Yarmouk University

 

 

Faculty of Archaeology and Anthropology

 

 

Department of Conservation and Management of Cultural Resources

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Study Plan for the Master Program in Museum Studies

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Program Aims and Objectives

This MA in Museum Studies offers a perspective on the theory and practice of museums in a changing technological, social and political environment. It aims at producing graduates who have the appropriate knowledge, skills and competencies to manage and run all sorts of museums. Geared for current and future museum professionals, the study program emphasizes technology’s critical role in today's museum. It also examines new models of education, exhibition, and business strategies while exploring the role of the museum as an agent of social change. Students in the program will integrate and apply knowledge from a range of disciplines — design and curatorial practice, museum management, collections and exhibition management, budget and finance, education, new technologies, and the visitor experience — to prepare for a profession in the museum and arts worlds.

 

 

 

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of all requirements of the program, graduates from the MA in Museum Studies will be able to:

1. Apply key disciplinary methods used in Museum Studies to analyze important issues in the field.
2. Recognize critically the conceptual framework of museum origin, history evolution and mission.
3. Register and document museum collections using cutting-edge technology.
4. Design and practice museum preventative conservation programs with a focus on creative problem solving and real-world issues.
5. Design and execute permanent and temporary museum exhibitions.
6. Develop educational programs, and utilize current research and innovative methods to provide engaging learning experiences for museum visitors of all ages
7. Demonstrate a critical awareness of how museums communicate complex ideas to a general audience.
8. Master advanced research skills necessary to develop Museum Studies projects or competently evaluate them.
9. Professionally perform museum administration roles and fundraising.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

المجالات المعرفية لبرنامج الماجستير في الدراسات المتحفية

Program Cognitive Domains

 

 

1. نظرية المتاحف (Museum Theory).
2. إدارة المتحف (Museum Management).
3. حفظ المجموعات المتحفية و إدارتها (Museum Collections Care and Management).
4. تخطيط و تصميم العرض المتحفي (Museum Exhibition Planning and Design).
5. التعليم المتحفي (Museum Education).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Study Plan for the Master Program in Museum Studies

 

يشترط في المتقدم للقبول في هذا البرنامج:

• أن يكون حاصلا على درجة البكالوريوس من جامعة معترف بها.
• اجتياز متطلب اللغة الأجنبية للالتحاق بالبرنامج وفق تعليمات الجامعة النافذة.
• أية شروط أخرى مقرة من اللجان والمجالس المختصة.

 

 

تُمنح درجة الماجستير في دراسات المتاحف (مسار الرسالة) بعد إتمام المتطلَّبات التالية:

1- استيفاء الشروط المنصوص عليها في تعليمات برنامج الماجستير رقم (3) لسنة 2011م.

2- دراسة المساقات الاستدراكيَّة التي تقرِّرها لجنة الدراسات العليا في القسم من ضمن مجموعة المساقات المحددة مسبقا.

3- دراسة ما لايقلُّ عن (24) ساعة معتمدة من مستوى (600) والنجاح فيها بمعدَّل تراكميٍّ لا يقلُّ عن 75%.

4- إعداد أطروحة الماجستير والنجاح بامتحان مناقشتها ويخصص لها 9 ساعات معتمدة.

 

المساقات التي تطرحها الخطة تغطي بشكل عام مجالات إدارة المتحف والمجموعات والعروض المتحفية وحفظ المجموعات المتحفية وحمايتها، وتدل خانة العشرات في رقم المساق على المجال، كما يوضح الجدول التالي:

الرقم	المدلول
0	عام - إجباري
1	إدارة المتحف والمجموعات والعروض المتحفية
2	حفظ المجموعات المتحفية وحمايتها

 

توزع المساقات التي يتوجب على الطالب دراستها على النحو التالي:

• متطلَّبات تخصُّص إجباريَّة، (15) ساعة معتمدة على النحو التالي:

