42 courses with the subject MSEM, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
MSEM 518Prototyping for Community Engagement3
90.0 hours 500 level graduate course This elective is open to all grads, juniors and seniors who have a project, product, or program they would like to test with an interdisciplinary team and, ultimately, public audiences. This class covers how prototype and pilot testing concepts with the public can lead to stronger, more creative, complex, and compelling design solutions. This class provides tools to prototype effectively from defining the project’s needs, identifying original ways to meet them, building pilot versions, testing them productively, making changes based on feedback, and communicating the results effectively. Competencies such as research, responsiveness, adaptability, collaboration, and critical thinking beyond one’s self are key in designing for contemporary audiences. This course is essential for any designer, developer, educator, or communicator who wants to be viable in the ever-evolving creative world. This course may be completed 2 times for credit. This course may not be audited. This course cannot be taken pass/fail.
67.5 hours 500 level graduate course This course is a concise lesson in graphic design where students will explore the building blocks of design and typography and the application of these principles for an exhibition setting. Focus will be on the specific challenges in a museum environment and avoiding common design pitfalls. Priority enrollment for MFA in Museum Exhibition, Planning, and Design. Computer Literacy Required This course is not repeatable for credit.
undefined hours 500 level graduate course Courses falling under Selected Topics focus on special areas of museum life. Topics will vary according to faculty expertise. This course may be repeated for credit. This course may not be audited.
45.0 hours 600 level graduate course Lecture/seminar course exploring the philosophy and history of museum exhibitions and the development of the museum exhibition discipline. Visiting lecturers bring a wide range of knowledge and practices from their respective professional disciplines and provide insight into museum exhibition practice. Provides students with an overall understanding of the role exhibitions can and do play in public institutions. Offered in the evening. Open to Museum Studies majors only. This course is not repeatable for credit.
45 hours 600 level graduate course Lecture into practice focusing on the understanding and development of museum audiences through visitor-centered research. Students learn to conduct audience research in order to identify the characteristics of museum visitors and to use research findings to inform the development of exhibitions and educational programs and enhance the overall visitor experience of cultural institutions. Priority enrollment to Museum Studies majors. This course is not repeatable for credit. This course may not be audited.
45.0 hours 600 level graduate course This course addresses the development of foundational graphic computer skills in image scanning, digital photographic technologies, digital vector graphics and illustration, document layout and basic output procedures. The class focuses on the Adobe Suite; Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator. Technical understanding and efficient working methodologies are taught through weekly exercises and applied to larger projects established for the Museum Graphics courses. All software is standard to current graphic design industry practices. Computer Literacy Required This course is not repeatable for credit.
22.5 hours 600 level graduate course Examine museums in the context of political, economic, and social change. A seminar/lecture course, students study the foundations of modern museum theories including the development of museums and their service to the public, learning as a focus of museums, museums as a space for community engagement, and the shift from private to public support and responsibility for museums. Priority enrollment to Museum Studies majors. This course is not repeatable for credit.
MSEM 606Community Outreach Research and Program Development3
45 hours 600 level graduate course In this workshop-style class, students will learn how to develop strong museum-community relationships and create museum entry points and programming that meet the needs of the communities they serve. Prerequisites MSEM*603 This course is not repeatable for credit. This course may not be audited.
MSEM 609Museum Exhibition Design Studio: First Semester4.5
135.0 hours 600 level graduate course The primary vehicle for exploring and developing museum exhibition planning, design, project organization, and presentation skills/techniques. This studio focuses on the foundations of museum exhibition development and design: space planning, color, light, informal education, communication, content, interaction, and crafting experiences. This course is not repeatable for credit.
MSEM 611Museum Exhibition Design Studio: Second Semester6
180.0 hours 600 level graduate course The primary vehicle for exploring and developing museum exhibition planning, design, project organization, and presentation skills/ techniques. This studio focuses on the foundations of museum exhibition development and design: space planning, color, light, informal education, communication, content, interaction, and crafting experiences, with the addition of project management, model making, and group dynamics. Prerequisites MSEM*609 Open to Museum Exhibition Planning and Design majors only. This course is not repeatable for credit.
