Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Heritage and Museum Studies (HMS)

HMS 301  -  Theories & Methods of Heritage & Museum Studies,  2 credits.  

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.

Frequency: Alternate Years - 2nd Semester  
HMS 305  -  Collections Care & Management,  2 credits.  

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.

Frequency: Alternate Years - 2nd Semester  
HMS 380  -  Special Topics,  0-4 credits.  

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

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Repeatable: Yes  
HMS 395  -  HMS Internship,  1-8 credits.  
Frequency: Every Semester  
Corequisites: HMS 399  
Repeatable: Yes  
HMS 399  -  Internship Workshop,  0 credits.  

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.

Frequency: Every Semester  
Corequisites: HMS 395  
HMS 480  -  Independent Study,  1-4 credits.  

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.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Repeatable: Yes  
HMS 487  -  Directed Research,  1-4 credits.  

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.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Repeatable: Yes