جدول (1): المساقات الإجبارية

#	رمز و رقم المساق	اسم المساق	عدد الساعات	المتطلب السابق
1	MST 601	نظرية المتاحف Museum Theory	3	لا يوجد
2	MST 602	إدارة المتاحف Museums Management	3	لا يوجد
3	MST 603	حفظ المجموعات المتحفية و إدارتها Collections Care and Management	3	لا يوجد
4	MST 604	تخطيط و تصميم المعارض Exhibition Planning and Design	3	لا يوجد
5	MST 605	مناهج البحث في الدراسات المتحفية Research Methods in Museum Studies	3	لا يوجد

 

• متطلَّبات تخصص إختيارية، (9) ساعات معتمدة على النحو التالي:

يختار الطالب دراسة (3) مساقات (9 ساعات) من مجموعة المساقات الواردة في الجدول رقم (2):

جدول (2): المساقات الاختيارية

#	رمز و رقم المساق	اسم المساق	عدد الساعات	االمتطلب السابق
1	MST 611	تقنيات التوثيق  في المتاحف Documentation Techniques in Museums	3	لا يوجد
2	MST 612	التفسير في المتاحف Interpretation in Museums	3	لا يوجد
3	MST 613	برامج التعليم المتحفي Museum Educational Programs	3	لا يوجد
4	MST 614	التقنيات الحديثة في المتاحف Modern Technology in Museums	3	لا يوجد
5	MST 621	الحفظ الوقائي للقطع المتحفية Preventive Conservation of Museum Objects	3	لا يوجد
6	MST 622	التجارة غير المشروعة بالقطع المتحفية Illicit Trade of Museum Objects	3	لا يوجد
7	MST 623	كشف تزييف القطع المتحفية Fake Detection of Museum Objects	3	لا يوجد
8	CON 617	إدارة مشاريع الصيانة والترميم Conservation Projects Management	3	لا يوجد
9	CON 623	المجتمعات المحلية وإدارة التراث الحضاري Local Communities and Cultural Heritage Management	3	لا يوجد

 

• إعداد أطروحة الماجستير والنجاح بامتحان مناقشتها ويخصص لها 9 ساعات معتمدة، ويظهر مساق الرسالة لأغراض التسجيل كما يلي:

رمز و رقم و اسم المساق	عدد الساعات
MST 699 A	صفر ساعة
MST 699 B	3 ساعات معتمدة
MST 699 C	6 ساعات معتمدة
MST 699 D	9 ساعات معتمدة

                                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

وصف المساقات والمخرجات التعليمية

 

Courses Description and Learning Outcomes

 

 

Compulsory courses:

 

MST 601: Museum Theory

Course Description:

In this course, students explore a range of different approaches and issues in cultural politics and cultural theory as relevant to modern museum practices. The course is framed around three themes:

• Thinking about museums, which focuses on understanding the nature of museums as institutions and their role for the public and the field of education.
• Disciplines and politics, which presents work based in specific disciplines and with particular and theoretical orientations related to contemporary museums.
• Theory from practice: in which work beginning with the museums reaches out to a range of disciplines in attempt to theorize, better understand and challenge what is happening within museums and disciplinary frameworks.

 

Course Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this course, student should be able to:

1. develop an understanding of the role of a different museum office, such as Collections Management, Development, Education, Exhibit Preparation, Marketing, Operations, Visitor Experience and Registrar.
2. recognize the larger role of museums in their communities, museum ethics and social responsibility or the future of museums in a digital age
3. develop students’ critical thinking related to museum management practices.
4. apply fundamental museum management terminology.
5. appreciate the process of museums’ foundation.

 

 

MST 602: Museum Management

Course Description:

The aim of this course is to familiarize students with the organizational and financial structures of museums and acquaint them with issues and techniques relating to museum management. This interactive course explores the organization, governance and management of museums, with a focus on real-world problem solving. Topics covered include: museum legislation, conventions and ethics, management theory, governing bodies, strategic planning and performance measurement, management of human, financial and capital resources, fundraising and sponsorship, commercial activities, and marketing and training using, as appropriate, case studies and a simulated museum organization model.

