Translation and Translation Technology (ÞÝÐ028F)

This course will be dedicated to the Computer Assisted Translation-technology available to translators. Students get an insight into the importance of translation memories, how humans and machines use these memories, and learn how to align text corpora to create language data and dictionaries. How to use online dictionaries, data bases and other online means. We will consider language policy, technical terms and neologisms. The translators working environment will be considered as well as skills that help freelancers get by in the gig-economy. It is hoped that experienced translators will contribute to the seminar. Students work on projects during class to prepare them for the home assignments.

Gender equality in schools (KME101F)

The course introduces what is gender studies and how key concepts – such as equality, gender, gender roles, gender identity, intersectionality, queer studies, stereotypes, gender based violence, sex education, femininity, and masculinity – are useful to understand and organize schools. The course also focuses on the legislation about gender equality and gender equality education. The connections between gender equality and other types of equality are also dealt with, in accordance with the national curriculum for pre-, compulsory, and upper secondary schools.  Emphasis is placed on that the students in the course can analyze learning environments, methods, and materials from a gender perspective. Also that they can analyze the choice of play in preschools as well as in breaks and school sport. This course is aimed at students who plan on teaching in the younger grades of elementary school or kindergarten.

The fundamental perspective of the national curriculum that gender equality education should involve critical examination of hegemonic ideas in society and its institutions, in order to teach children and youth to analyze the circumstances that lead to discrimination of some and privileges for others, is a base for the course.

Required attendance to introduce own final assignment in the course.

Museums as a learning environment (SAF016F)

One of the main purposes of Icelandic museums is to preserve the country's cultural and natural heritage for future generations. Furthermore, to encourage increased knowledge of this heritage and understanding of its connections to the outside world. According to Icelandic museum laws, museums are expected to "enhance people's quality of life" by fostering an understanding of the development and status of culture, art, nature, and/or science. Therefore, museums and museum education can impact society, groups, and individuals. Museology plays a key role in this context and is the main subject of this course.

Students will be introduced to theoretical approaches aimed at supporting diverse and impactful educational practices related to archaeology, art, natural sciences, cultural heritage, and other museum subjects. Attention will be given to the different target audiences of museum education, the role of visitors within museums, spatial considerations, text production, multimedia, interactivity, and more.

This is a distance-learning course divided into three modules. Each module includes short lectures by the instructor reflecting on the course material, guest lectures (delivered digitally), and supplementary materials. Over the semester, three in-person and/or Zoom sessions will be held, where students will receive lectures from museum professionals and work on an educational project in collaboration with a museum in Reykjavík. The project will be developed based on students’ academic interests, under the supervision of the instructor and with support from museum staff.

Practices and theories in museology (SAF104F)

The course will address questions related to the interaction between practice and theory in museum work. Numerous examples from the practical work of art museums, natural history museums and cultural heritage museums will be examined in this context. The course is therefore suitable for students from more disciplines than museology, such as archaeology, art history, cultural studies, disability studies, anthropology, ethnography, sociology and other disciplines. It will consider how both practice and theory have shaped museum institutions and their activities. The course will cover, among other things, the practice and theory of collecting, preservation, classification and registration, exhibition design, visitors, marketing and the social impact of museums. The course is taught exclusively via distance learning and assessment is based on a variety of projects completed during the course. The course is taught at the beginning of the fall and ends at the end of September.

Critical approaches to museum practices and theories (SAF105F)

The course will address critical questions related to the interaction between practice and theory in museum work. Numerous examples from the practical work of art museums, natural history museums and cultural museums will be examined in this context, and the course is therefore suitable for students from more disciplines than museology, such as archaeology, art history, cultural studies, disability studies, anthropology, ethnography, sociology and other disciplines. The history of museums will be examined with a critical mindset and attention will be paid to trends and policies in the profession at the beginning of the 21st century. Museums are particularly viewed as public institutions, but as such they have many and growing roles to play for communities, the quality of life of people and groups, education, research and transnational relations, to name a few. The course will cover questions like the application of theory in museum work, ethics, censorship, globalization, indigenous peoples, the impact of digital culture, religion, immigrants and inclusion, to name a few. The course is taught exclusively via distance learning and assessment is based on projects completed over the semester. The course is taught in the beginning of October and ends at the end of November.

Theories in Museum Studies (SAF002F)

The reading material be based on on essential theoretical works as well as recent research. The history of the field will be critically examined in light of trends at the beginning of the 21^st century. 

Work format

Teaching will take the form of lectures and discussions.

