Draft for Consultation

PROPOSED MODIFIED & UPGRADED CURRICULUM, 2003, FOR

TWO-YEAR MA/ MSc DEGREE IN MUSEOLOGY & HERITAGE STUDIES

UNIVERSITY OF CALCUTTA

Prepared by Supreo Chanda 

Lecturer, Department of Museology, University of Calcutta (Alipore Campus) 

Preview

The Department of Museology of the University of Calcutta is one of the pioneer such university museology departments in India, founded in the year 1959. Only one university, viz. the M.S. University, Baroda (nowVadodara) had established a full-fledged museology department by then (1952). Many other universities and alike institutions followed suit, e.g. the Benares Hindu University, Varanasi, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Prachya Niketan, Bhopal (now discontinued), Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani (now discontinued), etc. and later the National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation and Museology (NMIHACM), New Delhi and the State Institute of Archaeology, Art History, Conservation and Museology (SIAACM), Tripunithura, Kerala.

In fact, success in museology training in Indian universities had inspired many other universities abroad to initiate such training. The speciality of the museology courses in Indian universities has been the equal emphasis on the theory & practice of the core museological principles, as well as, on the application of basic academic disciplines.

The Department of Museology of the University of Calcutta initially offered two-year post-graduate diploma. Later, since 1972, the University started awarding two-year full-time M.A. and M.Sc. degrees for the students of Humanities and Natural History respectively. The Department also offers research degrees at doctoral and post-doctoral levels. Every year students of this Department succeed in the National Education Test (NET) conducted by the Universities Grants Commission (UGC). The research projects undertaken by the fellows of this Department have regularly been appreciated at the appropriate forum. The National Assessment & Accreditation Council (NAAC) has acclaimed the Department as one of the rare & valuable departments of this five-star university.

The Department has a threefold task:

It is a teaching department, providing university courses in general and specialised museology.

It is a research department devoted to general and specialised museology at the highest level.

It is a centre for advanced theoretical museology by means of organising, inter alia, seminars, symposia, publications, etc., to extend interest in museological work, encourage its development and set its scientific and social purpose on a firm foundation.

The fact that the Department is situated within the sphere of a number of museums ensures direct and right blending of theoretical instruction with museum practice. Practical experience in the various specialist sections of such museums forms a part of the teaching process in the Department.

Following the needs of the changing world, the Department is planning to upgrade its entire curriculum. The proposed syllabus shall be in conformity with the UGC guidelines as well as professional demands as envisaged in the ICGMPD (ICOM Curricula Guidelines for Museum Professional Development, which have been formally adopted by the ICOM Executive Council in 2000). The outline of the present and the proposed curriculum is given below. Actions have been initiated to introduce Museology in the under-graduate level at the earliest.

Some of the salient features of the proposed changes in the curriculum are as follows:

1. The proposed curriculum is structured and divided into several complete application-oriented modules (as a matter of fact, the Department may offer short-term training programmes on each of the modules to the in-service trainees from the industry, if University authorities permit, on self-financing basis). Some of the topics of the Graduation level have to be repeated in different modules in order to emphasize their relevance in different museological contexts. All the topics have been upgraded and some new topics/techniques/methodologies have been included to keep pace with current developments.

2. Heritage studies is being introduced to make the scope of the curriculum more wide based and to make students aware of the rich heritage of India - cultural, natural and scientific. The move is also taken in view of emergence of new generation of museums that are difficult to include into the classical concept of museum.

3. Stress is being given to cover the wider aspects of related subjects, such as information technology, modern management theories, quality management, accreditation, etc.

4. Globalisation of economy has opened enormous opportunities for the properly trained museologists. Emphasis is being put to make the students self-sufficient. A separate chapter is being introduced on entrepreneurship development.

Valued suggestions from the experts in the field are being solicited for the betterment of the proposed curriculum. Suggestions may be sent to the author at the following address:

Department of Museology, University of Calcutta (Alipore Campus), 1 Reformatory Street (9^th Floor), Kolkata 700 027.
Telephone: (91) (33) 2479 1645/ 2861, Extn:357/360; or may be e-mailed to: supreo_chanda@rediffmail.com

The proposed change in the curricula was presented by two members of the faculty, in the ICOM-ICTOP Annual Conference on "Museum Training in the Globalising World", held in the National Museum Institute, New Delhi, from 25^th to 29^th November, 2002. Both the paper and the presentation are published on the ICOM-ICTOP website and may be seen at:

http://icom.museum/ictop/chanda.html (HTML format and http://icom.museum/ictop/chanda-powerpoint.ppt (MS Powerpoint presentation)

Present Curriculum of studies

General papers

(any one group)

Definition of Museum - scope and function (aims and objectives).

Museology, museography, heritage studies and other developments, e.g. new museology, etc.

Types and classification of museums.

History of museums in India and abroad, Museum movement in India.

Inclusion of zoo, botanical garden, planetarium, science centre, reserve forest & sanctuary, ecomuseum, open-air museum, neighbourhood museum, etc., in the ambit of classical museums.

Cultural property: definition, scope and changing concepts, Indian Cultural Policy.

Laws governing cultural property:

The Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878.

The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

The Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.

The Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.

The Indian Museums Act, 1961.

International laws governing cultural heritage, copyright, intellectual properties, etc.

Museology as a profession - Professional ethics.

Administration: Administrative set-up & control, Governing bodies & other committees, Societies - their relationships, rules & procedures, tender, contracts, MOU, etc.

Personnel Management: Human resource planning & management: personnel patterns, hierarchy, duties & responsibilities, eligibility, recruitment, training, motivation, control, etc. Part-timers, time sharers, volunteers, etc.

Financial Management: Strategy, planning, fund, fund raising, grant, sponsorship, income generation, budgeting, accounting and financial control.

Marketing & Public relations:

Museum and heritage marketing principles & ethics, marketing strategy, types & means, market research.

Mass media - media relations, advertisement, hand outs, briefing for print & electronic media, Reception, Museum shop.

