What is museum interpretation and how are museums approaching storytelling through their collections, spaces, and programs in the 21st century? Museum interpretation is constantly evolving as institutions infuse critical theory to engage various audiences through education and public programs. In this course students reflect upon and critique current museum practices for audience engagement. Students develop an interpretive planning model and a lightning talk on museum objects to present to the class and public audiences.

Topics: 

This course will consist of discussions, lectures from the instructor and key guests, and reflective projects that will teach students to collaborate and develop skills to prepare them for museum and related work. Questions addressed will include:

• How can museum interpretation inspire empathy and action?
• What are the strategies for creating inclusive museum labels?
• How does technology both expand and prohibit audience engagement?
• What are the universal skills required to successfully pursue a career in museum interpretation?

Learning Goals: Students will:

1. Gain strategies for promoting and examining museum collections for various audiences
2. Develop critical self-reflection techniques to complement their practice
3. Build techniques for interpretive models, including label writing, public engagement, object lightning talk
4. Reflect on and express transferability of the course techniques and skills to other coursework and work outside the classroom