Critical approaches to museum practices and theories (SAF105F)

The course will address critical questions related to the interaction between practice and theory in museum work. Numerous examples from the practical work of art museums, natural history museums and cultural museums will be examined in this context, and the course is therefore suitable for students from more disciplines than museology, such as archaeology, art history, cultural studies, disability studies, anthropology, ethnography, sociology and other disciplines. The history of museums will be examined with a critical mindset and attention will be paid to trends and policies in the profession at the beginning of the 21st century. Museums are particularly viewed as public institutions, but as such they have many and growing roles to play for communities, the quality of life of people and groups, education, research and transnational relations, to name a few. The course will cover questions like the application of theory in museum work, ethics, censorship, globalization, indigenous peoples, the impact of digital culture, religion, immigrants and inclusion, to name a few. The course is taught exclusively via distance learning and assessment is based on projects completed over the semester. The course is taught in the beginning of October and ends at the end of November.

Practices and theories in museology (SAF104F)

The course will address questions related to the interaction between practice and theory in museum work. Numerous examples from the practical work of art museums, natural history museums and cultural heritage museums will be examined in this context. The course is therefore suitable for students from more disciplines than museology, such as archaeology, art history, cultural studies, disability studies, anthropology, ethnography, sociology and other disciplines. It will consider how both practice and theory have shaped museum institutions and their activities. The course will cover, among other things, the practice and theory of collecting, preservation, classification and registration, exhibition design, visitors, marketing and the social impact of museums. The course is taught exclusively via distance learning and assessment is based on a variety of projects completed during the course. The course is taught at the beginning of the fall and ends at the end of September.

Theories in Museum Studies (SAF002F)

The reading material be based on on essential theoretical works as well as recent research. The history of the field will be critically examined in light of trends at the beginning of the 21^st century. 

Work format

Teaching will take the form of lectures and discussions.

Professional Museum Work: Preservation, Documentation, and Research (SAF209F)

According to Icelandic Museum Law No. 141/2011, museums have a diverse and essential role: they are responsible for preserving the nation’s cultural and natural heritage and ensuring its unaltered transmission to future generations. The core responsibilities of museums include:

• Collection Management – Acquiring and building collections, proper handling, and care of museum objects
• Preservation and Documentation – Conservation efforts, facility management, security measures, and collection registration
• Public Engagement – Exploring and developing methods for presenting collections, as well as conducting research to enhance understanding and interpretation of museum objects
• Evaluation of Museum Operations – Assessing museums both from the visitor’s perspective and through internal self-evaluation, including management practices and strategic planning.

To fulfil their mission effectively and professionally, museums must adhere to clear professional standards, regulations, and government oversight. This course will analyse case studies from Icelandic museum practice, examining professional best practices, theoretical foundations, museum legislation, ICOM ethical guidelines, and real-world examples shared by experts from diverse museum institutions in Iceland.

The course is ideal for students planning careers in the cultural sector or those pursuing studies in fields such as archaeology, art history, cultural studies, disability studies, anthropology, folklore, sociology, and other related disciplines. Running from late February to April, the course introduces students to the professional challenges of object preservation—including issues such as poor storage conditions and contemporary collecting—collection documentation, and museum research. The course consists of online lectures based on the textbook Professional Museum Work: Case Study Analysis (2018) and one mandatory in-person seminar (one full day in Week 6). This seminar includes museum site visits and guest lectures from experienced museum professionals. Assessment is based on coursework (papers) handed in throughout the semester, attendance at the in-person seminar, and a short, written assignment where the seminar topics are analysed considering academic readings.

Professional works: governance, collection management, and public engagement (SAF208F)

According to Icelandic Museum Law No. 141/2011, museums have a diverse and essential role: they are responsible for preserving the nation’s cultural and natural heritage and ensuring its unaltered transmission to future generations. The core responsibilities of museums include: •

• Collection Management – Acquiring and building collections, proper handling, and care of museum objects
• Preservation and Documentation – Conservation efforts, facility management, security measures, and collection registration
• Public Engagement – Exploring and developing methods for presenting collections, as well as conducting research to enhance understanding and interpretation of museum objects
• Evaluation of Museum Operations – Assessing museums both from the visitor’s perspective and through internal self-evaluation, including management practices and strategic planning

To fulfil their mission effectively and professionally, museums must adhere to clear professional standards, regulations, and government oversight. This course will analyse case studies from Icelandic museum practice, examining professional best practices, theoretical foundations, museum legislation, ICOM ethical guidelines, and real-world examples shared by experts from diverse museum institutions in Iceland.

