Course syllabus

Welcome to the course!

** This class is not being taught in 2018, but should be on the books for 2019. For any queries please contact Ngarino Ellis, convenor of this course, on ngarino.ellis@auckland.ac.nz.

MUSEUMS 704A aims to provide an insight into Maori and indigenous engagement with Museums and Cultural Heritage on a global stage. Case studies will be drawn from Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific, the US and Canada. The course prioritises writing and research by indigenous scholars, curators and artists, and in this way is distinct from most courses internationally.

The course has been written in close consultation with Chanel Clarke (Curator Maori, Auckland War Memorial Museum) who has provided the crucial industry perspective. This year the course is arranged in order that you gain an understanding into the specific context of 1) Aotearoa New Zealand, 2) Australia and the Pacific, and 3) Indigenous Canada and Native America. Within each block you will examine Collections, Curatorship, Working with Communities, and Exhibition and Display. The last block of the semester will look at issues today which will include Repatriation, Human Remains, and Public Programmes.

In terms of teaching practice, we will have most of the classes on campus, but also have at least one in Auckland Museum in order for you to understand and learn about the collections held there, and the way in which they display these treasures as part of their role as kaitiaki/caretakers. 

Course objectives:

On completing this course, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills to:

• develop an understanding of the key writers in the field of museums and cultural heritage, particularly in relation to indigenous communities;
• understand the perspectives of indigenous communities in relation to Museums and Cultural Heritage;
• demonstrate a critical understanding of the ongoing shifts in historical, political, institutions and cultural frameworks which have shaped, and continue to shape, museums and other cultural institutions; and
• critically discuss key museums (eg National Museum of the American Indian) and exhibitions (eg Te Maori).

Learning objectives:

Students will be assessed through their coursework on their ability to:

• Present in written form with confidence about the history, role and function of museums in relation to indigenous peoples;
• Develop skills in interdisciplinary thinking and the ability to apply theoretical ideas to case studies.
• Develop an understanding of the key writers in the field of museums and cultural heritage, particularly in relation to indigenous communities; and
• Provide a critical understanding of the ongoing shifts in Museums and Cultural Heritage.