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

IDC4U Museum Studies online is one of over 160 secondary school courses that Blyth Academy Online offers.

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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.

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.

CULMINATING PROJECT

15% of Final Grade
  • This project is one of the final evaluations of IDC4U Museum Studies online. This project will give students an opportunity to apply all the learning they have done over the course and is worth 15% of the final grade.

FINAL EXAM

Proctored Exam
15% of Final Grade
  • This exam is the final evaluation of IDC4U Museum Studies online. Students need to arrange their final exam 10 days in advance. All coursework should be completed and submitted before writing the final exam, please be advised that once the exam is written, any outstanding coursework will be given a grade of zero. The exam will be two hours. There are two options for taking the exam:
  • WRITE EXAM AT BLYTH ACADEMY CAMPUS: If you live close to a Blyth Academy Campus, or if you attend a Blyth Academy Campus, you can take your exam there. Once inside the exam scheduling interface, please click Login/Create Account. Check for an available time and date at the campus of your choosing. The earliest available date will be open within the next 3-5 business days. You cannot book an exam in more than one campus or multiple times at the same campus. You will receive an automatic confirmation email with next steps and exam information. You can cancel and reschedule anytime using the same link.
  • USE EXAMITY PROCTORING SERVICE: For a fee of 22 USD*, students can arrange to take their exam in the comfort of their own home, at any time, on any day. Please select Examity Exam in the exam section of your course to set up your Examity profile and schedule your exam. Exams must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. *Price is subject to change.
  • Please email exams@blythacademyonline.com if you need assistance.
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