Museums and Society Minor
Open to all majors, the Museums and Society minor provides a critical understanding of museums as collections-based institutions. It is especially appropriate for students planning a professional career in education, libraries, anthropology, art and architecture history, history and associated fields. Students in the minor gain hands-on experience of current methods and approaches in the museum field through competent and creative research on objects, collections and collecting institutions.
Miami students completing the minor will…
- Know and use the vocabulary, descriptive terminology and basic methods of the museum
- Assess and defend the value and meaning of collections and objects.
- Assess and defend the value and purpose of the collecting institution or individual.
- Explain the dynamic network of contemporary museums and related institutions, including virtual collections.
- Conduct competent and creative research on objects, collections and institutions.
- Recognize the requirements for permission to use or publish images and objects.
- Identify and differentiate media through a careful examination of the original object.
- Obtain foundational knowledge in contemporary practices of museum operations.
- Explore collections management policies and practices.
- Examine and identify methods of conservation, preservation, access and storage.
- Develop skills in interpretation and exhibitions development.
- Understand the role of education and outreach to serve diverse audiences.
- Examine the future of museums in relation to the visitor experience.
- Understand and have basic knowledge of digital tools associated with the museum field.