Date of Graduation

Winter 12-16-2016

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Museum Studies

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Museum Studies

First Advisor

Marjorie Schwarzer

Abstract

Museums have become increasingly oriented towards reaching new audiences, encouraging visitor loyalty, and informing the public about their overall relevance. Innovation in programming is a centerpiece of this effort, including a provision of programs for all age groups and demographics. At the same time that this transformation occurs in the museum world, similar changes are taking place in the leisure, travel and tourism industries. A continuously rapid increase in globalism and cultural access contributes to an atmosphere in which travelers can expand their goals and purposes within the context of a travel experience. This report will demonstrate that these trends should encourage the development of adult programs that combine museum and travel experiences with specialized cultural and aesthetic education. The project connects the field of museum studies with the educational benefits of travel immersion in order to expand the boundaries of adult programming. The proposed programs would engage participants in ten-day travel immersion workshops based on a museum collection or exhibit and its cultural context. The following report analyzes the feasibility of such a program in the context of adult programming, museum education, and motivational theory. It also explores the potential of such a program to contribute to participants’ individual transformation and growth. The report concludes with a detailed proposal of an organization that organizes and implements museum-based travel immersion programs for adults.

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