ARTH 390 Art and the Museum: Display and Colonialism

• Thursdays, 2:45 - 5:15 pm
• EV 1.615
• Instructor: Dr. Farrukh Rafiq

In this course, we will critically examine the practices of display in art museums as they relate to issues of colonialism, nationality, and morality. We will examine a wide range of material both historical and current, and covering a broad geography, to assess the shifts in how objects are displayed. Students will also have an opportunity to visit local museums as we practice the application of learned concepts. By the end of the course, students will be able to better understand a multitude of contexts behind museum displays and will be also be equipped to apply the learned concepts to museum exhibition design. Each class will consist of a lecture component, group discussions, presentations, and in-class activities that will often include close-looking and writing exercises.