45.0 hours 600 level graduate course Graphic Design is defined as the art, profession and creative process of visual communication using words and images. It is a means to dynamically tell a story, convey organized information, or guide someone through an experience. Through a deliberative process of research, assessment, writing, conceptualization and design, this class is an introduction to the methods and principles of Graphic Design as it applies to communications in general, and to museums in particular. Through lectures, case studies, and project-based learning, students engage in six main projects, in-class exercises, and collaborations. Priority enrollment for Museum Studies, MA students. Computer Literacy Required. This course is not repeatable for credit.
45.0 hours 600 level graduate course A lecture/demonstration/workshop course dealing with the manipulation of light and color in the built environment, specifically museums. Prerequisites MSEM*616 Open to Museum Exhibition Planning and Design majors only. This course is not repeatable for credit.
45.0 hours 600 level graduate course This course gives students an in-depth acquaintance with exhibit fabrication/construction processes, techniques, methods and materials, how to research and specify appropriate materials, and how to use those materials in the best way. This course is not repeatable for credit.
45.0 hours 600 level graduate course Demonstration/studio course directed at the problems of exhibit production, organization of drawings and packages, clear communication to suppliers of materials and services, and the use of Mac-based CAD (computer aided design), specifically Vectorworks. Open to Museum Exhibition Planning and Design majors only. This course is not repeatable for credit.
45.0 hours 600 level graduate course This course will explore the uses of digital media for interpretation in exhibitions and programs. Students will be introduced to various kinds of interfaces and applications to better understand appropriate uses, for example, blogs, apps, gaming, social media, distance learning/webinars, on-line exhibitions/collections, etc. Emphasis will be on the uses of these media tools for the interpretation of ideas and stories as a means of developing innovative visitor engagement with content and collections. Students will design a sample media piece as part of the deliverables for this class. Priority enrollment for MA in Museum Education and MFA in Museum Exhibition, Planning & Design. This course is not repeatable for credit.
45.0 hours 600 level graduate course Through a combination of readings, discussion, and participation in thematic events, as well as the study of their own behavior, students learn about the nature of authority and responsibility, anxiety, communications, the evolution of norms and the underlying assumptions that often govern team development. Students will also learn how a task with a specific deadline and collective responsibility for a product affects team dynamics and is effected by them. This course is not repeatable for credit. Pass/fail grading only.
MSEM 630Exploring Education in Philadelphia Museums3
45.0 hours 600 level graduate course This course is designed to develop the practiced insight and skills needed as a professional in a museum environment working with all age groups. It provides opportunities for preliminary observations and experience with professional museum educators and directors led by a professor who conducts the seminar in conjunction with the museum visits and guest speakers. Through this process students develop dynamic teaching techniques that explore and interpret information, concepts, and cultural values that a museum collection communicates. Hands-on techniques and experiences with curriculum development and methodology help students prepare for their research and internship. Priority enrollment to Museum Education majors. This course is not repeatable for credit.
45.0 hours 600 level graduate course Prepares museum educators for the development of educational programs and plans for diverse types of museums and alternative learning sites. Exposes students to current issues and trends in museum education such as interdisciplinary and integrated learning, and issues of diversity. Methods of interpreting works of art, artifacts, and collections are studied. Extensive, “theory into practice” component provides students with the opportunity to apply theory to actual permanent collection and temporary exhibition projects at area museums. Priority enrollment to Museum Studies majors. This course is not repeatable for credit.
45 hours 600 level graduate course This seminar course provides an overview of current administrative practices in museums including human resources management, fiscal and accounting practices, and organizational development. Through reflective work and case studies, students build skills in fundraising and grant writing, budget creation and management, workforce development and conflict resolution, and project management. At the end of the course, students create a self-directed professional development plan for post-graduation. Prerequisites MSEM*605 and MSEM*692 This course is not repeatable for credit. This course may not be audited.