Museum societies, friends of museums, museum club.

Professional organisations like ICOM, MAI, etc.

Corporate relations - sponsorship.

Heritage, museums and tourism.

Museum Information Service, Information Management.

Museum Architecture:

Planning a new building: selection of site, architectural considerations, like space, climate, need, fund, selection of architect, construction, supervision, completion, etc.

Adaptation of old building.

Requirements for different types of museums.

Gardening & landscaping.

Museum building interior: colour, lighting, circulation, ventilation, and air-conditioning.

Installation of machinery & equipment.

Access for different categories of disables.

Infrastructure:

Museum Store - material management, stacking/racking, access, climate control, etc., for reserve collection and other materials.

Museum workshop.

Museum laboratory.

Conference hall, projection hall, auditorium.

Exhibition hall.

Museum library.

Restaurant & cafeteria.

Safety & Security: of building, collection, staff and public; physical, mechanical against various destructive factors, e.g., accident, theft, fire, cyclone, flood, earthquake, armed conflict, terrorist act, vandalism, etc.

Collection Management:

Acquisition:

History of collection.

Ethics of collection.

Modes of acquisition: Gift/bequeath, excavation, exploration, expedition, loan, exchange, purchase, confiscation, and fabrication.

Art purchase committee.

Insurance.

Replication/duplication, forgery, export/import, auction.

Ø Registration & Documentation:

Accessioning & deaccessioning.

Numbering.

Marking.

Identification, classification, dating.

Cataloguing.

Indexing.

Photo documentation.

Computerised documentation.

Problems in documentation, e.g., fabricated exhibits, plastic art, oral history (non-material culture), etc.

Storage & transport of collection.

Packaging - material, methods, etc.

Information Technology:

Use of I.T. in museums and other non-profit heritage institutions.

Creation of database - methods, software.

Information processing, storage, access/retrieval, dissemination.

CD-ROM, DVD, Websites.

Public access to information.

Image management.

Copyright/intellectual property right.

Fair use (ethics).

Project management:

Strategic planning: resources, core competence, comparative advantage, USP, etc.

Feasibility study.

Setting goal (target).

Resource mobilisation - fund, space, know-how/expertise, collection, etc.

Selection & organisation of project team.

Project execution/implementation.

Evaluation, correction/adjustment.

Project report.

· Business and operational management.

· Organisational Theory.

Museology & entrepreneurship.

Display & Exhibition:

Display furniture and fixtures: cases, pedestals, stands, panels, mounts, structures, etc.

Lighting fixtures.

Circulation: random, suggestive, directional.

Labels: types, material, size, language, position, execution, etc.

Visual & verbal aids: charts, graphs/graphics, photographs, film/video, CD-ROM/DVD, etc.

Types of exhibits: original/fabricated, static/movable, models (scale/non-scale, working/non-working), participatory/interactive, diorama/habitat group, tableaux, etc.

Types of exhibitions: object-oriented/concept-oriented, thematic, chronological, geographical, integral, comparative, natural, synthetic, didactic, special, permanent/temporary/travelling/circulating/mobile, etc.

Exhibition Designing:

Principles of exhibition design.

Human factors: basic human dimensions (anthropomorphic data), ergonomics, human nature & tendencies.

Principles of exhibit arrangement & use of space.

Objective (individual exhibits & overall exhibition).

Conceptualisation, goal/target, theme development, sequencing & story development, reference research.

Curator - Designer - Educator interaction; division of labour.

Planning & designing exhibits in a particular setting: layout drawing, mock-up (scale model), colour scheme, accessibility, visitor circulation, evaluation (front-end) & correction.

Designing individual exhibits, working sheets/drawings, collection/fabrication, and arrangement/mounting/installation.

Animation techniques: optical, mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, electronic, computerised, robotics, etc.

Interaction/participation modes.

Principles of exhibit lighting.

Audio-visual aids.

Text: content, size, fonts, background, placement, and storyline.

Documentation.

Scheduling.

Evaluation: front-end, formative & summative; correction.

Principles & problems of organising exhibitions in different museum set-up:

Art, History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Ethnic Art, Zoology, Botany, Geology, Geography, Marine Science, Fishery, Forestry, Biography, Literary, Science & Technology, etc.

Communication:

Principle.

Theory.

Major models.

Communication strategies, interpersonal relations.

Verbal & visual communication.

Museum photography/videography.

Principles of museum education:

Museum as a learning resource.

Museum education Vs formal education.

Elements of educational & behavioural psychology (cognitive psychology).

Theories of learning.

Educational programmes:

Guiding, popular lectures, demonstration lectures, discovery rooms, film shows, audio-video shows, quiz programmes, declamation, essay competition, science kit, art kit, sit & draw, hobby activities, creativity centres, production of educational resource material, Teachers’ training programme, etc.

Extension programmes:

School loan service.

Travelling exhibition, mobile exhibition, museobus: design, organisation, scheduling.

Special programmes at the school, science or art fairs, seminars, etc.

Special programmes:

For children, handicapped, under privileged, etc.

Museum recreation & games.

Museum publication.

Museum and the community:

Museum & social interactions/social needs, community relations.

Museums as means for social change/technology transfer.

Museum visitor - type, classification, etc., visitor service.

Visitor survey & evaluation of museum programmes:

Methods & techniques.

Principles of observation, interview & other methods.

Questionnaire preparation.

Survey design, data collection, data processing, data analysis, data interpretation, reporting.

Use of computers in visitor survey.

Museum & research:

Research methodology (principles).

Research on collection/collection management.

Research on exhibition.

Research on education and other programmes.

Research on environment and conservation.

Research on visitors.

Quality management:

Concepts, standards, ethics.

Setting goal.

Quality tools.

Evaluation.

Identification of non-conformance.

Correction.

Social audit in museums.

Museum accreditation.

Understanding conservation, preservation & restoration.

Ethics of conservation.

Material composition of objects & their properties, introduction to basic chemistry.

Laboratory documentation procedures, Photo documentation.

