Duration
45h Th
Number of credits
| Master in history of art and archaeology : general (120 ECTS) | 5 crédits | |||
| Master in history of art and archaeology : general (60 ECTS) | 5 crédits |
Lecturer
Coordinator
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The teaching focuses on the museums of science and technology, both in Belgium and abroad.
The teaching includes lectures by Ph. Tomsin. It concerns the movable and semi-movable heritage of museums of science, technology and industry (historical scientific apparatus, tools, weapons, industrial machines, etc.).
During the first part, by way of introduction, and in order to put these heritages into their historical context, the main concepts and facts of the history of science and technology are quickly remembered.
Then, the varieties of display of these heritages are reviewed, not only through the various forms of museums, but also through less conventional exhibitions (factories visits, public events, toxic tourism, etc.).
After a quick historical overview of the interest for the material heritage of the museums of science, technology and industry, their varieties and their specificities, the materials used in their construction, the various degradations which concern them and the ways to preserve them are successively reviewed.
Various specific questions related to the practical management of collections are discussed (inventory, metrology, photography, handling, display, conditions for a correct preservation, storage, special legislation on military heritage, etc.).
Finally, the human risks related with the management and the display of the material heritage of museums of science, technology and industry and the means to preserve health are reviewed.
As a valorization of these considerations, Ch. Michel wants to use Aquarium and Zoological Muséum collections for a practical exercise : Natural History Museums and Public Aquariums allow city dwellers to keep contact with Mother Nature, from whom they come, from whom they're separated, but for whom they feel nostalgic and keep interest and curiosity. Such patrimonial institutions are increasing. Therefore, it is obvious to prepare specialists in museology for such domains. Relying on our Museum (first collections in 1817) and Aquarium (open in 1962) experience, this course aim to give students general but rigorous skills in natural history, particularly zoology and biodiversity and consider means of communication in such fields.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
The purpose of this teaching is to give students a solid basic knowledge in the field of scientific or technological conservation. Basically, the goal is to draw students' attention to the main issues relating to conservation, either to effectively preserve artefacts and documents or to prepare temporary or permanent exhibitions.
For the Aquarium-Muséum, we will consider zoology and biodiversity, to be able to understand how such museums work and think. So, in an illustrated and interactive way, we'll tackle:
- scientific method, and zoology among natural sciences, fields necessary to understand dead and living collections : morphology, physiology, behaviour and, of course, systematics ;
- large divisions of animal world: main groups, their characteristics and their evolution.
Afterwards, we'll speak about special techniques of collection and preservation of specimens, keeping in mind Man-Animal relationship's history, following the evolution of ideas and mentalities. Of course, our Natural History Museum and our Aquarium will be at the centre of the discussion, and we'll consider how they cope with conservation, studies and knowledge diffusion, discovering collection rooms, reserves, techniques, ...
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
No prior knowledge is required, except a Good command of French language, Open-mindedness and Basic knowledge in science, College level
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Lectures will be richly illustrated with photos (Power Point) and videos.
Detailed tour of Natural History Museum Rooms and reserves, of Aquarium Rooms and Technical rooms
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)
30 hours, second term (detailed schedule to be arranged).
Recommended or required readings
A bibliography of key references is given, as well as the photos and videos shown during class (everything will be provided in digital form).
Assessment methods and criteria
Concerning the first part, in view of the specificity and variety of problematics, a written exam offers a more unbiased evaluation.
For Aquarium-Muséum, about a zoological group, choosen in Aquarium or Natural History Museum, We want a Critical reflexion about this zoological group, the way he is supported in our rooms, improvement, ... (short report and presentation)
Work placement(s)
Organizational remarks
Contacts
For the first part: ph.tomsin@uliege.be
For Aquarium-Muséum, Dr Ch. Michel, Curator, Christian.Michel@uliege.be.
Adaptation of teaching commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic for the May-June 2020 session
Teaching methods implemented : distance-learning
For the part of the course devoted to the museums of science, technology and industry (first part): not applicable.
For the part of the course devoted to biodiversity at the Aquarium-Museum, the slideshows were annotated to allow their complete understanding on reading. These slideshows will be posted on eCampus.
The course will be given by videoconference.
The virtual visit of the museum is possible via https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=MmLbViKqTnB
Assessment subjects
For the part of the course devoted to museums of science, technology and industry (first part): the evaluation will concern all the subjects covered during lessons.
For the part of the course dedicated to biodiversity at the Aquarium-Museum, the student's creative imagination will be appealed to by focusing on the animal group of their choice, using the virtual visit to the museum https: / /my.matterport.com/show/?m=MmLbViKqTnB
Define useful knowledge about the group and put it into shape ...
Assessment methods
Interactive debate about a subject of the course (chapter or piece of chapter) and a "practical case" (for example, the case of the exhibition of an scientific or technical heritage object, in a particular context), and this, in order to evaluate the student's ability to conduct a thought process which is constructed and logically reasoned on the subject, as well as its ability to consider a concrete problem in museology.
Short written report presented and discussed by videoconference.
Contacts
For the first part: ph.tomsin@uliege.be
For Aquarium-Muséum, Dr Ch. Michel, Curator, Christian.Michel@uliege.be.