Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - EDUC 398 B100

Special Topics

Museums, Education, and Society

Class Number: 6501

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Will be announced prior to the beginning of each term.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores major issues of present concern. Subjects to be taught and the exact assignment of units will be announced prior to the beginning of each term. Course may be given on a pass/fail basis. A maximum of 12 units in education special topics courses may be used toward a bachelor of education degree or a bachelor of general studies (EDUC) degree. Variable units: 2, 3, 4, 6.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course, students will engage with museum education and museum studies literature. With an emphasis on (but not restricted to) science museums, the course will offer opportunities to collectively consider the current social, cultural, and educational purposes of these institutions. As such, students will examine issues around their historical evolution, learning and meaning-making experiences, decolonization practices, equity, and social inclusion. Through theory, visits to museums and collections, and exploration of online materials/resources, students will also reflect upon the pedagogical potential of these institutions. 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Collectively examine the social, cultural, and educational roles of contemporary science museums;  

Learn about different theoretical perspectives related to museum education and museum studies (e.g., contextual models for learning in informal environments, controversy, decolonization of museum practice, museum activism) 

Explore a range of museum education resources and programs addressed to students, teachers, families, and the general public; 

Question, reflect upon and navigate the pedagogical potential of (science) museums. 

Grading

  • Online contributions (responses to readings) 40%
  • Reflective questions/activities related to museum visits 20%
  • Museum educational material (and presentation) 20%
  • In-class activities 20%

NOTES:

The synchronous portion of this course includes: seven (7) face-to-face classes at Burnaby Campus on Tuesdays from 2:30- 5:20 pm and two (2) face-to-face classes taking place in two different museums - one at SFU Burnaby Campus and one in Vancouver or New Westminster (note that upon consultation, this class might happen on a Saturday instead of a Tuesday). The asynchronous portion of this course includes: four weeks in which students will conduct independent work online (and will not attend face-to-face classes on campus).  

The course will not have a final exam.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Readings will be provided and shared in Canvas. 

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html