutions, and a major assessment piece based on a real-world exhibition/museum practice.
Indicative Assessment
- Museum Visit Portfolio (approx. 2000 words + original images) (30) [LO 1,3]
- Remaking the Museum intervention proposal and presentation (approx. 1300 words, 10 min presentation + intervention project) (50) [LO 2,3,4,5]
- Learning Reflections x8 (20) [LO 1,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks, comprising of 3hr weekly seminar including lectures, workshop activities, guest talks and site visits
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and assessment preparation, including a minimum of 4 student led visits to museums sites.
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed texts for this course. Readings will be provided via Wattle.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2299 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |