Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - EDUC 398 B100

Special Topics

Museums, Education, and Society

Class Number: 6865

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: TBA, TBA
    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:

Special Topics: Museums, Education & Society

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, visitor 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.

Note: This is a blended course and will alternate between in-person classes and online asynchronous coursework.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • 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)
  • Collectively examine the social, cultural, and educational roles of contemporary science museums;
  • Explore and use 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 museums.

Materials

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.