Module manager: Professor Abigail Harrison Moore
Email: A.L.Moore@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is approved as a discovery module
This module aims to introduce you to the central questions of curatorship, museology and museum practice. We will achieve this by beginning with a general introduction to core museological questions, then we will focus week by week on specific topics to deepen your understanding. We will examine the methods and ideas behind the collection, interpretation, and display of objects and exhibitions in the past and today. We will consider how museums communicate messages to their visitors and shape knowledges and histories. The representation of cultural diversity, access and inclusion within the museum; the role of the museum within late capitalist culture – i.e. the paradox of the post-modern museum/exhibition; and museum architecture and the theories of museum space will also be explored. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
On completion of this module, you should have a critical understanding of the issues surrounding curatorship, museology and museum management, including cultural diversity within the museum. You will have been introduced to and will have demonstrated your understanding (via your written work and group seminars) of the methods and ideas behind the collection, interpretation, and display of objects and exhibitions in the past and today. You will have considered the representation of cultural diversity, access and inclusion within the museum; the role of the museum within late capitalist culture and how museum architecture and the spaces in museums shape knowledge.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
LO1 - Evaluate the issues surrounding curatorship, museology and museum management, and of some of the key texts and theories of museum, gallery and heritage studies that help us study this.
LO2 - Apply a critical understanding of the historical development of museums in a British/European context to key taught case studies and a range of global case studies of your choice.
LO3 - Appraise (through appropriate sources) how museums, galleries and heritage organisations operate today, with particular attention to issues of diversity, equality and inclusivity in museums, galleries and heritage organisations.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SLO 4 - Construct and communicate your arguments and ideas effectively both verbally and in written forms, using a range of appropriate historical, contextual and visual information, bibliographies and databases.
SLO 5 - Engage critically and creatively with relevant literature, sources and theories in order to develop and deliver a report on a case study of a museum, gallery or heritage organisation.
- Verbal and written fluency in constructing a logical and coherent argument
- Use of audio visual aids
- Participation in group discussions
- Co-ordination and dissemination of a range of historical, contextual visual information
- Using bibliographies and databases
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
180 hours - reading, preparation for essays/class discussions.
One student led group seminar presentation per student will allow students to receive formative feedback, with a specific view to demonstrating SLO 4. Formative feedback is also offered throughout the module in the form of Q and A sessions each week
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Report | 40 |
| Coursework | Essay | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team