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:

1. analyse the complex & evolving museum landscapes that shape museum practice;
2. evaluate impact and representation in museum practice;
3. present a convincing and comprehensive analysis of current museum challenges engaging with museum theories and practice;
4. reflect on the social role and representation of museum practice and on your professional learning in relation to these concepts;
5. generate concepts and strategies relevant to museum interpretation and design supported by a succinct rationale.

Field Trips

This class requires students to visit a minimum of 4 Museums as part of one of their assessment tasks. These site visits will need to be done outside of class time and arranged by students independently.

Additional Course Costs

Students may incur costs associated with Museum and Gallery admissions costs, however the class assessments can be completed by visting sites where admission is free.

Examination Material or equipment

N/A

Required Resources

Students will need access to a computer and to basic word processing software. You will also need to bring a pen and paper to class to undertake handwritten in class assessment tasks.

Recommended Resources

Students may need access to graphic design or audiovisual production tools to support completion of some assessment tasks but this is not a requirement.

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Course IntroductionThe what and why of museums:  What is a museum?	In Class Assessment Task (Assessment 3)
2	The what and why of museums:  Why museums? What are their social roles	In Class Assessment Task (Assessment 3)
3	What forms a museum? Things and Places:  What is in museums? Collections Management & Significance	In Class Assessment Task (Assessment 3)
4	Museums as Place and Country	Online Assessment Task (Assessment 3) - Please note this class will be pre-recorded and include self-guided activities
5	What forms a museum? People & Ideas:   Publics and stakeholders	Assessment 1 Due
6	What forms a museum? People and Ideas:  Education and Learning	In Class Assessment Task (Assessment 3)
7	What are we using museums for?Digital, engagement, inclusivity & exclusivity	Assessment 2 Part 1 Due
8	What are we using museums for? Social activism and Contestation	Online Assessment Task (Assessment 3) - Please note this class will be pre-recorded and include self-guided activities
9	Museums and Cultural Equity	In Class Assessment Task (Assessment 3)
10	Assessment 2 presentations	Assessment 2 Part 2 written component Due; Assessment Part 2 Presentations (Group1)
11	Assessment 2 presentations	Assessment Part 2 Presentations (Group 2)
12	Museums as Cultural energy and Course Wrap-up	In Class Assessment Task (Assessment 3)

Tutorial Registration

Please note that there are no tutorials for this class. It runs as a 3 hour block in a seminar format

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Museum Visit Portfolio	30 %	17/03/2025	1,3
Remaking the Museum intervention proposal and presentation	50 %	*	2,3,4,5
Learning Reflections	20 %	*	1,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are expected to attend all classes and undertake all online and self-paced activities within the allocated time frame. Attendance of in-class presentations sessions and participation in providing feedback to other students on their work is expected of all students.

Assessment Task 1

Museum Visit Portfolio

Overview:

Students will create a digital portfolio documenting their visits to 4 different museums or cultural institutions, reflecting on various aspects of museum practice observed during these visits.

Components:

1.Museum Visit Documentation (20%)

Visit 4 different museums or cultural institutions. For each visit, provide:

• Name and type of institution
• Date of visit
• Brief description of the museum's focus or mission (50-100 words)
• 3-5 high-quality original photographs (with permission) or original sketches showcasing key aspects of the visit

2.Critical Reflections (70%)

Write a 350-word (approx.) reflection for each museum visit, addressing:

• The social role and impact of the museum on its community
• Stakeholder relationships observed (e.g., with visitors, donors, community groups)
• How objects and collections are presented and interpreted
• Effectiveness of visitor engagement strategies
• Personal learning experience and its relevance to course concepts

3.Comparative Analysis (10%)

Write a 500-word (approx.) comparative analysis of the four institutions visited, highlighting:

• Similarities and differences in approaches to exhibition design, interpretation, and visitor engagement
• Strengths and areas for improvement across the institutions
• How the visits have informed your understanding of contemporary museum practices
• Examples or insights relating to key concepts and theories in Museum Studies

Format:

• Digital portfolio (e.g. Word, PDF, or PowerPoint presentation or similar)
• Clear structure with separate sections for each museum visit
• Proper citation of sources used, including drawing on relevant scholarly material to support critical reflection and analysis
• Professional presentation with attention to layout and design
• Include original images (photographs or drawings)

Assessment Criteria

Your work will be evaluated based on:

• Documentation Quality
• Critical Analysis and Reflection
• Engagement with Theory
• Professional Presentation

Assessment Task 2

Remaking the Museum intervention proposal and presentation

Overview

In this assessment, you will design and present a conceptual intervention for a specific real-world museum or cultural institution, demonstrating your understanding of contemporary museum practices and their social role. This project builds on your analysis from Assessment 1 and consists of three interconnected parts.

