The extensive collections of the University of Pennsylvania Museum will
be the focus of this seminar, which will examine the place of ancient Greek
and
Roman art in the late 20th century museum. Assuming the role
of the museum curator, we will consider the history, theory and practice
of collection
management, conservation, and display, and also examine ethical issues
such as cultural appropriation and illicit excavation and the art market.
The
experience of the museum visitor will also be considered, as we study
ways to make the art and archaeology of the classical world accessible
to a wider
public. We will devote part of the semester to a survey of the
art and archaeology of ancient Italy, in preparation for the seminar's
final
project, the planning and design of an exhibition. The seminar
is taught in conjunction with the Ancient Studies/Museum Residential Program
in Harnwell
College House.