Course Overview
Museum Ethics
| Department |
AAD |
| Number |
410 |
| CRN |
25651 |
| Credits |
3 |
| Date |
January 4-March 12, 2010 |
| Instructor(s) |
David Turner
|
| Self-Support Fee |
$595 |
Syllabus and E-mail
Course Content
Decisions made in museums are not solely based on aesthetic qualities or historical importance. The discipline of ethics must also play a role. There are two main areas of ethical decisions for museums to carefully practice: one is in the area of governance, i.e., conflicts of interest, the decision making process, and professional practices. The other is in the area of acquisitions and exhibitions, making sure collection items are what they purport to be and have been fairly obtained and that exhibitions relate to museum's mission and sensitively relate to matters of censorship.
Ethical decisions are based on good judgment accumulated from experience and knowledge. They often form the basis of discussions leading toward museum policies and the interpretation of legal issues. As museums act as public institutions who must build trust with its audiences and patrons, high standards of ethical behavior are critical to their success.
Distance Delivery Methods
The course is constructed around case studies, academic readings, and current events.
Class will review online presentations, respond to weekly assignments, and participate regularly in online discussion sessions. It is expected that students will complete the course within the term, as you would if this were a classroom course.
Tuition
This is a "self-support" course. The course fee is listed above. This fee is paid regardless of student residency status or total course load. This fee replaces regular tuition. For more information on tuition consult the Registrar's Office. Course fees are subject to change at anytime.
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