Instruments & equipment used in a conservation laboratory: Principle & use.

Museum environment: Humidity, temperature, light - their effects (individual & combined) on cultural objects.

Atmospheric pollution & their effect on cultural properties.

Monitoring of museum environment, control & remedial measures.

Various agents/factors for deterioration of cultural objects: Physical, chemical & biological; control & remedy.

Deterioration, conservation & care of organic materials:

Wood, bamboo, basketry, reed, palm-leaf, birch-bark, etc.

Leather, parchment, vellum, hair, feather, etc.

Paper, papyrus - prints, drawings, manuscripts, photograph, etc.

Textiles.

Ivory, bone, horn & antler.

Natural history specimens.

Deterioration, conservation & care of inorganic and siliceous materials:

Metals: iron & steel, copper, gold, silver, lead, tin - their alloys, pewter.

Clay & terracotta, porcelain, glass, faience, enamel.

Stone.

Geological specimens - minerals, rocks & fossils.

Deterioration, conservation & care of composite materials:

Easel painting.

Ethnographical objects, Scientific instruments, etc.

Building, monuments, murals, etc.

Museum architecture & climate control.

Museum store & storage of cultural objects: store design, climate control, and objects storage from the point of view of conservation.

Packaging, transport & exhibition: safety of the objects in transit & in display.

Recent advancements in conservation.

Module-IV: Museum Techniques (Practical, full marks 100, 6 practical hours per week)

Basic concept of scale, plan, drawings & museum design.

Preparation of gallery layout & sketches.

Preparation of mock-ups, diorama, etc.

Designing & fabrication of various kinds of exhibits/exhibition.

Animation techniques: optical, mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, electronic, computerised, robotics, etc.

Moulding & casting.

Handling & care of audio-visual equipment.

Museum photography/Photo documentation, Silk-screen printing.

Use of computers in exhibit/exhibition designing: use of different software, e.g., AutoCAD, PhotoShop, CorelDraw, etc., Multimedia, Web page designing.

Use of computers in documentation: use of different software.

Use of computers in visitor survey & data collection.

Evaluation & visitor survey/ minor project.

Museum training.

Display layout/arrangement of pictures/photographs/exhibits, etc.

Preparation of catalogues, labels, etc.

Preparation of layout of poster, folder, guidebook, etc.

Preparation of report, press release, copies for advertisement, etc.

10 marks

Evaluation/visitor survey/project report.

10 marks

Viva voce.

10 marks

 

Module-V: Care & Conservation of Museum Objects (Practical, full marks 100, 6 practical hours per week)

Introduction to conservation, General laboratory procedures, Elementary Chemistry.

Different equipment & their use.

Monitoring Museum Environment: R.H., Temperature, Light, etc.

Identification of different museum materials.

Identification of deterioration.

Preparation of various chemicals, preservatives, etc.

Treatment of decayed objects.

Restoration.

Use & application of preservatives, etc.

70 marks

Laboratory notebook.

20 marks

Viva voce.

10 Marks

Since the modules of Part- II comprise the specialised subject fields, the contents of these modules are to be finalised in consultation with the concerned museum authorities and the specialists in the respective fields. The stress should be given on the information on the very recent advancements in the related specialisation field. Special emphasis should be given on the technical know how for proper interpretation of the subjects through museum exhibition so that the society can be served better. The practical modules should also be designed considering the above view. A broad outline of the curricula contents is given below, however, finalisation would be subjected to the feedbacks from the industry.

· General History of Archaeology.

· Outline of Indian Archaeology:

Ø Pre-historic/ Historic.

· Indian Architecture:

Ø Ancient, Mediaeval.

Ø Hindu, Buddhist, Jaina, Islamic, Colonial.

· Indian Sculpture:

Ø Pre-historic, Ancient, Mediaeval.

· Indian Iconography:

Ø Hindu, Buddhist, Jaina.

· Indian Numismatics.

· Indian Epigraphy.

· Pottery & Terracotta:

Ø Pre-historic, Ancient, Mediaeval.

· Ornaments & Jewellery.

· Field work:

Ø Exploration, Collection, Excavation.

· Laws governing antiquities, sites & monuments.

· Collection, display & exhibition of archaeological specimens.

· Problems concerning display & interpretation of archaeological objects.

· Archaeological sites, monuments & cultural tourism - role of museums.

· Museums and the heritage structures.

· Museum programmes on Archaeology.

 

· Outline of ethnology of India.

· Cultural distribution.

· Social customs & rituals.

· Theatrical arts.

· Ballads/ story-telling forms.

· Puppetry & shadow plays.

· Skits & social satires.

· Wall & floor decorations.

· Tattoo.

· Textile designs.

· Dolls & toys.

· Ritual objects, tribal ornaments.

· Scroll paintings.

· Woodcraft, metal craft, pith work.

· Basketry.

· Entertainment, games, etc.

· Folklore (oral literature) - folk story, song, proverbs, riddles, etc.

· Collection, arrangement & display of ethnic art.

· Problem of documentation & presentation of non-material culture/ heritage.

· Ethnic art & social dynamics.

· Ethnic art & dissemination of information.

· Ethnic art & traditional knowledge base/ wisdom/ collective memory.

· Museum programmes on ethnic art.

· Indigenous/ traditional merit & current international trade (Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights - TRIPS).

· General principle of art.

· Prehistoric cave painting (Alta Mira).

· A broad outline of the evolution of art.

· Dating of Art objects.

· Problem of forgery/ duplication of art.

· Copyright and Intellectual Property Rights.

· Outline of Western Art:

Ø Pre-Renaissance, Renaissance, Impressionist, post-impressionist, Expressionist, Dadaist, Fauvist, Cubist, Abstract, Surrealist, etc.

Ø Great artists like: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Tintoretto, Rubens, Rembrandt, Goya, Constable, Paul Cézanne, Van Gogh, Gaugin, Seurat, Delacroix, Manet, Matisse, Rodin, Picasso, Dali, etc.

