EGYETEMISTÁK A DÉRI MÚZEUMBAN
UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AT THE DÉRI MUSEUM

Summary/Abstract: The study presents a university course developed through the collaboration of the Déri Museum in Debrecen and the Art Center of the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Debrecen. The museum-pedagogical – i.e., field-based – practice of the Déri Museum suggests that a significant proportion of university students are not equipped with the tools, knowledge, and routine that would help them to understand and enjoy museum content in an informed and engaging way; moreover, they are often unaware of the opportunities offered by museum programs. To address this phenomenon – also confirmed by the relevant literature – a course was designed to facilitate the interpretation of the content mediated by museum institutions and the systems of codes used in exhibitions, thereby making the museum a familiar environment for students in higher education. The feedbacks received during the three consecutive semesters in which the course was offered highlight students’ limited knowledge of museum-related concepts, tools, and opportunities. At the same time, the methodologically wellconsidered curriculum – responsive to the needs and feedback of the target group and mobilizing a wide spectrum of venues, teachers, and types of activities – can clearly bring a positive shift in students’ perceptions of museums, as well as in their attitudes, habits, and practices related to museum visits. The presentation of this course may serve as an adaptable model and could be worth considering for other museums and universities.

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