There Will Be Three Assignments for Undergrads, Four for Graduate Students

ASSIGNMENTS

All papers are to be double-spaced; 12 pt. type; Times or Times New Roman font; 1-inch margins on all sides.

All papers are to be turned in electronically (Word or other text document attached to email) and sent to by the deadline. GRADUATE STUDENTS ONLY must also send all their assignments to . (That is, Graduate students must submit two copies, one to each instructor.)

There will be three assignments for undergrads, four for graduate students.

FIRST ASSIGNMENT: Exhibit Review

Given Wednesday, May 19

Due Friday, May 28, 5:00 pm CDT

Visit an exhibit at a museum in Michigan (your choice). Do NOT use Growing Up In Michigan at the Michigan Historical Museum, nor Diversity of Animals at the MSU Museum. Review the exhibit using he D-P-R formula discussed in class. Describe what audience this exhibit is trying to reach; what message it is trying to convey; and how it attempts to bring that message to life / get it across to that chosen audience. Cite specific examples from the exhibit to support your analysis.

Minimum 3 pages for both Grad and Undergrad

40 points

SECOND ASSIGNMENT: Perspectives on Excellence

Given Tuesday, June 15

Due Thursday, June 24, 5:00 pm CDT

Compare and contrast how the various professionals we have and/or read about in this course view and define excellence in exhibition. Use the handouts from the first day (Rand’s “Visitor Bill of Rights;” Hirsch’s “Exhibition Evaluation Criteria;” etc.), as well as discussions with museum professionals at the Michigan Historical Center; Garfield Park Conservatory; Chicago Historical Society; and Shedd Aquarium. Discuss these various points of view in terms of your own philosophy of exhibition.

Minimum 3 pages for Undergrad; 5 pages for Graduate students

40 points

THIRD ASSIGNMENT: Analysis of Criteria

Given Monday, June 21

Due Monday, June 28, 5:00 pm CDT

Discuss excellence in museum exhibition as defined in the judging tool. Review all the criteria, what they mean, and how they impact visitor experience. Cite examples, good and bad, from trip. Cite class discussions – things you learned, new perspectives. Agree or disagree, and explain why.

Minimum 5 pages for Undergrads; 7 pages for Graduate students

50 points

FOURTH ASSIGNMENT, GRADUATE STUDENTS ONLY: Analysis of Theory

Given Friday, May 21

Due Friday, June 11

Select one of the criteria from the Framework. Assess whether the criteria is empirically derived from theory. Using articles and citations provided in class, review the literature that was used as a foundation for selecting the criterion. Discuss whether you feel there is a correlation between the theories and the criterion.

OTHER CLASS WORK

Course Journal – 20 points

Maintain a journal throughout the course that documents the development of your thoughts, reflections and opinions about topics, ideas and other aspects of the course.

Due in class Monday, June 21. (Hand-written is OK.)

Class participation and attendance—50 points

All the exhibits we see will be discussed and debated according to the definitions of the judging tool. You are expected to participate in these discussions, offering your observations of the exhibit and thought on how various features affect the visitor experience. Grading is not based on the quantity of comments, but thoughtfulness and ability to support your ideas. Active listening and engaging others in discussion (i.e. asking questions) is strongly encouraged.