Ø Contemporary Western Art.

Ø North & South American Art.

· Outline of Asian Art (other than India):

Ø Central Asia: Persia/ Kizil/ Soviet Central Asia.

Ø Far East: China/ Japan/ Korea.

Ø Southeast: Java/ Cambodia/ Thailand.

Ø Neighbouring: Nepal/ Tibet/ Bhutan/ Sri Lanka/ Myanmar/ Pakistan/ Bangladesh.

· Indian Art:

Ø Prehistoric/ Ajanta and later caves/ Pre-Mughal/ Mughal/ Rajasthani/ Pahari/ Company Art (Bazaar Painting)/ 18^th- 19^th Century Indian Art (Bombay School/ Bengal School/ Calcutta School).

Ø Great Masters like - Raja Ravi Verma/ Gaganendranath Tagore/ Abaninandranath Tagore/ Rabindranath Tagore/ Nandalal Bose/ Hemen Majumdar/ Nirod Majumdar/ Ranada Ukil/ Barada Ukil/ Dhirendra Krishna Burman/ Ramkinkar Baij/ Amrita Sher Gil/ Satish Gujral/ Manjit Bawa/ Arpita Singh/ Anjoli Ela Menon/ M.F.Hussain/ Ganesh Pyne/ Ganesh Haloi/ Suvaprasanna/ Sarbari Roychowdhuri/ Jogen Chowdhury, etc.

· Decorative Art: Pottery/ Wood/ Bronze/ Leather/ Ivory/ Jewellery/ Jade, etc.

· Calligraphy and manuscript painting.

· Mounting and display of art/ decorative art.

· Art appreciation.

· Art education through museum programmes.

· Art as means for communication.

· Art therapy.

· Archaeology (40 marks)

Unit-1 (20 marks)

Þ Identification of archaeological specimens (sculpture, architecture, terracotta, coin, etc.).

Þ Presentation and interpretation of archaeological objects.

Þ Preparation of museum educational programmes on Archaeology.

Unit-2 (20 marks)

Þ Laboratory note book (10 marks).

Þ Viva voce (10 marks).

· Ethnic art & culture of India (40 marks)

Unit-1 (20 marks)

Þ Identification of specimens of ethnic art & culture (Pata chitra, Sara, Manasa Ghat, dolls and toys, different folk art & culture forms, etc.).

Þ Presentation and interpretation of ethnological objects.

Þ Preparation of museum educational programmes on ethnic art & culture.

Unit-2 (20 marks)

Þ Laboratory/ field note book (10 marks).

Þ Viva voce (10 marks).

· History of Art (20 marks)

Unit-1 (10 marks)

Þ Identification of painting, artist, etc.

Þ Presentation and interpretation of objects of art.

Þ Preparation of museum educational programmes on art.

Unit-2 (10 marks)

Þ Viva voce.

 

· Dissertation (50 marks)

o At the end of the study in the second year, the candidates have to prepare and submit a short dissertation on a relevant topic from the course content. It will be evaluated during the Final Examinations.

· Project report (25 marks)

o Candidates will be assigned specific projects on various aspects of the functions and programmes of museums according to the area of specialisation. The projects may be completed during the vacations and the report be submitted before the Final Examinations for evaluation.

· Tour report (25 marks)

o Field study/ educational tour shall be the essential feature in the course curriculum. Candidates shall have to prepare and submit a report, on the tour, which will be evaluated during the Final Examinations.

· Museum Internship

o At the end of the two-year course, candidates shall be required to complete an internship of six-months duration in an assigned museum/ alike institution. No separate marks are allotted for it, but the candidates will not be awarded the degree unless the internship is successfully completed.

Module-VI: Earth Science (Theoretical, full marks 100, 7 lecture hours per week)

· Elementary knowledge about the Earth Science - its various branches and importance.

· Elementary knowledge of earth as a planet, its origin, the nature of the crust and interior.

· Geological work done by weathering, ground water, rivers, glaciers, wind, sea, earthquake, volcanic activity and mountain formations.

· Mineralogy:

o Definition of minerals, crystal forms and symmetry elements in crystals, physical character of minerals, etc.

o Ores and other economic minerals - their origin, exploration, exploitations and industrial uses, distribution in India.

· Petrology: varieties, classification and formation of rocks.

· Study of geological and topographical maps, geological and physiographical map of India.

· Palaeontology:

o Fossil, its definition, modes of preservation of plant and animal, value of fossil in historical geology.

· Introduction to stratigraphy, stratigraphic scale, etc.

· Geology in service of man, ground water, construction of dams and turbines. Water harvesting.

· Environment:

o Physical and non-physical.

o Man's adaptation to environment: changing technique.

o Environment conservation.

o Environmentalism and its impact.

· Regions of the World:

o Climate - Equatorial, Monsoonal, Mediterranean, British, China, Sahara and Solar.

o Natural - World distribution of natural regions.

· Soil - profile: type, characteristics; land use, soil erosion.

· Economic activities and agricultural and mining, pastoral, lumbering, fishing, industries (based on above).

· Geography of transport - land, air and ocean.

· Geography of settlements - types and patterns.

· Demographic set up of the world with special reference to congested areas.

· Natural calamities - Earthquake, Cyclone, Flood. Disaster management.

· Recent advancements in Earth Science.

· Presentation and interpretation of Earth Science through exhibition.

· Museum programmes based on various aspects of Earth Science.

Module-VII: Life Science (Theoretical, full marks 100, 7 lecture hours per week)

· General principles of Life Science:

o Phenomenon of life.

o Difference between living and non-living.

o Difference between the plant and animal kingdom.

o General biology and evolution of organs.

o General morphology of cells, types of cells, tissues and organs.

· Taxonomy of plants and animals - outlines of main systems, Classification and characteristics of different groups, up to families.

· Agricultural crops, fruits and vegetables - few important examples.

· General knowledge of plant pathology - few important examples.

