Museum and Curatorial Studies (Minor)

Overview

The minor in Museum and Curatorial Studies, homed at Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts and Parsons School of Design, introduces students to museum and curatorial practices, the concerns underlying them, their historical and theoretical frameworks, and their applications beyond the preservation and display of objects.

The curriculum explores works in a wide range of media and their installation both within and outside of museum walls. Students in the minor develop practical and academic skills in visual studies, curation, and cultural policy.

The minor requires six courses with a minimum of 18 credits. Two introductory courses introduce students to the field, two advanced courses explore topics in visual culture and history, and two advanced courses look specifically at museums and curatorial practices.

At least one of the introductory courses is offered every semester. Advanced courses come from a list of electives that vary.

Course availability may vary from semester to semester. Some courses may be in development and offered at a later time. Students seeking to pursue alternative coursework to fulfill the minor should consult with their advisors.

Curriculum

Learning Outcomes

A student who has completed this minor should be able to demonstrate:

• Familiarity with the history of collecting and the origins of museums
• Awareness of current debates and best practices in the fields
• An understanding of the significance and relevance of historical material and visual culture for the present day
• The ability to think, speak, and write critically about exhibitions and displays
• The ability to conduct historical research on visual and material culture using primary and secondary sources
• Competency in writing exhibition, grant, and public programming proposals
• The ability to contribute to the conceptualization, curation, or production of an exhibition, installation, performance, or other curated event

Eligibility

Students must earn a grade of C or higher in all courses taken for the minor.

For questions regarding this minor's curriculum, including requests for course substitutions, please contact:

How to Declare or Change a Minor

General guidelines for declaring a minor are available here. Current students can declare or change a minor by logging in to my.newschool.edu, clicking on the Academics tab, and then clicking on the link to Major/Minor Declarations.