History and Philosophy of Museums

This subject examines the growth of the museum from its origins in the wunderkammer and antiquarian collections of the 16th century to the dynamic and constantly shifting field of possibilities available to museums today. The subject charts the progression of the museum from the private collections of the Renaissance and Baroque to the vast public institutional spaces of the late 18th and 19th centuries, and beyond. Students will also address the various functions of the museum in Western culture from its inception to the present day. Special attention will be given to the ways in which the changing objectives of the museum (e.g. entertainment, propaganda, education) are reflected in the architecture, design and the display techniques developed in different countries at different times. Students should develop an understanding of the relationship between museums and concepts of national and cultural identity, focusing on their development within Australia and internationally.

探讨博物馆的起源、发展及其在社会中的角色。

• 1Examine the social, cultural and political history of museums and the history of collecting, and explain their changing impact on society.
• 2Analyse the changing role of museums / galleries in society as reflected in public understandings of their architecture, design and display techniques.
• 3Apply an understanding of the relationship between museums and concepts of national and cultural identity to critique the mission statements of public arts institutions.
• 4Formulate evidence-based arguments about the roles of museums in shaping public understanding of art, history, and cultural heritage.
• 5Critically assess the changing objectives of museums over time, including entertainment, education, research and their impact on museum architecture, design, and display techniques.
• 6Appraise the current functions of specific museum institutions, considering their relevance to contemporary societal needs and expectations including issues of colonialism, imperialism, trauma and other unresolved legacies of historical memory.