VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

851-0034-00L 3 Credits DS , MSC D-GESS

Public History and Decolonial Practices in Natural History Museums

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Tomas Bartoletti
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:35

Abstract

The seminar presents the current state of public debates and curatorial practices regarding the history of scientific collections and natural history museums. It offers an overview of recent approaches in public history, with a focus on decolonial strategies, while providing critical and practical tools to reflect on museum history and develop future projects in this direction.

Objective

The objective is to develop skills for transforming historical research into science communication projects that reach broader audiences. Students will integrate decolonial frameworks in curation and exhibition-making about scientific collections and natural history museums. Based on their interests, they will develop their own case study or exhibition project.

Content

While decolonization has been the subject of much recent discussion in both ethnological and archaeological collections over the past few years, it has largely been absent from natural history contexts. In addressing this topic for the natural history museums and scientific collections in the fields of paleontology, botany, zoology, biological anthropology and geology, this seminar will examine the circumstances under which non-European collections have found their way into European natural history museums and develop practical tools for public mediation that represent and include the participation of a diversity of voices and experiences. Specifically, students will develop a critical reflection on decolonial thought and public history. Visits to scientific collections, like the ones of ETHZ and the University of Zurich, and exhibitions at the Natural History Museum of Neuchatel and Bern during the seminar will create an empirical and interactive space for meaningful exchange to lay the groundwork for future projects and to develop practical toolkits for public history projects interested in engaging in decolonial practices.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DS , MSC

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Registration & Places

Max Places
40

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar Public History and Decolonial Practices in Natural History Museums
Block course: Dates to be announced soon
  • 28.02 Date 14:15-18:00 (CHN F 42)
  • 07.03 Date 10:15-14:00 (HG E 33.1)
  • 20.03 Date 16:15-20:00 (CAB G 51)
  • 21.03 Date 10:15-18:00 (HG F 26.3)
  • 04.04 Date 14:15-18:00 (CHN F 42)
  • 06.06 Date 10:15-14:00 (ML F 34)
28 h semesterly

Offered In