· Horticulture, forestry, fibre, medicinal products, oil seeds and oil yielding plants, gums and resins. Dies and tanning materials, paper and papier-mâché materials, raw products, seeds in various other industries.

· Ethno botany.

· Elements of Tissue Culture.

· Phytogeography: group life in various regions and environments. Adaptation to environments, soil condition and their effects on natural vegetation.

· Zoogeography: Origin and distribution of animals in space and time.

· Biodiversity conservation.

· Ecology.

· Evolution and heredity.

· Elements of histology, embryology and genetics.

· Bionomics and life history of selected parasites and insects.

· General concept of microbiology and molecular biology.

· Recent advancements in Life Sciences.

· Collection & preservation of natural history specimens, colour preservation.

· Presentation and interpretation of Life Sciences through exhibitions.

· Museum programmes based on different aspects of Life Sciences.

 

· Sub Module-A (50 marks): Anthropology

Ø Elementary knowledge of comparative anatomy of primates, human Palaeontology and evolution.

Ø General outline of Anthropology and Ethnology of India.

Ø General knowledge of Indian pre-history - Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic and Chalcolithic Cultures (these include technique, typology, geographical distribution, stratigraphy, including Sohan, Sirsa, Beas Valleys, Bhimbetka, Adamgarh, Burzahom, Chirand, etc.).

Ø Megalithic structures.

Ø Indian prehistoric art.

Ø Metal ages.

Ø General knowledge of racial and cultural distribution of Indian people.

Ø Tribal types, distribution in space and time.

Ø Study of any three tribes in India, their material culture - hunting, fishing, agriculture, housing, transport and travel, industries and crafts of people such as pottery, basketry, etc.

Ø Social customs and manners, religion, institutions - marriage, family, clan, race, etc.

Ø Technique of fieldwork.

Ø Collection & preservation of ethnological specimens.

Ø Presentation and interpretation of Anthropology through exhibitions.

Ø Recent advancements in Anthropology.

Ø Museum programmes based on different aspects of Anthropology.

· Sub Module-B (50 marks): History HHHHhbof Biology & Medicine

Ø History of agriculture, domestication of animals - Indus valley civilisation.

Ø History of medicine:

§ Egypt & Babylon - The Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus.

§ India -

Þ Vedic period, Atharva Veda, Ayurveda - Atreya, Charaka, Susruta, Jeevak - Surgery & Medicine in Ancient India (especially the reconstructive surgery), surgical instruments - yantra & sastra.

Þ Hindu Medicine: Nagarjuna, Nabanitak, Vagbhat, Madhavkar, Brinda, Chakrapanidatta, Dalhan, Srangadhar, Narahari, Bhav Misra, etc.

Þ Hospital, Charitable dispensary, Animal husbandry & Veterinary Science, etc., in ancient India.

§ Chinese medicine - Nei Ching, Pen Ts’ao Kang Mu.

§ Greece & Alexandria - Hippocrates, Herophilus, Erasistratus.

§ Rome - Cato, Varro, Pliny, Pendaneos Deoscoridis, Astlepeadis, Ophedius, Selsus, Galen. Hospital & Public Health System.

§ Arab - Al biruni, Jabir ibn Hayyan, Al razi, etc.

§ Development in post Renaissance Europe in diagnostics, surgery, hospital and public health.

Ø History of Biology:

§ Greece - Anaximander, Xenophanes, Pythagoras, Alcameon, Empedocles, Aristotle (Biology & Zoology), Theofrastus (Botany)

§ Rome - Socrates, Plato, Varro, Pliny, Botany (Pendaneos Deoscoridis).

§ Arab - Botany.

§ Modern Europe - Albartus Magnus (Zoology & Botany).

Ø Medicine & Biology in Europe in the Middle Ages.

Ø Renaissance - Advent of modern science - Leonardo da Vinci, Roger Bacon, Andreae Vesalii, Hieronymus Fabricius, William Harvey, Robert Hooke, Leeuwenhoek, Swammerdam, Malpighi, Linnaeus, Haeckel, Lyonet, Ehrenberg, Cuvier, Owen, Wallace, Bichat, Lamarck, Darwin, Schwann, Mendel, Weismann, De Vries, Pasteur, Wolff, Von Baer, Haldane, Oparin, Morgan, Watson & Crick, etc.- Botanists like, Otto Brunfelcius, Heronimus Boch, Leonhardt Fuchs, Valerius Cordus, Conrad Gesner, Johan Bouhan, Rembart Dodoens, Charles de Leclus, William Turner, John Girard, Pirandria Mattioli, Fabio Kalonna, Andrea Cisalpinea, etc.

· Earth Science (40 marks)

Unit-1 (10 marks)

Þ Identification of minerals & ores.

Þ Identification of rocks.

Þ Identification of fossils.

Þ Study of various geological maps.

Þ Microscopic study of geological specimens.

Unit-2 (10 marks)

Þ Drawing of cartograms to show (a) Economic resources, (b) Climatic conditions, (c) Demographic changes.

Þ Study of contour maps.

Þ Elementary surveying and location of sites.

Þ Map projection, cylindrical, zenithal and polyconic.

Unit-3 (10 marks)

Þ Presentation and interpretation of Earth Science specimens.

Þ Preparation of museum educational programmes on various topics of Earth Sciences.

Unit-4 (10 marks)

Þ Practical Note Book (5 marks).

Þ Viva voce (5 marks).

· Life Science (40 marks)

Unit-1 (10 marks)

Þ Plant cells, cell-inclusions and cell division. Plant tissues and their formation and function.

Þ Knowledge of algae, fungi, lichen, bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperm and palaeobotany.

Þ Plant physiology - General principles of assimilation, transpiration, respiration, reproduction.

Þ Histology, anatomical features of main groups of cryptogams and phanerogams.

Þ Microscope and microtom studies of plants and plant materials, micro chemical plant technique. Photography and photomicrography.

Þ Field collection, exploration of plant specimen, identification, preservation, separation of dried and fluid plant specimen, Herbarium and Museum techniques. Preservation of fruit. Colour preservation.

