CAUSE 2026: Decolonizing the Academic Museum: Cascading Impacts of Colonization on Science Museums (DAC)
About
Current decolonization efforts in Europe, including the UK, are breaking new ground by looking at how original collecting practices impacted the cultures and landscapes. This class will look at university science collections and data collection practices in field science, current decolonization efforts, and how university museums can move forward. Students will analyze those processes to formulate their own views and solutions to break these cycles in their future work.
Course Structure
The CAUSE 2026 study abroad program is now offering remote asynchronous sections for EMS students at all campuses
- EMSC 470W - Spring 2026 semester: In person and Remote Asynchronous Sections available (3 credits): Students will look at decolonization efforts around the world with a focus on science collections including how original collecting practices impacted the cultures and landscapes. Using an analytical approach, students will learn the background behind biased collecting practices in field science, current decolonization practices, and how university museums are moving forward in the 21st century. Students will develop a poster for presentation at the end of class as well collaboratively develop the framework for a whitepaper suggesting guidelines for decolonizing the EMS Museum earth materials collections.
Travel component
- March 6-14, 2026: Students must have a valid passport by February 1, 2026
Eligibility
- This class is open to EMS undergraduate students with at least 59.1 credits at the end of the Fall 2025 semester.
- Please reach out to Chris Widga (cxw5766@psu.edu) and Patti Finkle (pwf5120@psu.edu) for more eligibility requirements.
Cost
Students are responsible for paying their regular spring tuition, airfare (including meals on air travel days), 6 lunches, and 4 dinners in the UK. An EMS grant will cover other associated travel expenses, such as hotel, some meals, and ground transportation. Additionally, there is a $300 course fee per student covering third-party expenses, which will be added to the tuition cost.
(Airfare is approximately $800 to 1500 to Heathrow airport)
Instructors
- Chris Widga (cxw5766@psu.edu)
- Patti Finkle (pwf5120@psu.edu)
Interested?
Please complete and submit the form below by November 1, 2025.
Please note that you will receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive that confirmation, please resubmit.