11. DEGREE PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Other electives may be selected from the module offerings of the Master of Arts in Cultural Heritage Studies or Master of Arts in Archaeology.

12. MODULE SYNOPSES

MMUS701 Museum History, Purpose and Function

The module examines how museums and museum theories have evolved, their role in contemporary societies and how they operate within the context of heritage management. It also explores the philosophy of museums in the service of the general public. The module will also help students evaluate how such development trends have shaped the appreciation of material culture as presented through museum exhibitions.

MMUS702 Museum Management

The module examines the basic and contemporary principles of museum management in general through evaluation of management theory and practice of museums/galleries in particular. This module also presents the museum as a business venture that is governed by contemporary business ethics and not only a traditionally docile organisation Students would be encouraged to make assessments of practical case studies in order to promote awareness of contemporary administrative challenges and inspire a sense of innovation in solving these problems. Topics to be covered include strategic planning, ethics and governance, membership and marketing.

MMUS703 Research Methods and Publications

The main aim of the module is to help students acquire the technical and practical skills for research purposes. Students would examine how research methodology is applied to address issues that flow from theory and to appreciate that there are common themes among the various methodological approaches that are utilized in Archaeology, Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies. Among issues that will be addressed through readings, presentations and discussions are: the nature and scope of archaeological, Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies research, the nature of research questions and the design of research programs to address those questions.

MMUS704 Museum Project Management

The module heightens students’ awareness towards formulation and management of projects relevant to Museums/Galleries. Participants will learn about what changes when one goes from “doing” the work to “managing” the project. This would be achieved through group discussion on project management tools, planning, negotiating on behalf of the project, project monitoring and evaluation for effectiveness and efficiency. Project management styles are also explored giving insights on how to build on strengths for effective project teams.

MMUS705 Museum Legislation and Law

This module presents a thorough examination of the legal frameworks which guide the operations of museums with special emphasis on regional and international laws governing museums and museum operations. Highlight on reality versus practicality of these legislations and laws will also be made through practical analysis of contemporary museum/galleries taking special attention to developing countries. Topics to be covered would include debates on legislations and law, issues of illicit trafficking of cultural objects and how they vary in public and private museums.

MMUS706 Museum Collections Management

The module acquaints students to the theory of museum collection development, ethics in collecting, collections care, accountability and access. The module addresses the issue of designing and implementation of collections policies, establishing and managing collections; collection management procedures and systems, documentation of collections, records preservation, collections access and storage and responsibilities of a museum registrar.

MMUS707 Museum Communication and Education

The module examines museum practice as vehicles of effective and efficient dissemination of information between the museum and the audience through the artefact or art collection about matters that relate to past and contemporary societal concepts. It also evaluates the effectiveness of

such educative roles of both the museum and exhibitions in relation to both traditional and contemporary cultures.

MMUS708 Museums and Multimedia

The module seeks to provide students with the knowledge and the skills needed to imaginatively use, work with and manage new media and digitisation in museums and to exploit its potential. It also seeks to provide an understanding of the changes that information and communication technologies is bringing about into museum; the opportunities it presents; and how museums can take advantage of it. The module explains why digitisation is important to museums, and deals with the practicalities of

multimedia, information and technology as a tool that can enhance access to information about collections to the general public.

MMUS709 Museum Exhibitions and Interpretation

The module empowers students with skills of curatorial research, presentation, documentation and laboratory research methods for the benefit of the public. It also presents the aspect of museum publication as a follow up to curatorial or laboratory research. This module also focuses on the development of interpretive museum exhibitions including theory, planning, research, methodologies, design, construction, installation; and the application of new technologies re-brand themselves to cater for the diversity of needs whilst the same time, promoting a good corporate image.

MMUS 820 Dissertation

All students are expected to write a dissertation of about 150 pages which is the result of an individual research project undertaken during the course. This can be on any approved topic relevant to the degree and to the taught components selected. Students are assigned a Supervisor to guide the main stages of the work.