Þ Elements of tissue culture.

Unit-2 (10 marks)

Þ Collection, identification and preservation of various groups of invertebrates and vertebrate animals.

Þ Microscopy, microtomy, photography, photomicrography, staining and mounting of sections and specimens.

Þ Detailed knowledge of bones, thin articulations, attachments, knowledge of skeleton system and anatomy.

Þ Bleaching of bones and mounting of skeletons.

Þ Study of skin, skinning, mounting of animals.

Þ Collection, preparation and preservation of egg - fresh, incubated, rotten, etc.

Þ Preservation of embryo.

Unit-3 (10 marks)

Þ Plaster casts, mounts, moulds and finish.

Þ Presentation and interpretation of Natural History specimens.

Þ Collection, culture and analysis of biodeteriogens (flora & fauna) of a museum environment.

Þ Preparation of museum educational programmes on various topics of Life Sciences.

Unit-4 (10 marks)

Þ Practical Note Book (5 marks).

Þ Viva voce (5 marks).

· Anthropology (20 marks)

Unit-1 (10 marks)

Þ Identification and classification of racial types.

Þ Somatometry.

Þ Knowledge of prehistoric tools.

Þ Knowledge of implements and methods of their use as for hunting, fishing, agriculture; weapons of war and chase.

Þ Methods of transport and travel, industries and crafts of the people.

Þ Presentation and interpretation of anthropological specimens.

Þ Preparation of museum educational programmes on various topics of Anthropology.

Unit-2 (10 marks)

Þ Practical Note Book (5 marks).

Þ Viva voce (5 marks).

· Dissertation (50 marks)

o At the end of the study in the second year, the candidates have to prepare and submit a short dissertation on a relevant topic from the course content. It will be evaluated during the Final Examinations.

· Project report (25 marks)

o Candidates will be assigned specific projects on various aspects of the functions and programmes of museums according to the area of specialisation. The projects may be completed during the vacations and the report be submitted before the Final Examinations for evaluation.

· Tour report (25 marks)

o Field study/ educational tour shall be the essential feature in the course curriculum. Candidates shall have to prepare and submit a report, on the tour, which will be evaluated during the Final Examinations.

· Museum Internship

o At the end of the two-year course, candidates shall be required to complete an internship of six-months duration in an assigned museum/ alike institution. No separate marks are allotted for it, but the candidates will not be awarded the degree unless the internship is successfully completed.

Group- C: Scientific Heritage

There has been a constant demand for museology courses for the students of Physical Sciences, Engineering & Technology. The Department of Museology of the University of Calcutta proposes to introduce the specialised group that would prepare museologists for Science museums/ centres, Science parks, Theme parks, Planetaria, etc. The course content of this group would be finalised in consultation with the specialists in the concerned field. However, a broad outline is given below for consideration.

Ø (To be finalised in consultation with the specialists)

Ø

Ø Recent advancements in Physical Science.

Ø Presentation & interpretation of Physical Science.

Ø Museum programmes on Physical Science.

 

Ø (To be finalised in consultation with the specialists)

Ø

Ø Recent advancements in Electronics & Computer Science.

Ø Presentation & interpretation of Electronics & Computer Science.

Ø Museum programmes on Electronics & Computer Science.

 

· Sub Module-A (50 marks): Astronomy

Ø (To be finalised in consultation with the specialists)

Ø

Ø

Ø Concept of space & universe.

Ø Planets, stars, meteorites, asteroids, etc.

Ø Black holes.

Ø Forces acting between the planets. Tides.

Ø Sky observation.

Ø Planetaria.

Ø Telescopes - optical, radio, etc.

Ø Space research, rocket, satellite, spacecraft, space station, etc.

Ø Space research in modern India.

Ø Recent advancements in Astronomy.

Ø Presentation & interpretation of Astronomy.

Ø Museum programmes on Astronomy.

· Sub Module-B (50 marks): History HHHHhbof Science & Technology

Ø Prehistoric man - Palaeolithic tools & implements, discovery & use of fire.

Ø Neolithic period - Agriculture, domestication of animal, pottery, weaving, house building.

Ø Discovery of metal & their use - gold, copper, tin, bronze, brass, silver, lead, iron - copper, bronze & iron ages. Glass.

Ø Invention of wheel, boat & sail, irrigation & river training.

Ø Development of civilization - Babylon, Egypt & India.

Ø Indus valley civilization - house building, town planning & architecture, weaving, pottery, metallurgy, metrology, use of decimal system.

Ø Early history of Mathematics - Babylon (sexagesimal system, algebra), Egypt (Rind Papyrus at the British Museum, arithmetic, geometry), India - Vedic mathematics (number & calculation, decimal system, arithmetic, algebra, geometry), China (Chiu-chang Suan-shu, San-tsu Suan-ching).

Ø Early history of Astronomy - Babylon, Egypt, India (month, year, zodiacs, knowledge of planets, Vedanga jyotish), China (concept of comet, nova).

Ø Greek Science - Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes, Pythagoras, Paemenedes, Anaxagorus, Empidocles, Archytus, Leucippus, Democretes.

Ø Athens - Plato, Aristotle, Euddocssus, Menechmus, Heraclides of Pontus, Ecphantus.

Ø Alexandria - Euclid, Archimedes, Apollonius, Aristarchus, Eratosthenes, Hipparchus, Claudius Ptolemy, Stasibius, Phillo, Heron.

Ø Greek chemistry - Alexandrian Alchemy - Leiden & Stockholm Papyrus.

Ø Chinese Alchemy.

Ø Roman & Greco-Roman Science - Stoic & Epicurean philosophy - Lucretius, Roman Mathematics & Astronomy - Diophantus, Pappus, Theon of Alexandria, Hypesia, Boetheus. Public works & Architecture - Vitruvius & Frontisus.

Ø India - post-Vedic period:

§ Technology education.

§ Mathematics & Astronomy - Aryabhatt, Varahamihir, Brahmagupta, Mahavira, Munjal, Sripati, Sridhar, Satananda, Bhaskara - the Bakhshali manuscript.

