OVERVIEW

The course explores the history of the museum, from its origins to contemporary manifestations, through the study of the phenomenon of collecting. Further space is also dedicated to the history of particular museum forms and to the main functions of the museum (acquisition, conservation, research, communication and exhibition).

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course provides knowledge about the history of collecting and the history of museum. It also provides tools for critical understanding of current museum strategies and functions in contemporary society.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, students will be able to

- describe aspects of art collecting in a historical perspective
- collect and evaluete autonomously sources for the history of collecting and museum institutions
- communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions related to the field of contemporary museology

PREREQUISITES

A good knowledge of history and art history from the Middle Ages to the contemporary age is necessary to deal effectively with the teaching content.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures will be held in person (with  seat reservation by students via app, due to classroom capacity limitations imposed in connection with the Covid pandemic. 

For the app: https://cedia.unige.it/sites/cedia.unige.it/files/pagine/Prenotazione%20del%20posto%20in%20aula%20-20Guida%20allo%20studente_UNIGE.pdf).

Green Passes are required for attendance.

Attendance in person, where possible, is recommended.

Students who are unable to attend in person can follow  remotely on the Teams channel using the following code i1o7g37

Students are reminded of the need to subscribe to the Aulaweb of the course

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course programme includes the presentation and discussion of the following topics:

- The Wunderkammer and the studiolo
- Princely collections;
- The museums of the Enlightenment;
- The Napoleonic age and the birth of the Louvre;
- From the 19th century to the present day;
- Particular museum forms: some case studies;
- The museum today and its functions.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

J. von Schlosser, Raccolte d'arte e di meraviglie del tardo Rinascimento [1908], Milano, Sansoni, 2000 (o ed. ss.);

M.T. Fiorio, Il museo nella storia. Dallo "studiolo" alla raccolta pubblica, Milano, Mondadori, 2011

M. Dalai Emiliani, Per una critica della museografia del Novecento in Italia. Il “saper mostrare” di Carlo Scarpa, Venezia, Marsilio, 2008

I musei e gli allestimenti di Franco Albini, a cura di F. Bucci e A. Rossari, Milano, Electa architettura 2005

A. Mottola Molfino, C. Morigi Govi, Lavorare nei musei, Torino, Allemandi, 2004

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARIA CLELIA GALASSI (President)

MARGHERITA PRIARONE (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

September 28, 2021

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination consists of an oral test in which the student has to demonstrate his knowledge of the history of collecting and museum formation, and to critically discuss problems related to the function of the modern museum.

The examination consists of answering questions posed by the teacher on topics covered during the course.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam will be conducted by means of an oral test that will test: the knowledge and understanding of the bibliography; the ability to make connections between the topics covered; the capacity for criticism and personal reflection.

Details on how to prepare for the exam and the degree of depth required for each topic will be provided during the lectures.

The exam will verify the effective acquisition of the knowledge of  the history of the museum, from its origins to contemporary manifestations. Open questions will be used to assess the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to individual practical cases. The student should be able to critically link and explain the topics covered in the lectures. The ability to explain the topics clearly and with correct terminology will also be assessed.

The method of assessing the degree of learning achieved takes into account the following scale of values:

1. in the case where the student, through an expressive mastery, demonstrates that he/she has deeply understood the texts proposed, the periodizations addressed and the themes presented in class through an organic vision, the exam will be evaluated with marks between very good and excellent (from 28 to 30 with honours);

2. a purely mnemonic knowledge (i.e. without deep understanding), superficial analysis and correct but not always appropriate language will lead to a mark between good (25-27) and satisfactory (23-24);

3. approximate knowledge, superficial understanding and inappropriate modes of expression may be considered sufficient (18-22);

4. gaps in knowledge, inappropriate language, lack of orientation within the bibliographic materials and themes presented in class will be evaluated negatively.

Exam schedule