This course is an introduction to ways of seeing, understanding, and experiencing museums

We’ll start with the Big Question: What is a Museum? to examine our assumptions, knowledge, and expectations of museums.

Then, we’ll learn how to explore museums through the lenses of institutional histories, space and place, and the people that make museums work.

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Who Is This Course For

• Grades 9-12 and adult learners wanting a behind-the-scenes look at museums or deeper understanding of the primary functions of museums: exhibitions, collections, and education

• Educators and Homeschoolers trying to engage students with museums, public history, and cultural heritage

• This is an introductory, beginner-level course. There are no prerequisites. No prior knowledge or experience required

• We strongly recommend taking this course before taking other museum studies courses

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Course Requirements

• There are no prerequisites. No prior knowledge or experience required

• This course is entirely online, asynchronous and self-paced. We do not meet at a specific time

• To receive a Certificate of Completion for PD/CEU credit hours or course equivalency documentation, you must complete at least 80% of the course and all required coursework