AH5608 Colonial Collections and Critical Displays

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

TBC

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr B C Brulon Soares

Dr B C Brulon Soares
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Bruno Cesar Brulon Soares

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module focuses on the management of colonial collections in museums and heritage organisations, studying innovative skills and methodologies for their critical display. Following an introduction to the history of colonial heritage in museums from the end of the 19th century to the present day, decolonial and postcolonial frameworks will inform reflexive practice. Topics will include the representation of Indigenous heritage and culture, the reinterpretation of private and public collections of non-European cultures (e.g. the exhibition of “primitive art”), ethical responses to reclaims for repatriation, co-curation and critical methods of re-display, and antiracist approaches to heritage. It aims to expand students’ perspectives on museum basic procedures, exploring innovative methods of object handling, provenance research, collections care and display.

Assessment pattern

Coursework - 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework - 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1.5 hour seminar (x11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

28

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

264

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • develop an understanding of the concepts, methods and debates inherent in current museological research, and approach such material constructively and critically
  • acquire fundamental skills necessary for research, critical thinking and academic writing
  • participate in debates and engaged in collaboration with colleagues during seminar discussions working for the resolution of issues involving museum practice and collections management
  • become acquainted with the skills to conceive and develop museum displays from a reflexive perspective and employing collaborative methods