Scientific Research, Heritage and Museums

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

The teaching methodology is of a theoretical-practical nature, with the exposition and discussion of the subjects resorting to audiovisual material with the presentation of case studies, among others. The course will also encourage discussion in the sense of stimulating the discussion in a reflective and critical manner. The practical component will be developed in a partnership with the Science Museum of the University of Coimbra, where the professor develops her professional activity in the area of Museums, in which each student will complete the project of promoting an object or a collection that will become his/her final evaluation work.

Learning Outcomes

Historical framework: confront the heritage of a museum with history (institution, country, region).

The assets of a museum.

The case of museums of science: today geared towards scientific research and activities of cultural extension, science museums have a heritage that should be examined from the standpoint of history of science and technology, but also with the political and cultural developments. Scientific collections are now part of a material and immaterial heritage of the greatest importance for scientific research, covering almost all areas of science, and precious for the social sciences.

Observing and questioning scientific assumptions and practices that relate to the heritage of a museum.

In the case of science museum, examine and question the museum practice, based on a scientific-cultural estate, which is largely a result of scientific expeditions, which will be identified and supported.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Historical and cultural framework of the heritage of a museum.

Study and discussion of assumptions and practices related with the heritage of a museum.

The heritage of a museum: its organization, its inventory, preservation, study and recovery.

Museums of science: scientific heritage and its relation with the history of science and technology and the political and cultural evolution.

In case of science museum, study the scientific and cultural collections that results from scientific expeditions, which will be identified and studied.

Head Lecturer(s)

Carlota Isabel Leitão Pires Simões

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Research work: 5.0%
Synthesis work: 5.0%
Mini Tests: 10.0%
Project: 80.0%

Bibliography

FALK, John H. & DIERKING, Lynn D. Learning from Museums: Visitor Experiences and the Making of Meaning, AltaMira Press, 2000.

Fiolhais, C.; Simões, C & Ruivo, D. M. (ed.), História da Ciência na Universidade de Coimbra, 1772-1933 - 2013

Lourenço, M. C. & Ana Carneiro, A. (eds.), Spaces, Collections and Archives in the History of Science: The Laboratorio Chimico Ouverture, (Lisboa: Museu de Ciência da Universidade de Lisboa, 2009).

Lourenço, M. C., "Where past, present and future knowledge meet: An overview of university museums and collections in Europe", in C. Cilli, G. Malerba, G. Giacobini, Il Patrimonio della Scienza. Le collezioni di interesse storico, (Torino: AMNS, 2008), pp. 321-329.

S. W. de Clercq, Marta C. Lourenço, "A globe is just another tool: understanding the role of objects in university collections", ICOM Study Series 11 (2003), 4-6.

MENDES, José Amado, Estudos do Património, Museus e Educação, Imprensa da Universidade, Coimbra, 2009.