Introduction to museology and issues of social and environmental transition

Sustainability and transition course

This course aims to provide students with a scientific knowledge base from a full range of disciplines pertaining to the environmental and social issues of sustainability and transition. 

Introduction to museology, including issues of social and environmental transition

The course offers an introduction to museology, taking an interdisciplinary approach to museums. It will therefore address the museum phenomenon from historical, political, social and anthropological perspectives, among others.

The sessions will alternate between different themes that will enable students to understand the theoretical and professional issues at stake in the museum world: the different functions of museums, exhibitions, cultural mediation, museum audiences, etc.

It will also address issues of social and environmental transitions specific to the museum world.


Museum visits (Grand Curtius reserves) and presentations by museum professionals are also planned.

 

Sustainability and transition course

At the end of this course, and on the basis of the scientific content presented, students will be able to: 

• Describe, differentiate and question the dynamics and interactions of the different spheres of the Earth system; 
• Describe and analyse the interactions between the human and the Earth systems; 
• Demonstrate the importance of considering the issues of sustainability and transition from a systemic point of view; 
• Develop a critical and reflective mindset that enables them to analyse current issues; 
• Use the scientific knowledge base to combat feelings of eco-anxiety; 

Introduction to museology, including issues of social and environmental transition

At the end of the course, students will be able to identify and explain the various challenges facing museums in the 21st century and the different professions, roles and activities within museums.

They must also be able to critically analyse an exhibition.

Introduction to museology, including issues of social and environmental transition

No prerequisites are required. However, a 'museum culture' forged by regular visits to museums and exhibitions is an asset.

Sustainability and transition course

Contents learned autonomously include: 

• Videos. 
• Video transcripts. 
• Additional resources (optional)  

Introduction to museology, including issues of social and environmental transition

Lectures

Some classes may take the form of workshops focusing on reading and analysing key texts, lectures by professionals, and visits to institutions.

Course materials (in PowerPoint format) are made available to students after each class. Although they contain the essential information (illustrations, quotations, etc.), they are not sufficient on their own: note-taking, additional reading and the development of a museum culture through museum visits are essential.

The course is supplemented by the SPOC Sustainability and Transition.

Sustainability and transition course

Remote course


Further information:

The teaching method is distance learning. The course is made up of several videos and recommends optional reading material. 

3 optional evenings will be dedicated to this SPOC (meetings with certain speakers and discussions around the themes of this part of the course). The tentative dates are 20/11, 28/11 and 9/12 for the first term. Dates to be determined for the second term.   

Introduction to museology, including issues of social and environmental transition

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Face-to-face course



If the professor is away (symposium, conference, expert mission), the class may be replaced by another activity and/or taught by Alix Nyssen, Nicolas Navarro's assistant.

Sustainability and transition course

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

Videos, optional reading material and guidelines will be provided via the eCampus platform.  

Introduction to museology, including issues of social and environmental transition

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

The PowerPoint presentation made available to students at the end of each session includes the bibliography for each course. Critical reading sessions of scientific articles will be organised during the course.

At the same time, reading the museology textbook (Gob André and Drouguet Noémie, La muséologie, Paris, Armand Colin, 2021) and consulting the museology dictionary (Mairesse François (ed.), Dictionnaire de muséologie, Paris, Armand Colin, 2022) are strongly recommended.

 

Some reference works (non-compulsory reading):

• Chaumier Serge et François Mairesse, La médiation culturelle, Paris, Armand Colin, 2021.
• Eidelman, Jacqueline, Roustan Mélanie et Bernadette Goldstein, La place des publics. De l'usage des études et recherches par les musées, Paris, La documentation française, 2007.
• Glicenstein, Jérôme, L'art : une histoire d'expositions, Paris, PUF, 2009.
• Gob André et Drouguet Noémie, La muséologie, Paris, Armand Colin, 2021.
• Mairesse François (dir.), Dictionnaire de muséologie, Paris, Armand Colin, 2022.
• Meunier Anik et Luckerhoff Jason (dirs.), La muséologie, champ de théories et de pratiques, Québec, Presses univeritaires de Québec, 2012.
• Pomian, Krzysztof, Le musée, une histoire mondiale. 3 tomes, Paris, Gallimard, 2020-2022. 
• Poulot, Dominique, Patrimoine et musées. L'institution de la culture, Paris, Hachette, 2001.
• Tobelem, Jean-Michel, Le nouvel âge des musées - Les institutions culturelles au défi de la gestion : Les institutions culturelles au défi de la gestion, Paris, Armand Colin, 2010.
• Journals : Culture & Musées et La lettre de l'OCIM 

Sustainability and transition course

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- Remote

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire )


Further information:

The course must be completed by 17 December 2024 12h00 for the first term. May 11 for the second term, and September 2 12h00 for the second session. This part represent 20% of the global note.

Introduction to museology, including issues of social and environmental transition

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions )

Written work / report


Further information:

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person : written exam ( open-ended questions )

- Written work 


Additional information:



The assignment is to be submitted during the term (December). It consists of a written report (between 12,000 and 15,000 characters).

The written assessment takes place in January. The examination will be in written form. It consists of a questionnaire with several open questions and a commentary on a quotation. During the term, a mock examination with answers will be given to students.

Introduction to museology, including issues of social and environmental transition

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Introduction to museology, including issues of social and environmental transition

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Sustainability and transition course

Prof. Sybille Mertens and Florianne Fassotte/Elise Pirenne (durabilite.transition@uliege.be) 

Introduction to museology, including issues of social and environmental transition

Full-time Teacher : 


Nicolas NAVARRO, chargé de cours

Département des Sciences historiques

Service de Muséologie

Quai Roosevelt 1B - Bât. A4 - 0/3, Liège - 4000

email : nicolas.navarro@uliege.be

Website : https://www.museologie.uliege.be

 

Secretary :  Josiane DERULLIEUR - 04.366.53.41