Project Context

Your intervention must be designed for a specific real-world cultural institution or museum. Ideally, this should be based on your site visit and analysis from Assessment 1, as this firsthand experience will inform your understanding of the institution's current practices, challenges, and opportunities. If you need to select an alternative institution, you must:

• Conduct a detailed site visit to your chosen institution
• Document your observations and analysis
• Obtain approval from your convenor before proceeding

Learning Objectives

Through this assessment, you will:

• Develop critical thinking skills about museums' societal roles
• Design practical solutions for engaging diverse audiences
• Apply contemporary museum theory to real-world challenges
• Enhance presentation and peer feedback skills

Project Components

Please note late submission is not permitted on any components of this assessment task

Part 1: Concept Development (30%)

Due: Monday, April 14th, 2025

Submit a 500-word proposal that includes:

• A clear description of your intervention concept
• Your chosen theme and target audience
• Identification of the social, organizational, or cultural issue being addressed
• Explanation of the concept's relevance to contemporary museum practices
• Rationale for how your intervention will create positive change

Your intervention can take various forms, such as:

• Organizational policy or practice changes
• New visitor experience designs
• Targeted audience engagement programs
• Mini-exhibition concepts
• Alternative approaches (discuss with convenor)

Part 2: Intervention Design & Learning Reflection (45%)

Due: Monday, May 5th, 2025

This component requires two elements:

1. Present your intervention design in a clear, professional format that best suits your concept.

Your submission should effectively communicate both the vision and practical implementation of your intervention for your chosen institution.

Your presentation format should be chosen based on what will most effectively communicate your specific intervention. This might include:

• A detailed project proposal with supporting visuals
• Journey maps or scenario planning documents
• Policy or program documentation
• Digital or physical mock-ups
• Or another appropriate format that clearly presents your concept

Regardless of format, your design presentation should:

• Clearly communicate how your intervention would work in practice
• Demonstrate understanding of your specific institution's context
• Show consideration of real-world constraints and opportunities
• Provide clear rationale for your design decisions

2. A 300-word reflection addressing:

• Key insights gained about museum practices
• Critical decisions in your design process including challenges encountered and solutions developed
• Theories and scholarly materials that influenced your approach

Part 3: Presentation and Peer Engagement (25%)

Presentations will occur in Weeks 10 (May 5th) or 11 (May 12th), 2025

This final component involves:

A 6-minute presentation of your intervention concept which includes clear explanation of:

• Design rationale
• Implementation approach
• Expected outcomes and impact
• Evidence-based reasoning for your choices
• Active participation in peer feedback sessions
• Constructive engagement with other students' presentations

Assessment Criteria

Your work will be evaluated based on:

• Critical thinking and analytical depth
• Innovation and practicality of proposed intervention
• Connection to contemporary museum theory and practice
• Clarity of communication and presentation
• Quality of peer engagement and feedback
• Professional presentation of materials

Important Notes

• Students should use a case study from Assessment 1 or obtain convenor approval for an alternative
• All presentation materials and reflective learning must be submitted digitally before the presentation date
• Attendance and participation in peer feedback sessions is mandatory
• Time limits for presentations will be strictly enforced

 

Assessment Task 3

Learning Reflections

Assessment 3 involves completion of 8 in-class learning reflections and tasks. These will be undertaken in class time, or online and require response to prompts provided by the lecturer. These may involve reflections on assigned readings, reflections on learning experiences, generation of questions, and /or interaction with other students for specific in-class activities. Please note late submission is not permitted on these assessment tasks, they are to be completed in class or online by the specified due date unless prior extension is given. If you are absent from class on a specific day you must contact the convenor and lecturer before 1pm (end of class) to request a copy of the assessment task. Completion of a minimum of 6 of these activities is required to pass this assessment.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Assessments 1 & 2 will be returned to students usually via TurnItIn platform with feedback and grades.

Assessment 3 tasks will usually be returned to students in-class the week following the assessment task, with either written or oral feedback provided.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Students may resubmit Assessment 1 and Part 1 of Assessment 2 if they receive a fail grade. Other components of Assessment 2 (Part 2 and Presentation) and Assessment 3 tasks can not be resubmitted.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students