 

Course Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this course, student should be able to:

1. Describe and explain museum organizational structure, governance, and job description and qualifications of museum staff.
2. Prepare and monitor museum budget.
3. Prepare and implement museum strategic plans and monitor their implementation.
4. Write professional proposals to secure funding.
5. Design and execute museum promotion and marketing plans.

 

 

 

MST 603: Collections Care and Management

Course Description:

This course aims to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of collections care and management. The course explores the ethical framework and latest professional procedures and practices for the acquisition and disposal of collections, their registration, documentation, classification and cataloguing, examination, preventive care and storage. The course discusses accessing, lending, handling, packing and transporting museum collections. The course also discusses security, emergency and disaster planning measures required to protect these collections or mitigate the effect of disasters on them.

 

Course Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this course, student should be able to:

1. Apply professional practices in the acquisition and deaccessioning of collections, their registration, documentation, classification, examination, preventive care and storage.
2. Implement required procedures for accessing, lending, handling, packing and transporting museum collections.
3. Develop and execute emergency and disaster plans to mitigate the effect of disasters on museum collections.
4. Analyze critically and communicate effectively, and express that through writing and presenting research assignments related to collections care and management.

 

 

MST 604: Exhibition Planning and Design

Course Description:

This course aims to explore the processes of developing an exhibit from a concept to a physical, three-dimensional exhibition. The course addresses various issues related to exhibition design such as storyline, spatial layout, lighting, audio-visual aids, colours, materials, and fabrication techniques. The course focuses on developing a visitor-centred interpretive design to enhance the understanding and experience of museum visitors and encourage their participation and emotional engagement. Student should work collaboratively in teams to discuss and develop comprehensive designs for exhibitions.

 

Course Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this course, student should be able to:

1. determine the scenario and story of the exhibition and build interpretive planning for a successful exhibition.
2. distinguish and choose between presentation approaches which are ranging from physical to the various recent digital techniques.
3. manage a team of multidisciplinary and lead the team with harmony.
4. demonstrate the ability to think critically and conduct research in exhibition designs.

 

 

MST 605: Research Methods in Museum Studies

Course Description:

This course aims to train students in the methodology and practice of research relevant to the field of museum studies. It guides students on how to identify and formulate research questions and aims, locate, and properly review relevant data and literature, prepare a scientifically acceptable research proposal. Several aspects of research practice and skills will be examined that include creative and critical thinking, planning and organization, data analysis, problem-based research, research ethics. At the end of the course, students should submit a proper research proposal on a current issue or topic related to museum studies.

 

Course Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this course, student should be able to:

1. identify research problem and locate and properly review relevant literature.
2. prepare a scientifically acceptable research proposal on a current issue related to museum studies.
3. apply the skills of critical thinking, planning and organization, data analysis, problem-based research.
4. recognize and appreciate the research practices and ethics.

 

 

Elective courses:

 

MST 611: Documentation Techniques in Museums

Course Description:

This course aims to explore the entire scope of museum documentation – how it is used and how it contributes to the key missions of museum. It explores the ethical and legal importance of good documentation, the need for a clear documentation policy and the different approaches of documentation in museums. The course will go through different documentation entries (manual or computer based) needed for inventory and Inventory (accession) numbers, registering, cataloguing, files and indexes, loans register and movement register. All to be within the legal and ethical requirements and ensure the security and maintenance requirements for the museum collections.

 

Course Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this course, student should be able to:

1. develop proper documentation protocol for museum collections.
2. feed, explore, treat and query museum data.
3. compare between organizational charts to decide museum documentation that fit into the museum structure.
4. define and use the different descriptive system for museum objects.
5. work with database management tools and software programming for different purposes such as data for publication; quality control; image quality; terminology and tagging; security; identification numbers; linked data; available software; use tracking.

