Gain unprecedented access to the fascinating 20th century collections at the Museum of London, including social and oral history, art, photography and fashion.Together, we will examine the impact of historical, cultural and artistic changes on 20th century London, and the city as a site of conflict and debate in the context of modern curatorial practice.Guided by curators and the academic tutor, you will have the opportunity to explore life in the capital through the items housed at this nationally-acclaimed museum. While on this course you will have the rare chance to go behind-the-scenes at one of Britain%E2%80%99s largest and most successful museums, getting the opportunity to view materials not available to the general public. You%E2%80%99ll be able to discuss museum objects with the experts who look after them and explore how they might be displayed.Crucially, you%E2%80%99ll also consider how to present issues and ideas to diverse audiences, discuss what makes a successful museum display, explore how museums should handle controversial subjects and consider the ethical and financial issues facing the heritage industry today.Over the course of three weeks you will gain experience of interpreting a range of different media: costume, photography, painting, design, literature, film, memorials and maps.Using methodologies from disciplines of History, Art History, English Literature and Museum Studies, you will analyse objects and conduct research across a broad range of themes, for instance: modernism; women's suffrage; the Blitz; globalisation; experiences of travel and the built environment; youth culture, punk and protest; leisure, luxury and consumerism.This course will immerse you in London by including field trips to points of interest including the cosmopolitan East End, the Museum of London, and diverse and vibrant Brixton. By envisioning London as a 'living' subject of study, learning will take place both in and out of the classroom. In seminars and lectures you will be given the theoretical tools to interpret texts and objects and to critique and innovate exhibition ideas.

Course leader
In collaboration with the Museum of London

Target group
This course is for students from a broad range of academic disciplines: Cultural History, Literature, Art, Geography and Museum Studies. It should enthuse anyone interested in the persons, places, events and objects that have shaped London over the past century.

Course aim
By the end of this course you will: - Understand how museums operate in a competitive, global business environment; - Develop an awareness of the connection between material culture and historical narrative, especially as it relates to the history of London in the 20th century; - Gain an informed and imaginative understanding of curatorial practice; - Understand the role of museums in communicating the history of London to a diverse public.

Fee info
GBP 1500: tuition fee only

King's College London
Address: Strand, London
Postal code: WC2R 2LS
City: London
Country: United Kingdom
Website: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/summer
E-mail: summerschool@kcl.ac.uk
Phone: +44 20 7848 1533