IDC4U Interdisciplinary Studies: Museum Studies – Grade 12 (University)

PREREQUISITE: Any university or university/college preparation course

GRADE: 12 (University)

AVAILABILITY: Blyth Academy Online

THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM: Interdisciplinary Studies

CREDIT CROSSOVER: Although Interdisciplinary Studies (IDC4U) courses focus on different subject matter, the IDC4U course code can only count as one credit on a student’s transcript, even if multiple IDC4U courses are taken. For example, a student that has completed IDC4U – Artificial Intelligence and IDC4U – The Elite Athlete will only earn one credit in total on their final transcript. Each IDC4U course (along with the final grade) will show, however, a credit value of zero will be applied to the second IDC4U course. This also applies to students using IDC4U as one of their top six marks when applying to university; one only IDC4U course may be used as an achieved credit out of the six.

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Course Overview

IDC4U Museum Studies was developed in Partnership with the Art Gallery of Ontario. The course will explore the history and role of museums, the practice of curating, analysis of works of art, careers in the museum industry, and graphic design. Students will explore real online museums, as well as the world-renowned Art Gallery of Ontario in person. IDC4U Museum Studies online is ideal for students with an interest in art and exploring museums.

UNIT ONE
What are Museums?

Essential Question: How are museums interdisciplinary organizations?

In this unit, students will be introduced to the main ideas and issues involved in museum studies. Students will consider the question “What are museums?” and be able to answer it by the end of the unit with reference to specific fields of study. Students will start to learn about the principal museum of the course: the world-renowned Art Gallery of Ontario. Students will start by looking at the history of museums and the role of museums. By the end of the unit, students will understand how museums are interdisciplinary institutions that combine a variety of fields, specifically visual arts, architecture and marketing in order to be successful.

UNIT TWO
Topics in Museums

Essential Question: What are the purposes of museum collections?

In this unit, students will explore the content of museum collections and exhibits. Students will specifically examine a variety of online museum collections, include the Google Arts and Culture project, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s virtual timeline. Students will compare online tools to one another, as well as to ‘live’ museum exhibits, and note the strengths and challenges presented by the formats. Additionally, students will learn more about visual art content through the critical analysis process, an important tool for artists, critics, and curators alike.

UNIT THREE
Jobs in Museum Studies

Essential Question: How do museum professionals interact within a community?

In this unit, students will begin by examining both the variety of museum careers, and which museum careers might particularly appeal to them. After this, students will consider both how museums function as communities in and of themselves, and how museums serve the wider communities they exist within. Students will look at examples of these community interactions at the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, and the former Museum of Inuit Art.

UNIT FOUR
Looking At Real Exhibits

Essential Question: What are the elements of successful exhibit design?

In this unit, students will reactivate their knowledge of marketing, and consider how museums reach (or fail to reach) different audiences. Students will also return to the realm of online museum content, this time through online exhibits. Students will compare exhibits and comment upon the strengths and weaknesses of the different presentation formats. Students will take a deeper look at the role of graphic design in communicating to audiences, as well.

Please consult our Frequently Asked Questions Page or the Exam section within your course for more details on final exams and the exam fee. More information can also be found in our Student Handbook.

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