AH3501: CURATION: THEORY AND PRACTICE (2023-2024)

This course focuses on the theory and practice of curation, making specific use of the internationally renowned University Museums and Special collections. These collections include artworks and material culture from the earliest times to the present day. The course comprises a series of six seminars covering formative topics, including museum and exhibition history, object selection, exhibition texts and education, which prepare the ground for student curatorial teams to design an exhibition proposal. The teams will work within a series of constraints, including number of objects, range of objects and time in which to complete the task.   

The course is continuously assessed by portfolio work undertaken during the preparation of the exhibition proposal, a presentation of the proposal by each curatorial team which will be assessed under real life conditions by a panel of experts, and a position paper concerning the future development of the proposal. Convincing proposals may be considered for realisation the following year. The course is co-taught by staff of the Art History department and Museums and Special Collections, with their joint expertise covering art history and material culture, curatorship and collection management, exhibition design and education. 

Curation: Theory and Practice is an ideal follow on from Art History’s Level 2 courses, Object Lessons and Art Matters, which focus on how to ask questions of art objects and to determine the cultural logics of materials and techniques. Students will be able to apply and develop their skills in research and writing in the context of a public-facing event (the exhibition) that relies on collaborative work. With its emphasis on vocational training, this course will help students take initial steps towards careers in the arts, culture and heritage sectors. 

This honours-level course comprises a series of 2-hour seminars run twice a week, supported by online resources in MyAberdeen, and the development of exhibition proposals by curatorial teams of three to four students. The exhibition proposals are based on a pre-determined list of objects drawn from the University Museums and Special Collections. The teaching block represents six weeks of targeted seminars with additional support clinics run throughout the semester to support the production of the exhibition proposals and in the writing of the assignments. Students will engage with the challenges of selecting and displaying historic objects in online space, researching and writing labels and thematic panels, and audience, amongst other considerations.  

Seminars will be conducted in classrooms (physical or in Collaborate) and in museum spaces (where and when possible), with supplementary visits to relevant display spaces and exhibitions to raise critical awareness of themes, hangs, object interrelations, sight lines and aesthetics. Teaching will be supported by online recordings and resources on MyAberdeen. Students are encouraged to visit exhibitions (physical and online) as part of self-directed research, taking notes on themes, design and communication – i.e. looking at labels, panels and catalogues/guidebooks/leaflets. 

The principal outcome is an exhibition proposal per student curatorial team. Consultation with teaching staff will be maintained throughout the course to address technical, theoretical and practical issues.

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

More Information about Week Numbers

There are no assessments for this course.