ANTH 240 Museum and Cultural Heritage Studies

Overview of Course

Step inside the world of museums and discover how they shape our understanding of cultural heritage, history, and identity, through the lens of anthropology. We will explore how museums operate behind the scenes, from their origins and ethics to their organizational structures. We will examine the skills and expertise of museum staff, discuss exhibit design, and review the role of museums in public education. You will learn what it takes to preserve and interpret collections, tell meaningful stories through exhibitions, and connect with diverse communities. We will learn how different cultures approach museum work and cultural preservation. For example, we may explore Portuguese maritime museums in Leixões, examine colonial heritage and resistance narratives in Salvador's Afro-Brazilian museums, investigate post-apartheid museum practices in Cape Town, or analyze how Ho Chi Minh City's museums navigate war memory. We will also explore exciting career paths in museums.