MSEM 641Museum Governance and Administrative Issues3
45.0 hours 600 level graduate course Legal status of the museum and its obligations to the public, governance, staffing, and policy-making as a non-profit organization. Establishing collections policies, laws, regulations, conventions, and codes that affect acquisitions, deaccessions, loans, and collections care. The case study method is used to examine the issues, the law, and the decisions that affect today’s museums. State, federal, and international legislation, common law, and the applications of administrative law in museums are examined. Examines the complex relations of museums and museum professionals with trustees, collectors, donors, dealers, outside interest groups, and artists. Priority enrollment to Museum Communication majors. This course is not repeatable for credit.
MSEM 642Principles of Development and Grant-writing3
45.0 hours 600 level graduate course This course addresses the changing nature of fundraising and the ever-evolving landscape of sources of funding for museums today. In a lecture/workshop setting, students explore a variety of strategies for securing funding for museums and museum programs under the guidance of instructors and visiting experts in the museum field. Students acquire professional knowledge of museum practices in development and revenue generation as well as develop skills in creating a strategic fundraising plan and preliminary campaign case statement. This course is not repeatable for credit.
45.0 hours 600 level graduate course In this workshop-style course, students learn to apply the principles of branding and marketing within the museum context. Topics include public relations, communications and publications, advertising, brand identity, audience development, and marketing. Working together with the course instructors and experts in the field, students create marketing campaigns, communications plans, and promotional materials to support membership development and outreach. Prerequisites MSEM*613 or MSEM*614 This course is not repeatable for credit. This course may not be audited.
undefined hours 600 level graduate course Courses falling under Selected Topics focus on special areas of museum life. Topics will vary according to faculty expertise. This course may be repeated for credit.
MSEM 656Graduate Seminar: Topics in Cultural Issues3
45.0 hours 600 level graduate course This seminar addresses interdisciplinary topics in response to the diverse range of Museum Studies graduate programs. This course may be completed 2 times for credit.
undefined hours 600 level graduate course Courses falling under Special Topics focus on special areas of museum life. Topics will vary according to faculty expertise. This course may be repeated for credit. This course may not be audited.
45.0 hours 600 level graduate course A culminating research project concerning museum studies, management, and education. The project is completed in one semester and includes the study of research in the field, a team project with the Museum Exhibition Planning and Design, and Museum Communication programs, and an individual project related to the student’s main area of interest within the museum education profession. This course provides preparatory research for the culminating museum internship. Open to Museum Education majors only. This course is not repeatable for credit.
MSEM 692Exhibitions Research and Collaborative Curation3
45 hours 600 level graduate course The ability to work collaboratively is a critical skill for museum professionals. In this course, students will explore various curatorial strategies such as working with prompts, artist studio visits, community co-curation, and archival research and will work in a team to apply these strategies to the development of compelling exhibitions. Open to Museum Studies majors only. This course is not repeatable for credit. This course may not be audited.
undefined hours 600 level graduate course Taken in a cooperating museum, the internship represents full-time employment equivalency under the mentorship of a professional museum educator. It is intended to provide practical on-site experience in which the intern is integrated into the museum staff, assuming professional-level responsibilities and experience. A University professor also observes, advises, and assesses the student during the internship. Priority enrollment to Museum Education majors. A maximum of 6.0 internship credits (in CAMD & CCPS) and 12.0 internship credits (in CPA) may be applied toward degree requirements. This course requires permission by the offering program office. This course cannot be taken pass/fail.
45.0 hours 700 level graduate course This seminar explores the value, challenges and approaches in providing consistent, high-quality visitor-centered experiences at all visitor touch points within a museum. The course emphasizes the planning and operational aspects of managing a museum and what resources are needed to provide excellent visitor-centric experiences that deliver on the museum’s brand promise. Themes addressed in class and by visits with local museum experts will include delivering exemplary: visitor services, communications, program, retail, membership, gallery, and related experiences in ways that advance and support the institution’s brand and encourage participation from broad and diverse audiences. This course is not repeatable for credit.
