Lectures, seminars (case studies), practicals (workshops), group discussions, excursions, home study, and group project.

The development of a contemporary and scientifically founded view on the ‘users’ of a collection display, exhibition and exhibition institution, of insights in the conceptual and practical consequences of this, and of the ability to meaningfully incorporate this in a personal practice.

This course unit focuses on the ‘users’ of collection displays, exhibitions, and exhibition institutions. Aspects addressed include:
- the historical relations of (art) museums with the public and the changes inspired by the paradigm shift and social issues since the 1960s;
- how this gives rise to particular tensions and prejudices concerning the audiences in museums of art;
- who our audiences are and what their reasons are (not) to visit us;
- what we can learn about visitor interpretation from visitor studies, education theory, the philosophy of art, (developmental) psychology and flow theory, and how we may valorise this knowledge in practice;
- how insights concerning participation and inclusion (universal design) may tie in with and expand upon this;
- what the importance of evaluation and audience research is.

The theory is illustrated by means of (inter)national cases that elucidate certain conceptual and practical effects of the contemporary insights with an eye on choices concerning both mediation and presentation. A model of analysis is developed and the contemporary practice is brought up for discussion on the basis of concrete analyses (group excursion, to the V&A in London amongst others, and individual analyses by students). Strategies for applying the theories in practice are developed and tested in a group project in collaboration with S.M.A.K. Specific aspects such as exhibition texts are studied more closely in practical sessions.

Meeting the programme’s admission requirements.

Core competences:

- Having knowledge of current insights in the museum experience, interpretation, perception, strategies, needs, and active role of visitors; and having knowledge of non-visitor motivations.
- Being able to analyse and situate the way audiences are approached and supported in a given practice.
- Being able to develop a qualitative mediation practice for a diverse audience.
- Being aware of social responsibilities.

General competences:

- Being capable of self-critical reflection: students are aware of their own interpretation strategies and experiential preferences and are capable of neutralizing these in a professional situation.
- Having an inclination for lifelong learning: students are able to find information that supports and stimulates their learning process and are prepared to disclose the results of their studies within their direct professional environments and in the wider field.

Individual (by digital appointment) and feedback during classes.

End-of-term assessment: results of group project (both general results and personal contributions) and personal reflection paper.
Retake during the second examination period is possible.

Presentations, reading list and personal notes. Presentations are provided digitally.

Learning materials: digital
Excursions: transportation + admission: max. 25 EUR
Estimated total: max. 25 EUR

Contemporary (art) history, Aesthetics, Epistemology, Pedagogy and didactics

Op dit opleidingsonderdeel is er geen volgtijdelijkheid van toepassing.