 

 

MST 612: Interpretation in Museums

Course Description:

The course aims at equipping students with the theory, and methodological approaches used to effectively communicate significant ideas about a museum to the public and to establish cognitive and emotional links between visitors and what they can discover at cultural heritage site or a museum. The course covers the following topics: definitions, objectives, theories and principles of Interpretation, learning concepts, Tilden's Interpretive Principles, the model of interpretive communications, developing interpretive program/services and media objectives, story analysis and developing interpretive themes, understanding your visitors, Maslow's Hierarchy of needs, interpretive media options, visitor motivations and Interpretive Program/tour delivery planning and implementation. 

 

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course, student should be able to:

1. explain Tilden’s Interpretive Principles.
2. discuss the models of interpretation.
3. develop and write interpretive themes.
4. develop and implement interpretive planning process for live/conducted interpretive walks, tours or programs.
5. evaluate interpretive programs and services.

 

 

 

 

MST 613: Museum Educational Programs

Course Description:

This course aims at providing students with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills that will allow them to design, develop, implement and evaluate formal and informal learning programs for museums/heritage audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The course focuses on the theoretical basis for the selection, design, implementation, and evaluation of museum educational and public awareness programs. Topics covered include modern educational thought, museum as a source for learning, and education and curriculum development. Through lectures, demonstrations, and practical work, students acquire the necessary competencies to develop basic educational programs for museums.  

 

Course Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this course, student should be able to:

1. discuss modern theories relevant to museum and heritage education.
2. communicate effectively with the public about culture, history, the environment and the arts in a variety of contexts.
3. employ theoretical knowledge and practical skills to design, develop and implement educational programs using museum collections.
4. evaluate and assess museum educational programs research critically and participate in the research community in this field.
5. demonstrate interdisciplinary thinking, critical and interpretive skills.

 

 

MST 614: Modern Technology in Museums

Course Description:

This course aims to survey and evaluate the use and application modern technology in museums. It explores the expanding role of modern technology and digital media in museum industry and examines the ways these means can effectively be exploited to deliver a more interactive museum experience. Virtual and augmented reality, 3-D scanning and printing, roboguides, high-teck gear and other modern technologies used in museums will be examined. Topics covered include digital technology and museums, interactive exhibits, and museums of the future.

 

Course Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this course, student should be able to:

1. identify the wide range of digital technology applied in museums.
2. evaluate and discuss the role of modern technology in museums.
3. develop proposals to create an interactive museum experience.
4. identify and apply suitable digital technologies for use in museums.

 

 

MST 621: Preventive Conservation of Museum Objects

Course Description:

This course aims to provide students with the theory and practice of preventive conservation of museum objects. It focuses on providing the students with the ability to identify and assess signs of deterioration and risks of museum objects, and the practical aspects of controlling and monitoring the effect of agents of deterioration, such as relative humidity, temperature, light, gaseous and particulate pollutants, biological agents, human actions and natural disasters. Students will learn to develop and implement appropriate environmental conditions for storage and exhibition, and proper procedures for integrated pest management, emergency and disaster planning, and handling, packing and transport of museum objects.

 

 

Course Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this course, student should be able to:

1. Identify various signs of deterioration and risks of museum objects.
2. Demonstrate the use of scientific monitoring, measuring, and controlling procedures and equipment for quantifying and controlling environmental agents of deterioration.
3. Develop, implement and evaluate specific protocols for all agents of deterioration.
4. Apply safe handling, packing and transport practices on museum objects.
5. Conduct critical analysis on preventive conservation literature and undertake and present research assignments related to preventive conservation of museum objects.

 

 

 

MST 622: Illicit trade of Museum Objects

Course Description:

This course introduces the concept of ethics in relation to museums and discusses international conventions and national legislation that affect the operation of museums and the practices of the museum profession. The course addresses ethically and legally contentious areas, such as the illicit trafficking of cultural property and the protection of cultural heritage in the event of armed conflict, repatriation and restitution of cultural property as well as provenance research, ethical decision-making for the stewardship of collections, individual and institutional operational integrity, sponsorship and censorship.  The course encourages students to critically engage with these issues and to consider how local agendas may or may not conflict with national and international ethical ones.

