| Unit name | Independent Study Unit: Curating a Collection |
|---|---|
| Unit code | HARTM0039 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Ann Matchette |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of History of Art (Historical Studies) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
This curatorial unit offers you the opportunity to work with collections and translate your knowledge into written and visual formats for public audiences. You will be taught in small-group settings that allow you to develop your knowledge and skills through object-based analysis, reading, and extensive discussion, exposing you to current debates curatorial practice and art history more broadly.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
Curatorial units build on your previous knowledge by allowing you to focus on a thematic project. You will deploy your research skills; hone your critical skills, including visual analysis; develop greater confidence with primary sources and complex concepts to support your independent research; and learn to write for diverse audiences.
An overview of content
Students taking this unit would work collaboratively with a major external collaborative partner from the Museum and Heritage industries to either curate a scholarly exhibition drawn from the rich and diverse holdings of the partner’s collection and/or to conduct object research. If an exhibition, they might develop a theme for the exhibition, choose and research the objects, write the display texts and catalogue, and manage the publicity. If object research based, they might choose and research the objects, write the display texts and produce a catalogue. They might also work on a virtual exhibition based on their object research. Partners have included: RWA (Royal West of England Academy): The Holburne Museum, Bath; Tate Britain London; National Museum Wales, Cardiff, National Portrait Gallery and the National Trust.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
The unit aims to give MA students extra curatorial and object-based cataloguing and research experience, which is particularly important for those wanting to go on to work in museums and galleries.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1. develop independent research skills, appropriate for the dissertation;
2. collaborate on a project which combines scholarship with a concern for the display and/or dissemination of ideas and materials;
3. acquire an understanding of curatorial processes, and expert knowledge of the subject-matter of the exhibition;
4. communicate their research and knowledge to public-facing audiences in written, oral, and visual formats
5. deploy information and relevant scholarly approaches toward an independently written essay.
Classes will involve a combination of discussion, investigative activities, and practical activities including work toward an exhibition. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis. This will be further supported with drop-in sessions and self-directed work with tutor and peer feedback.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
One project portfolio (80%) [ILOs 1-5]
One group presentation (20%) [ILOs 2-4]
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the format or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School/Centre shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. HARTM0039).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