§ Mathematics - Decimal system, invention of zero, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry.

§ Astronomy - different Jyotish Siddhantas.

§ Chemistry - Charak & Susrut, Nabanitak, Vagbhat, Brinda, Chakrapanidatta, Tantric alchemy, Rasaratnakar, Rasaratnasamuchyaya, equipment/ instruments used in ancient Indian chemistry.

§ Metallurgy - Copper, Bronze, Brass, Bell-metal, Iron & Steel, Lead, Tin - discovery of Zinc - test of metals, extraction of metal, process of alloy making.

§ Atomism, Structure of matters, Mechanics - Vaiseshika Nyaya.

Ø Arab - Mathematics, Astronomy & Physics (Al biruni, Omar Khayyam), Chemistry (Jabir ibn Hayyan), Technology (Windmill, irrigation - artesian well, paper, gallery-oven, compass, etc.)

Ø Europe in mediaeval period - Mathematics, Physics, Alchemy, Astronomy - Robert Grosseteste, Roger Bacon (Opus majus), St. Tomas Aquinas, Fibonicci, Dante (Divina commedia), Geber, etc.

Ø European renaissance - advent of modern science - Technological inventions - spectacles, mechanical clock, compass, paper, printing, movable type, telescope, etc.- Physics, Mathematics, Mechanics, Chemistry, Metallurgy, Astronomy - Leonardo da Vinci, Copernicus, Tycho Brahe, Kepler, Galileo, etc.

· Physical Science (40 marks)

Unit-1 (10 marks)

(Physics)

(To be finalised in consultation with the specialists)

Unit-2 (10 marks)

(Chemistry)

(To be finalised in consultation with the specialists)

Unit-3 (10 marks)

Þ Preparation, presentation and interpretation of Physical Science exhibits.

Þ Preparation of museum educational programmes on various topics of Physical Sciences.

Unit-4 (10 marks)

Þ Practical Note Book (5 marks).

Þ Viva voce (5 marks).

· Electronics & Computer Science (40 marks)

Unit-1 (10 marks)

(Electronics)

(To be finalised in consultation with the specialists)

Unit-2 (10 marks)

(Computer Science)

(To be finalised in consultation with the specialists)

Unit-3 (10 marks)

Þ Preparation, presentation and interpretation of Electronics & Computer Science exhibits.

Þ Preparation of museum educational programmes on various topics of Electronics & Computer Sciences.

Unit-4 (10 marks)

Þ Practical Note Book (5 marks).

Þ Viva voce (5 marks).

· Astronomy (20 marks)

Unit-1 (10 marks)

Þ (To be finalised in consultation with the specialists)

Þ

Þ Preparation, presentation and interpretation of astronomical exhibits.

Þ Preparation of museum educational programmes on various topics of Astronomy.

Unit-2 (10 marks)

Þ Practical Note Book (5 marks).

Þ Viva voce (5 marks).

· Dissertation (50 marks)

o At the end of the study in the second year, the candidates have to prepare and submit a short dissertation on a relevant topic from the course content. It will be evaluated during the Final Examinations.

· Project report (25 marks)

o Candidates will be assigned specific projects on various aspects of the functions and programmes of museums according to the area of specialisation. The projects may be completed during the vacations and the report be submitted before the Final Examinations for evaluation.

· Tour report (25 marks)

o Field study/ educational tour shall be the essential feature in the course curriculum. Candidates shall have to prepare and submit a report, on the tour, which will be evaluated during the Final Examinations.

· Museum Internship

o At the end of the two-year course, candidates shall be required to complete an internship of six-months duration in an assigned museum/ alike institution. No separate marks are allotted for it, but the candidates will not be awarded the degree unless the internship is successfully completed.

Admission Criteria

1. For M.A. in Museology & Heritage Studies (Group- A: Cultural Heritage Group):

1.1. A good Bachelors degree (with Honours, wherever applicable) in Museology/ Heritage Studies/ History/ Anthropology/ Archaeology/ Sanskrit/ Bengali/ Visual Art/ Applied Art/ Art History, or

1.2. A Masters degree in History/ Ancient Indian History and Culture/ Islamic History and Culture/ Archaeology/ Anthropology/ Pali/ Sanskrit/ Bengali/ Folklore/ Linguistics/ Visual Art/ Applied Art/ Art History/ Tourism.

2. For M.Sc. in Museology & Heritage Studies (Group- B: Natural Heritage Group):

2.1. A good Bachelors degree (with Honours, wherever applicable) or a Masters degree in Zoology / Botany / Geology / Geography/ Earth Science/Anthropology/ Agriculture/ Environmental Science/ Marine Science/ Microbiology/ Molecular Biology/ Genetics/ Forestry/ Wildlife/ History of Science.

3. For M.Sc. in Museology & Heritage Studies (Group- C: Scientific Heritage Group):

3.1. A good Bachelors degree (with Honours, wherever applicable) or a Masters degree in Physics/ Chemistry/ Bio-Physics/ Bio-chemistry/ Radio-Physics/ Electronics/ Conservation/ Computer Science/ Information Technology/ Astrophysics/ Astronomy/ Atmospheric Science/ Science Communication/ Engineering & Technology/ History of Science & Technology.

Post-Graduates in the above subjects will be given preference in admission. Two seats in each group will be kept reserved for the candidates who are employed in museums or similar organisations/ institutions for at least two years, if otherwise, have requisite qualifications and deputed by the institutions concerned. However, the seats will be de-reserved in case of non-availability of suitable candidates.

The number of seats is limited to 20 (twenty) in each group for the time being. The seats may be increased or reduced at the discretion of the University authority.

Examination and evaluation

The M.A. / M.Sc. Examination in Museology & Heritage Studies shall consist of two parts - Part- I and Part- II. Part- I Examinations will be held after the completion of the First academic year and the Part- II Examinations will be held after the completion of the Second/ Final year.

