Teaching eighteenth-century classical reception through university museum collections

This chapter focuses on the process, challenges and benefits of using phys- ical materials from museum collections of the University of St Andrews to teach eighteenth- century art and its engagement with archaeology and classical culture. The discussion will present the process of design- ing the module curriculum, the challenges it posed and the responses of the students; it will focus on the different ways museum objects were studied, displayed and utilised in order to enhance learning. This case study is a reflection on the practice of object-based learning (OBL) using museum and special collection objects to promote student engagement and understanding of concepts and ideas around classical reception. The discussion will also address the difficulties and possibilities of an object- based approach in the light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, considering the use of digital objects through newly developed digital tools.