CULT 3014 Heritage Interpretation

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101643

Coordinator Felicity Picken Opens in new window

Description This unit examines the theory and practice of heritage interpretation for visitors at natural and cultural heritage sites. It examines the development of heritage interpretation within national parks and museums and explores the various issues facing contemporary interpretation in the context of multicultural and postcolonial societies and the advent of digital media.

School Social Sciences

Discipline Society and Culture, Not Elsewhere Classified.

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Equivalent Subjects LGYA 6067 Heritage Interpretation LGYA 1270 - Heritage Interpretation

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. Describe heritage interpretation theory and its relationship to communications, museology, media and informal learning
  2. Apply knowledge of heritage interpretation at a variety of heritage sites, and critically assess practice in terms of heritage interpretation theory
  3. Produce a heritage interpretation plan, drawing on relevant theory and practice
  4. Synthesise and critically evaluate issues in contemporary heritage interpretation, namely, cross-cultural interpretation, digital media, multi-cultural contexts, postcolonial contexts and emerging perspectives in the field, particularly embodiment and aesthetics

Subject Content

Introduction: defining the terrain of heritage interpretation
Early models of interpretation: Tilden, Uzzell & Vergo
Interpretation Strategies: Interpretation in practice at various Sydney sites
Models of material culture & the implications for heritage interpretation
The planning, the design & the evaluation of heritage interpretation
Interpretation and communication
Targeted interpretation ? understanding the visitor
Interpretation, multicultural communities, postcolonial contexts and cross-cultural translation
Heritage interpretation charters of principles (international, national and state)
Future directions: embodiment, aesthetics and digital media

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Report on Field Trip and Interpretation Theory 1,500 words 30 N Individual
Group Presentation (with peer review), and Group Submission of a Heritage Interpretation Plan 1,000 words 30 N Individual
Individual Report that Locates Group Plan within Contemporary Heritage Interpretation Debates 500 words 10 N Individual
Final Examination (Short Answer Exam - In Class) 2 hours - 1,000 words 30 N Individual

Teaching Periods

Spring

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

Day

Subject Contact Felicity Picken Opens in new window

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