The course is ideal for students planning careers in the cultural sector or those pursuing studies in fields such as archaeology, art history, cultural studies, disability studies, anthropology, folklore, sociology, and other related disciplines. Running from mid-January to February, the course covers museum governance (including museum councils, legislation, and ICOM ethics), collection acquisition, and methods of public engagement. The course consists of online lectures based on the textbook Professional Museum Work: Case Study Analysis (2018) and one mandatory in-person seminar (one full day in Week 6). This seminar includes museum site visits and guest lectures from experienced museum professionals. Assessment is based on coursework (papers) handed in throughout the semester, attendance at the in-person seminar, and a short, written assignment where the seminar topics are analysed considering academic readings.

What Do Museum Professionals Do? An Insight into Daily Work at a Museum (SAF207F)

This course offers students an introduction to the professional challenges involved in the daily operations of a museum, specifically at the Museum of Design and Applied Art in Iceland. The goal is to familiarize students with public expectations, museum administration (including museum councils), and museum owners, and how institutions strive to meet these demands. Students will gain insight into the professional responsibilities of museum staff in general and the role and purpose of design museums in this context. The course aims to provide practical knowledge of museum work, analysed through academic readings, professional regulations, museum work practices, and the ethical guidelines of ICOM. The course begins with online lectures, followed by an in-person half-day seminar at the Museum of Design and Applied Art in late January (attendance is mandatory). Additionally, each student will select one day during the semester (during a period set by the teacher and the museum) to participate in a hands-on workday at the museum, working in pairs alongside a museum staff member for a full day. Assessment is based on attendance at the in-person seminar and workday, as well as a written assignment that reflects on their experience at the Museum of Design and Applied Art in relation to academic reading materials.

Social Issues and Museums: Challenges and Opportunities (SAF202M)

This course critically examines the impact of contemporary social issues on museums and their practices. It seeks to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how museums are confronted with, and often strive to address, various societal challenges, including diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and sustainability. Throughout the course, students will explore social issues within the museum context and analyze real-world examples of museums that actively engage with these topics. Key themes will include the role of museums as advocates for marginalized communities, the importance of community collaboration and co-creation, and strategies for addressing climate change within museum practices. The course is taught from the end of February to the end of March.

Museums and society: Dead circuses? (SAF201M)

This course delves into the multifaceted relationship between museums and the societies they serve. It aims to explore how museums are not only custodians of cultural heritage but also active participants in shaping cultural narratives and communal identities. By examining historical contexts, theoretical frameworks, and practical case studies, students will gain insight into the influential role that museums play in reflecting and sometimes challenging societal values. The course will cover topics such as museums as agents of social change, the importance of inclusivity and accessibility, and the impact of digital technology on community engagement. Through discussions, case studies, and hands-on projects, students will explore how museums can effectively engage with diverse audiences and contribute to a more equitable society. By the end of the course, students will have developed a nuanced understanding of how museums can evolve in response to the dynamic needs and values of the communities they serve.

Professional works: Case study analysis (SAF011F)

This course examines professionalism, using case studies from museum work in Iceland, from a broad, interdisciplinary theoretical perspectives and debates. This course should therefore appeal to students from a variety of disciplines, including museology, archaeology, art studies, cultural studies, anthropology and folklore. The case studies are related to the variable works of museums, including management, organisation, collection, conservation, research and communication.

Furthermore, methods of assessment will be considered, both from the angle of the museum visitor as well as self-appraisals of the museums themselves (approaches to - and processing of information). The subject of the case studies are variable, including administration, gender considerations, accessibility, conservation of archaeological artefacts, research into visual cultural heritage, freedom of expression, housing and building affairs, gifts to museums and more.

In this course, experts and specialists (from Iceland and abroad), working in museum sector will give talks, sharing their knowledge and their experience. Students will choose one day over the semester, for a one day career day at a museum in Reykjavík, where a member of staff will tell them about the museum‘s main activities and demonstrate basic entry input in their electronic database. Students will work with the staff for the remainder of the day.

The course is taught distance learning, with short, online lectures by teachers and guest-lecturers. It also includes three full day on-campus (or Zoom, should that be needed) lecture days, where students will visit museums around Reykjavík and listen to lectures from a variety of people. Attendance is required during the three day on-campus and Zoom days.

Final grade is based on completing written assignments during the semester, attendance for full-day on-campus/zoom days and the career day.

Museums and Society: The Circus of Death? (SAF603M)

The societal role of museums will be discussed from several angles: economic, political, cultural, social and last but not least in an international context. Examples of topics that will be discussed in the course are the role of museums in building the concept of the nation; the legal environment of museums; how museums are run; the status and role of the main museums; museums owned and run by local authorities and other museums; the financing of museums, and the policies of authorities regarding museums. Both national and foreign examples will be taken. 

Work format

Teaching will take the form of lectures and discussions.