Museums and Education

Course Description

The course is an introduction into the field of Museum Education and Museums as sites of informal learning. It offers an overview on theories that determine the contemporary discussion on museum-education, museum learning and experience. It examines the multiple social, cultural, educational, historical and political dimensions of museums, focusing on contemporary museological and educational concepts and activities. The inclusive dimension of contemporary museums is examined through examples of educational activities for school groups, leisure time activities for children and families, visitor surveys, evaluations and strategies for approaching non-visitors. Educational activities, methods, materials, digital applications, museum-kits and educational exhibitions are discussed focusing on visitor experience in museum settings.

Learning outcomes

 In this course students are expected to:  be familiar with museums as sites of informal learning, approach museum learning, aims, methods and material of museum-educational programs, understand the concept of the inclusive museum and its efforts to address different visitors groups, develop a critical approach on the contemporary stand of museum- education. 

Assessment

Assessment involves (a) participation in oral presentation/s during the semester (b) on-site research (c) written exams

Teaching methods

Lectures, conversation on contemporary theories, student’s presentations, on-side research in museums and cultural institutions

 Course material available at: https://eclass.uth.gr/courses/ECE_U_173/