A candidate shall be considered to have pursued a regular course of study if he/she attends at least a total of 60% theoretical and 75% practical classes in each part of the M.A./ M.Sc. Examinations. The authority may, however, condone the limit upto 10% on sufficient grounds.

The total marks for the two-year M.A./ M.Sc. in Museology and Heritage Studies shall be 1000. Part-I (1^st Year) covers 500 marks and Part-II (2^nd Year) covers 500 marks. Part-I shall consist of three theoretical and two practical modules, each of 100 marks. Part-II shall consist of three theoretical modules, one practical module, each of 100 marks, and another module of 100 marks comprising Dissertation/ Project Report/ Internship/ Field Report.

The students shall have to submit the Practical Note Books as specified in the syllabus before the schedule dates of the respective Practical Examinations as notified by the University, which are compulsory.

At the end of the study in the second year, the candidates have to prepare and submit a short dissertation on a relevant topic from the course content. It will be evaluated during the Final Examinations. Marks for it will be 50. Project report and Field report will have 25 marks each.

Field study/ educational tour shall be the essential feature in the course curriculum. Study tour and field works in museums, prehistoric sites, tribal areas, archaeological sites & monuments, geological & geographical areas, botanical & zoological gardens, national parks, reserve forests, planetaria, aquaria, vivaria, science centres, science parks, theme parks, etc. in different parts of India would enhance the visualisation, field technique & overall efficiency of the students. Without submitting Field Report, students will not be allowed to appear in the M.A./ M.Sc. Final Examinations.

No candidate will be awarded the degree unless he/she successfully completes an internship of six-months duration in an assigned museum/ alike institution. Generally the University and the institutions shall not have any financial liabilities towards the interns.

The duration in the M.A/ M.Sc. Part-I and Part-II Examinations shall be four hours for each theoretical paper of 100 marks and the candidates shall have to answer six (6) questions in each paper. Duration of Examinations in Practical papers shall be 6 hours for each paper of 100 marks. Duration will be proportionately reduced for papers of lesser marks.

Although the medium of the course is English but the answers may be written in English or in Bengali as regional language.

Any candidate who after completion of the 1^st year M.A/ M.Sc. course appears at the M.A/ M.Sc. Part- I Examinations and obtains an aggregate of at least 35% of the marks (i.e. 105 out of 300) in theoretical papers and 40% of marks (i.e. 80 out of 200) in the practical papers shall be deemed to have secured qualifying marks in the M.A./ M.Sc. Part-I Examinations.

Second Year M.A./ M.Sc. classes will start immediately after the completion of the Part-I Examinations. A student will be permitted to join the 2^nd year M.A./ M.Sc classes only after he/she completes the Part-I Examinations. He/she shall be permitted to continue in the 2^nd year classes provided he/she secures the minimum qualifying marks in the Part-I Examinations.

Candidates failing to qualify in the M.A./ M.Sc. Part-I Examinations shall automatically revert back to the Part-I courses immediately after the publication of results.

Faculty

Faculty comprises full-time teachers, guest lectures & specialists from different disciplines. The faculty members of the Department are competent enough, who are active in the field of museum theory & practice. Their association in the Department ensures that their capabilities and experience are utilised for the common aim of forming a firm theoretical basis of the science of museology.

· Full time teachers

Dr. Samir Kumar Mukherjee, M.A. (Archaeology), Diploma in Museology, Ph.D. (Museology) - Professor.

Dr. Atul Chandra Bhowmick, M.Sc. (Anthropology), Diploma in Museology, Ph.D. (Anthropology) - Professor.

Mr. Sachindranath Bhattacharya, M.Sc. (Museology) - Reader (Present Head of the Department).

Dr. (Ms.) Chhanda Das, M.Sc. (Museology), M.Sc. (Zoology), Ph.D. (Museology) - Reader.

Dr. (Ms.) Mahua Chakrabarti, M.A. (Museology), Ph.D. (Museology) - Lecturer.

Mrs. Indrani Bhattacharya (Chanda), M.Sc. (Museology) - Lecturer.

Mr. Supreo Chanda, M.Sc. (Museology) - Lecturer.

Dr. Shyamal Kanti Chakravarti, Director, Indian Museum, Kolkata.

Dr. Goutam Sengupta, Director of Archaeology & Museums, Government of West Bengal.

Dr. Saktikali Basu, Dy. Director, Indian Museum, Kolkata.

Dr. Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Keeper (Anthropology), Indian Museum, Kolkata.

Mr. Pratip Kumar Mitra, Keeper, State Archaeological Museum, Kolkata.

Dr. Sujit Narayan Sen, Dy.-keeper (Art), Indian Museum, Kolkata.

Dr. Ranjit Kumar Mukherjee, Sr. Conservation Officer, Indian Museum, Kolkata.

Dr. Asoke Kumar Bhattacharya, Professor in Marine Science, University of Calcutta.

Dr. Samirbehari Banerjee, Professor in Zoology, University of Calcutta.

Dr. Bijonbehari De, Professor in Ancient Indian History & Culture, University of Calcutta.

Dr. Jayantadeb Biswas, Reader in Geography, Asutosh College, Kolkata.

Dr. Tapas Bhattacharya, Reader in Geology, University of Calcutta.

Dr. Balaram De, Reader in Anthropology (Retd.), Habra Sri Chaitanya College, 24 Parganas (N).

Dr. Sibnath Das, Reader in Botany, B.K.C. College, Kolkata.

Dr. (Ms.) Suchandra Ghosh, Lecturer in Ancient Indian History & Culture, University of Calcutta.

Address of author for communication:   Office: Department of Museology, University of Calcutta (Alipore Campus), 1 Reformatory Street (9^th floor^), Kolkata 700 027, India. Telephone: (91)- (33)- 2479 1645, extn. 357, 358, 360, 361; Residence: 2/B Avenue East, Modern Park, Santoshpur, Kolkata 700 075. Telephone: (91)- (33)- 2416 8218. e-mail: supreo_chanda@rediffmail.com.