Abstract

This article examines the intersections of museum studies and urban planning around the concept of inclusive communities. The authors argue it is important to bridge these fields in higher education and propose a course design aimed at addressing this need called “Museums and Inclusive Communities.” This design brings together two large courses—“Arts and Human Value” and “Introduction to City Planning”—through a First-Year Interest Group (FIG) class. Informed by a literature review of museum studies and urban planning, the class design focuses on cognitive and experiential learning, encouraging students to understand, reflect, and connect concepts of inclusive communities from both fields. This approach to course design benefits students both short- and long-term, fostering a mindset that connects classes while they are in college and preparing a workforce attuned to the creation of an inclusive community. Institutions around the country could implement this innovative course design, combining museum studies and urban planning to educate generations committed to inclusive places.