This course is an introduction to the histories, purposes, and responsibilities of heritage organizations as sites for the construction, preservation, and dissemination of memory, identity, and culture. Content analyzes heritage organizations as sources for social responsibility and as tools for understanding cultural, social, and political influences in society.

This course examines the history, ideology, and practice of collecting within institutional contexts. Content explores the foundational principles, theories, and methods associated with the care of collections including appraisal, accessioning, arrangement and description, access, and preservation. The transformation of heritage organizations in the digital age will also addressed, particularly managing collections in a digital environment.

Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department or program chair for more information.

HMS 399 is a requirement for Heritage and Museum Studies majors and must be taken in the semester that the student is enrolled in HMS 395. This course is designed to help students make interdisciplinary connections and solidify transferable skills as students collectively reflect on their internship experiences.

This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth study of a particular topic under the supervision of a faculty member. Contact the department or program chair for more information.

This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct research in a specific area of study, completed under the direction of a faculty mentor. Specific expectations of the research experience to be determined by the faculty. Repeatable for credit.