HIST219 Management of Historic Sites

Department of Social & Behavioral Science: Historic Preservation

  1. Course Number and Title

    HIST219 Management of Historic Sites

  2. Number of Credits

    3 credits

  3. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester

    2250

  4. Prerequisites

    None

    Corequisites

    None

  5. Other Pertinent Information

    None

  6. Catalog Course Description

    Using case studies, students study the principles, methods and disciplines required to manage a small museum or historic site, with special emphasis on personnel, financial and collections management, exhibit development and interpretation, fundraising, marketing, customer service, governance, ethics and professional standards.

  7. Required Course Content and Direction

    1. Learning Goals:

      1. Course
        2. Students will:
        1. demonstrate an understanding of the diverse interdisciplinary skills utilized in the museum field;
        2. demonstrate an understanding of historic site management disciplines including: museum governance, personnel management, professional standards, customer service financial management and collections management;
        3. demonstrate an understanding of the role of exhibit development/ interpretation and relationship with public programs;
        4. demonstrate an understanding of facilities management and disaster planning; and
        5. assess a variety of management situations common to public, non-profit institutions and select an appropriate response.

      2. Core (if applicable)
        3. This course is not included in the Core.

    2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

      1. introduction to museums and mission statements
      2. the role of nonprofit organizations
      3. the role of the board of directors and advisors
      4. ethics and policy development
      5. personnel management, professional standards, and labor policies
      6. exhibits, interpretation and interpretive planning
      7. public programs and their role in the community
      8. marketing, publicity and membership of museums
      9. visitor /guest services
      10. fundraising
      11. collections management, care and conservation
      12. facilities management, preservation and disaster planning
      13. professional standards and the future

    3. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

      1. Course
        2. Student assessment consists of exams, quizzes, essays, written assignments, multi-media projects, presentations, and/or participation in classroom/online discussions.

      2. Core (if applicable)
        3. This course is not included in the Core.

    4. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

      See course format

  8. Teaching Methods Employed

    Section VIII is not being used with new and revised syllabi as of 12/10/08.

Review/Approval Date - 11/2012