Global heritage: course taster

Global heritage: course taster

Author: The Open University July 15, 2009 Duration: 5:04
A sample of some of the ideas and case studies covered in the course AD281 Understanding global heritage.

Stepping into a quiet gallery, it’s easy to assume museums are simply keepers of history. But the reality behind those polished cases is far more dynamic and contested. Museums in contemporary society-for iPad/Mac/PC, from The Open University, pulls back the curtain on these vital institutions. This isn't a tour of artifacts, but an exploration of the complex, often unseen forces shaping modern museums. You'll hear about the shifting ground they stand on, moving from being unchallenged authorities to organizations that must constantly explain their choices to governments, diverse communities, and the public. The discussions in this podcast delve into the genuine power struggles and ethical questions curators and directors face every day. How does a museum balance its role as an educator with the pressures of funding and politics? What happens when community expectations clash with traditional academic narratives? Each episode grapples with these pressing issues, examining the push to connect with entirely new audiences. It's about the ongoing effort to communicate in fresh, meaningful ways when the old models no longer suffice. For anyone curious about the future of these cultural cornerstones, this series offers a thoughtful, critical look at the mission of museums beyond their displays.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 40

Museums in contemporary society - for iPad/Mac/PC
Podcast Episodes
Secrets of the V&A [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:32
The director, staff and visitors to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London talk about the museum's role and what they see as the source of its success.
Transcript -- Secrets of the V&A [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
The director, staff and visitors to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London talk about the museum's role and what they see as the source of its success.
Redefining the V&A [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:10
Dragging the Victoria and Albert Museum's British galleries into the twenty-first century was a masssive undertaking. Here's how they did it.
Transcript -- Redefining the V&A [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Dragging the Victoria and Albert Museum's British galleries into the twenty-first century was a masssive undertaking. Here's how they did it.
AHD and global heritage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:19
Dr Rodney Harrison of The Open University explains the importance of AHD within the course AD281 Understanding global heritage.
Transcript -- AHD and global heritage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Dr Rodney Harrison of The Open University explains the importance of AHD within the course AD281 Understanding global heritage.
Authorised heritage discourse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:00
Dr Laurajane Smith of the University of York explains what she means by authorised heritage discourse.