About

This interdisciplinary graduate-level course is designed for students interested in how the act of displaying objects of art, design and material culture (1) shapes the reception of those objects, and (2) speaks to the assumptions, priorities and concerns of those producing the exhibition. Combining historical, theoretical, and practical approaches to problems of display, this discussion-based seminar aims to bring together MFA students (working artists and designers) with MA or PhD students (historians, curators, theoreticians, etc.) so that the populations can learn from each other’s perspectives on a matter crucial to all. Readings will draw from fields including anthropology, art history, criticism and museum studies, and visits to exhibitions in New York City will ground these diverse readings in particular case studies. Students will be encouraged to work in cross-disciplinary groups throughout the semester (although the final project can be either a group or individual endeavor – each student will choose). Finally, discussions both on-line and in-class will encourage students to consider their own studio practices or scholarly endeavors in relation to ideas of display, narration and representation.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: % OF GRADE

Attendance/ participation* 30%

*includes weekly postings to course Blackboard site

Exhibition review (2-3 pages) 20%

In-class presentation (15-20 minutes) 20%

Final project (e.g., exhibition proposal, grant application, etc.) 30%

COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Think critically about past and present exhibitions using primary and secondary sources.
Exhibit familiarity with a range of theoretical approaches to exhibitions.
Understand the historical progression from cabinets of curiosity to the modern museum / gallery system.
Participate in major debates shaping exhibitions today.
Conduct original research on selected objects, artists and institutions.
Collaborate with colleagues from other fields on projects of shared interest.
Deliver effective oral presentations accompanied by digital images.
Write an exhibition review that clearly states and supports a thesis.
Produce an exhibition proposal, grant application, or other exhibition-related project that would meet professional standards.
Situate studio practices or scholarly interests in relation to the issues raised in the course.
READING ASSIGNMENTS: All required readings are available via the course Blackboard site. Please click on “Resources” at left. Throughout the semester I will distribute lists of “further readings” on topics discussed in class. These items will not be placed on-line, but are also not required.

Each Wednesday, every student must post either a discussion question or a response to a question posted by me or a fellow student to the Blackboard site no later than 5 PM.

ATTENDANCE / PUNCTUALITY: Attendance at every class meeting is mandatory. Two absences will result in a lowered grade. Three absences require automatic failure. Arriving on-time is essential. Each late arrival (20 minutes or more) will count as ½ absence.

PREPARATION / PARTICIPATION: The course will be run as a discussion-oriented seminar. You should arrive at each class meeting having completed, and prepared to discuss, the day’s assignments. High participation grades (B+ or above) will be awarded for participation that: (1) reflects careful attention to readings, assignments, and discussions; (2) is expressed clearly; and (3) demonstrates respect for the instructor and classmates, even if you disagree.

PAPERS / PRESENTATIONS: 3 letter-graded assignments (exhibition review (2-3 pages), an oral presentation (15-20 minutes), and a final project (exhibition proposal, grant application, etc.) will be required. In the presentation and the final project, you will propose an ideal exhibition. These may be individual or group projects – the choice is up to each student. Instructions and grading criteria will be distributed well in advance of due dates. Preliminary deadlines will help you to develop your project. Late submissions will receive reduced grades.

RE-WRITES AND EXTRA CREDIT: All papers may be revised and re-submitted at any time during the semester. To re-write a paper, you must consult with me first to discuss the revisions needed to merit a higher grade. Re-writes will not be considered without consultation. Papers containing any plagiarism will not be eligible for re-writes.

For extra credit, students may write one or more additional 1-page response papers discussing any exhibition or collection on view in New York City in relation to any one of the essays we read during the course of the semester.