MSEM 712Museum Exhibition Design Studio: Third Semester4.5
135.0 hours 700 level graduate course This advanced professional studio is a combination of seminar/discussion format with a major semester-long project. Students will be responsible for subject research, content, and interpretive development; schematic design, through design development; and construction documentation for an exhibition. Students will be responsible for developing an interpretive exhibition based on a Philadelphia subject. “The Philadelphia Project” uses material culture as an entry point, and the particular needs of a target audience. Students will formally present their work to professionals in the museum field on at least two occasions during the semester, and deliver a project book. This course lays the ground work for the fourth semester thesis project, and work related to the ongoing studio project. Prerequisites MSEM*611
45.0 hours 700 level graduate course Demonstration/studio course that aims to build technical proficiency with Vectorworks software and hone students’ design documentation strategies. This course encourages students to problem solve their way through the myriad of challenges they are likely to face in the field as they craft a design package consistent with professional expectations. Prerequisites MSEM*617 Priority enrollment to Museum Exhibition Planning and Design majors. This course is not repeatable for credit.
45.0 hours 700 level graduate course Lecture/studio course focusing on strategies and best practices for developing interpretive content for museum exhibitions. Students will learn and practice how to integrate content development with exhibit design, create interpretive strategies for different types of exhibitions, and write and revise exhibit scripts. Priority enrollment to Museum Exhibition Planning and Design majors. This course is not repeatable for credit.
45.0 hours 700 level graduate course This course is for any graduate students who are interested in developing a smart physical portfolio/resume that uniquely highlights not just their projects but also how they best organize and communicate their experience, skills and design process to potential employers. The cogent marketing piece developed is a companion to the websites and web based portfolios previously created. These portfolios help the student stand out from the massive amount of digital messaging employers receive daily. This course is not repeatable for credit. Pass/fail grading only.
45.0 hours 700 level graduate course Students work in class on research-based assignments that raise their awareness of museum roles/functions and audience as a field of knowledge and the various techniques and methodologies used by practitioners. Examines topics, issues, and policies directly related to museum studies and approaches to research in museum fields. Open to Museum Studies majors only. This course is not repeatable for credit.
45.0 hours 700 level graduate course Examines the principle approaches to research. The nature of appropriate research methods for selected thesis topics; the approaches and benefits of various methodologies; and the steps in research design. Students identify a research problem, design a study, collect and analyze data, compile, interpret and report results. Open to Museum Studies majors only. This course is not repeatable for credit.
MSEM 781Thesis Development: Museum Exhibition Planning & Design3
90.0 hours 700 level graduate course Independent research and design in an area supporting the student’s career objectives and interests. Prerequisites MSEM*611 or MSEM*780 Open to Museum Exhibition Planning and Design majors only. This course is not repeatable for credit. Pass/fail grading only.
MSEM 782Thesis Development: Museum Education Planning & Design3
90.0 hours 700 level graduate course Independent research and design in an area supporting the student’s career objectives and interests. Prerequisites MSEM*781 Open to Museum Exhibition Planning and Design majors only. This course is not repeatable for credit. Pass/fail grading only.
90.0 hours 700 level graduate course Guided research, writing, faculty and peer review which supports the completion of the student’s thesis/capstone project. Prerequisites MSEM*783 Open to Museum Communication majors Only This course is not repeatable for credit. Pass/fail grading only. This course may not be audited.
90.0 hours 700 level graduate course Independent research and design in an area supporting the student’s career objectives and interests. Prerequisites MSEM*780 This course may be completed 2 times for credit.
undefined hours 700 level graduate course Independent Study offers a matriculated student the opportunity to initiate individual research or advanced projects that are beyond the limits of the standard curriculum. This course may be repeated for credit. This course requires permission by the offering program office. This course may not be audited. This course cannot be taken pass/fail.
45.0 hours 600 level graduate course A supervised practicum in a cooperating museum, gallery, or museum related firm. The internship represents full-time employment equivalency under the mentorship of a professional. Provides practical on-site experience in which the intern is integrated into the professional staff assuming professional-level responsibilities and experience. This course requires permission by the offering program office.
undefined hours 700 level graduate course A supervised practicum in a cooperating museum, gallery, or design firm. The internship represents full-time employment equivalency under the mentorship of a professional. Provides practical on-site experience in which the intern is integrated into the professional staff assuming professional-level responsibilities and experience. This course requires permission by the offering program office. Pass/fail grading only.
