Recently added to the curriculum, the Museum Studies minor offered by the History, Anthropology, and Classics (HAC) Department allows students to engage with the inner workings of museums. In Museum Studies courses, students complete 18 credit hours as they learn about the history of museums and the ethical decisions affecting displays and exhibits. One class that students enjoy greatly is Museum Studies (AN347). Students learn materials one day and visit a museum in Indianapolis the next. This minor is perfect for people interested in museum work who want to expand their knowledge and practical skills.
Although offered through the History, Anthropology, and Classics Department in conjunction with the Jordan College of the Arts, the minor appeals to non-HAC majors due to its multi-discipline approach. The Museum Studies minor intersects with several academic fields: history, anthropology, classics, art, art history, and archaeology. This broad approach attracts students to this minor, and one of these individuals is Lauren Luktish. Luktish has a major in art history and minors in Museum Studies. She added this minor on the recommendation of a faculty member, as she had a passion for art and the inner workings of a museum. She loves how this minor allows her to visit museums in class and talk to curators at various museums in Indianapolis. Luktish says, “This experience helps me understand and see all the decisions and controversies involved in museums and the political and ethical issues not seen by the average museum-goer.”
The Museum Studies minor reveals another layer to the museum experience. Students learn about the curator process, the decisions affecting displays, and how museums operate. Headed by Dr. Elise Edwards, this minor is perfect for those who want to dig deeper into the museum. It rounds out a liberal arts education and suits various disciplines.
For additional information, contact Dr. Elise Edwards at emedwar1@butler.edu.