Teaching and Learning Anthropology in the Museum: Developing an Exhibit with the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm

Abstract

Elements of the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm (IPP), or teaching and learning in the Jesuit tradition, can be successfully integrated into both formal anthropology courses and informal environments such as museum exhibits to advance anthropological pedagogy. This article discusses how I integrated the IPP into the design of an anthropology course on museum exhibit development and into the exhibit itself. Students benefitted from direct activities such as opportunities to study and interpret material culture, and they were asked to reflect on the experience of applying their anthropological knowledge and interests in a public venue. Visitors to the exhibit were provided opportunities for reflection, which may lead to changes in their actions.

Anthropology and Museums: Notes from a Course in Bahia, Brazil

“…There has been a growing global interest in incorporating material culture studies into teaching programs (e.g., Chatterjee and Hannan 2015;Dias 2013;Nichols 2019;Peers and Vitelli 2020;Woodward 2016). Several authors emphasize how interaction with material culture provides both direct sensory experiences (Edwards et al 2006) and mental engagements with the world (Malafouris 2013).…”