The certificate requires 9 credit hours, distributed as follows:
3 Credits Foundational Coursework, either
ART/HUM/RLCL 5104: Research Methods in Material Culture and Public Humanities (3H, 3C
Investigation of methodologies with specific application to cultural objects situated in the public sphere
Or
ART/HUM/RLCL 5204: Research Methods in Material Culture and Public Humanities (3H,3C)
Topics cover steps for developing an installation, from analysis, archiving, to writing and interpretation for various audiences.
6 Credits Electives from the following courses
ART 5584: Topics in Material Culture (3H, 3C)
Advanced seminar. Provides a comprehensive examination of various periods and subjects of material culture through rotating topics. Topics indicated by timetable. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of 9 credits. Graduate standing required.
HUM/RLCL 5584: Topics in Public Humanities (3H, 3C)
Advanced seminar on topics in public humanities, ranging from an exploration of how various humanities disciplines relate to public issues and concerns, to a study of region, regionalism, and place in public humanities. May be repeated with different topic content for a maximum of 9 credits. Pre-requisite: Graduate Standing required.
HUM/RLCL: Material Culture and Humanities in the Public Sphere (3H, 3C)
Advanced seminar on material culture and humanities in the public sphere through an examination of humanistic approaches to civic spaces, applying critical turns to public debates.
RLCL 5124/ASPT 5124: Religion & Modernity in the West (3H, 3C)
A study of the relationship between religion and modernity in the West, with analysis of whether modern society is "disenchanted" or "secularized," or whether religion has remained a potent force in western society and thought. Through a survey of some of the major thinkers and themes of modern religious thought, we will consider the philosophical, economic, political, and legal aspects of the location of religion in the modern world. Pre: Graduate standing.
ART 5984: Exhibition, Design, and Display (3H, 3C)
Focus on the display and presentation of visual art, using local (including university) galleries and sites as venues for student-designed exhibitions. Provides experience in the public art arena, and practical knowledge about planning, designing and mounting exhibitions.
HIST 5424: Public History (3H, 3C)
Introduction to the theoretical, interpretive, controversial, and practical issues facing public historians. Focus on interpretations and specific issues surrounding the presentation of history in museum exhibits, documentary films, photographic collections, community history projects, the Internet, and a variety of other public venues.
With permission from a MCPH co-director, any other 5000 or 6000-level course in VT’s Graduate Catalogue (including independent studies) can count toward the elective requirement.
See the MCPH Website (https://www.mcph.liberalarts.vt.edu/course-descriptions/) for further information about our courses.