COLLECTING POWER: MUSEUMS, COLONIALISM, AND RESTITUTION

Overview

Museums are widely considered the custodians of what our cultures deem most valuable. Yet what is collected, and how, tells us a great deal about the ongoing violence of colonialism. In this subject, you explore the relationship between collecting, conflict and power, and how the role of art in conquest, nation-building and religious conflicts can lead to its destruction or censorship. You will consider several case studies drawn from a Western context, such as the Elgin marbles, Nazi looting and terrorist destruction of cultural heritage, and explore the wider ethical and legal context of collecting, destruction and theft. You will also explore broad cultural responses to redressing this legacy in ‘decolonising’ actions that include the restitution and repatriation of cultural objects and the transformation of institutional practices in response to First Nations advocacy. You will be introduced to the ethical, moral and legal issues involved in the circulation of art around the world to facilitate the development of your global and cross-cultural thinking.

You will participate in weekly seminars to develop your own perspective and point of view, in addition to engaging with a range of learning activities.

Portfolio

Office of the Provost

School

Subject coordinator

Caroline Wallace

Subject type

Undergraduate

Year level

Year Level 2 - UG

AQF level

Level 6 - Associate Degree

Available as elective

Yes

Available to study abroad / exchange students

Yes

Capstone subject
Capstones provide students with a way of integrating and applying knowledge and skills gained throughout their course.

Academic progress review - Schedule A subject

Subject instances

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Career ready

Work based learning (placement):No

Graduate capabilities

COMMUNICATION - Communicating and Influencing

COMMUNICATION - Cultural Intelligence and Global Perspective

DISCIPLINE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Creativity and Innovation

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Research and Evidence-Based Inquiry

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Adaptability and Self-Management

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Ethical and Social Responsibility

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Leadership and Teamwork

Subject intended learning outcomes

On successful completion you will be able to:

Gain an understanding of the role that collecting art and visual culture plays in broad political and historical developments.

Develop and strengthen understanding and engagement with ethical debates that apply to collecting, ownership and censorship within historical and contemporary arts contexts.

Expand skills in research, critical and reflective thinking, and writing by evaluating key ideas and concepts.

Learning activities

Modelled in prescribed materials and readings, explored in critical exercises and seminar discussion, developed in a presentation and written assignments.

Handbook