 

Course Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this course, student should be able to:

1. develop a critical awareness of heritage issues related to security and illicit trafficking of cultural property.
2. identify legal approaches for acquisition of cultural properties.
3. identify international conventions and charters related to illicit trafficking of cultural properties.
4. recognize the factors affecting the illicit trafficking of cultural properties and the ways to curb them.
5. prepare a file for restitution of illegally trafficked cultural properties.

 

MST 623: Fake Detection of Museum Objects

Course Description:

This course aims to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills, both theoretical and practical, that would enable them to identify forged objects and authenticity verification methods of the museum's collection. It trains students to employ technologically analytical techniques to detect forged cultural objects, by using the scientific analysis of the materials and manufacturing techniques analysis. The course employs a multidisciplinary approach by examining the interconnections between various sciences such as history, art, mineralogy, chemistry, physics and biology to highlight their different, yet intertwined, contributions to safeguard the valuable and irreplaceable cultural heritage from forging. The course focuses on the role of different materials, tools and techniques, both classical and modern, in order to distinguish between the forged and the original objects. By doing so, students should be able to identify the motives, methods of forging objects and artefacts by professional persons of forgery.

 

Course Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this course, student should be able to:

1. identify the suitable steps to detect the forgery objects and authenticity verification of the museum collections.
2. determine the methodology, technique, instrument that will be useful to detect the faking of different types of cultural heritage.
3. realize the importance of multidisciplinary science in exploring the forgery of cultural heritage objects.
4. identify the ancient and modern techniques used to manufacture different types of archaeological artefacts in order to distinguish original objects.

 

CON 617: Conservation Project Management

Course Objectives

- Provide students with the theories, principles and methods of planning and management of Conservation of cultural heritage.  

- Train students on project management skills including preparation and execution of action plans of projects, human resources management and financial management. 

 

Course Description

This course is designed to strengthen the project management and leadership skills of conservation professionals who are currently, or will be, managing staff and projects often under challenging conditions. The course will draw on the theory and practice of management and leadership and applies it to the context of heritage conservation projects. Topics covered in the course include: theories, principles and methods of heritage conservation projects, proposals for conservation of sites and collections, feasibility studies and cost estimation of conservation projects, budgeting for conservation projects, securing funds for conservation projects, financial and human resources management in conservation projects, action plans and reporting.

 

Course Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this course, student should be able to:

1. Identify methods and procedures of planning and management of heritage conservation projects.
2. Develop conservation plans for heritage sites.
3. Implement conservation projects.
4. Evaluate and assess conservation projects.
5. Conduct presentations on various aspects of conservation projects.

 

CON 623: Local Communities and Cultural Heritage Management

Course Objectives

The course aims at providing students with the ability to identify locally relevant strategies for improving community engagement; analyze the gaps and insufficiencies in local heritage awareness and inclusiveness; and meet local needs and interests within broader policy and legal frameworks. The course focuses on cultural diversity and mutual respect of others. This course is intended to provide support and guidelines for the development of local community engagement programs.

 

Course Description

This course deals with the various aspects, whether cultural, economic or ecological, of the reciprocal relationship between local communities and cultural heritage sites. Focus is given to strategies and approaches that can be used for the active involvement of local communities in heritage management process from the planning phase until the implementation. The course provides examples of effective community participation in heritage management from different world sites.

 

Course Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this course, student should be able to:

1. Describe and explain the main elements of “community-based heritage.
2. Design community engagement programs.
3. Evaluate effectiveness of community engagement programs in improving the value and utility of current heritage management practices.
4. Link tangible and intangible resources, potential audiences, and community goals.
5. Engage in constructive cultural dialogue.