AMST 205
Material Aspects of American Culture
PROJECT FOUR
Smithsonian Exhibit Analysis
Smithsonian Museum Exhibit
Analysis
Due: Tuesday, October 27, 1997
Your assignment is to go to the National Museum of American History of
the Smithsonian Insitution on the Mall in Washington, D.C. to view
ONE of the following exhibits:
From Field To Factory: Afro-American Migration 1915-1940
OR
A More Perfect Union: Japanese-Americans and the
Constitution
While you are there, examine the entire exhibit carefully and take notes.
Watch other museum visitors and how they react to the exhibit, and think
about how other people view/use museum exhibits.
Think about and analyze what you've seen and write a critical review essay
that:
(1) Describes the scope, purpose and "message" of the exhibit;
(2) Analyzes how that message is organized and communicated;
(3) Evaluates the effectiveness of the exhibit; and
(4) Interprets -- ie. gives your view of the meaning of -- the exhibit
as a cultural artifact.
In addition, please link to two other students' essays as part of your
critique. Try not to simply add links at the end of your project -
incorporate them into your discussion of the exhibit. Look for someone
who has a different opinion than yours or for an essay that compliments
your work.
Suggested text length for your review: 4-7 pages.
CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF YOUR ESSAY
1. Demonstrate that your conclusion about the message and purpose of
the exhibit is based upon careful observation and thought. Give examples
to support your points.
2. Provide a careful analysis of how you think the exhibit "works" -- how
its message has been organized and communicated. How well have the
curators balanced photographs, labels, video and audio devices, and
artifacts?
3. Provide a critical assessment of the effectiveness of the exhibit
- what you see as its strengths and weaknesses. What part was most
meaningful for you? What questions remain unanswered?
4. Provide a thoughtful interpretation -- what in your view is the
meaning of this exhibit as a cultural artifact? Do visitors interact
with the exhibit in ways that the curators want them or expect them to?
5. Be mindful of the quality of your writing. Be sure to proofread. We
will deduct points for more than four spelling or grammatical errors.
Guidelines For
Critical Review of a Museum Exhibition
MUSEUM LOCATION
The National Museum of American History is located on the National Mall
in downtown Washington, D.C. at Constitution Avenue and 12th Street. The
two closest Metrorail stations are Federal Triangle and the Smithsonian
Station; both are on the Orange and Blue Lines.
The museum is open from 10:00 to 5:30 daily and is free of charge.