14453 - Heritage Interpretation and Communication (Online) Modulübersicht

• Prof. Dr. phil. Adam, Jens

This module will enable students to explore heritage places and expressions through empirical and analytical approaches; allowing them to recognise and apply diverse communication techniques for various audiences. Through familiarisation with fundamental principles, methods and techniques, students will develop the essential skills of evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of heritage interpretation and communication. They will be enabled to develop original narratives and strategies to engage people with heritage expressions.
By the end of this module students will be able to:

• Understand the evolution of heritage interpretation and communication approaches in the 20^th and 21^st centuries;
• Identify the fundamental principles and models for heritage interpretation and communication to create meaningful experiences at heritage places;
• Explore heritage expressions empirically and analytically to discover interpretative potential;
• Identify and apply diverse communication techniques for various audiences;
• Evaluate existing interpretation and communication methods associated with heritage expressions;
• Recognise the essential steps of strategic planning in heritage interpretation and communication;
• Develop an original heritage interpretation or communication offer.

Interpretation and communication are essential processes for the sustainable management of heritage expressions. But how do we interpret heritage and who do we communicate with? Who is involved in interpretation and what are the best methods to facilitate a process of meaning-making between people and heritage expressions? How can interpretation be translated into audience-oriented communication? These are some of the key questions that will be explored through instructive lectures and practical seminars within this module. To achieve this, the module will cover the following aspects:

• Development of heritage interpretation and communication principles and methods;      
• Policies, models and guidance on heritage interpretation;
• Understanding the audience: identification, segmentation and relation;
• Narrative techniques and identification of themes, stories and key messages;
• The role of interpreters as mediators;
• Non-verbal communication techniques and interpretive mediums;
• Verbal communication techniques and presentation skills;
• Evaluation methods for interpretation and communication offers;
• Strategies for interpretation and communication.

None

None

• Lecture / 2 Hours per Week per Semester
• Seminar / 2 Hours per Week per Semester
• Self organised studies / 120 Hours

Some essential texts includes:

• Australia ICOMOS (2013) Burra Charter Practice Note: Interpretation. Available at: https://australia.icomos.org/wp-content/uploads/Practice-Note_Interpretation.pdf.
• Beck, L. and Cable, T. (2002) Interpretation for the 21st century: Fifteen guiding principles for interpreting nature and culture. 2nd Edition. Champaign: Sagamore.
• Brochu, L. (2014) Interpretive Planning: The 5-M Model for Successful Planning Projects. 2nd Edition. Fort Collins: InterpPress.
• ICOMOS (2008) Charter for the Interpretation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage Sites (Ename Charter). Available at: www.icomos.org/en/resources/charters-and-texts.
• Slack, S. (2021) Interpreting Heritage: A Guide to Planning and Practice. Milton Park: Routledge.
• Tilden, F. (1977) Interpreting Our Heritage. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press.

The assessment for this module consists of two components:

• Evaluation (30%): Students will write a 1000-1500 word paper or prepare a 10 minute presentation critically examining an existing heritage interpretation or communication example.

• Final project (70%): Students will develop an original offer that could be used in the interpretation or communication strategy for a heritage expression. This will consist of a written (3000 word) paper and a creative component illustrating their proposal.

• Master (research-oriented) - Distance Learning / World Heritage Studies / PO 2021
• Master (research-oriented) / World Heritage Studies / PO 2026
• Master (research-oriented) - Distance Learning / World Heritage Studies / PO 2026

In the event that the module cannot be taught or tested according to the present description, the alternatives communicated on relevant platforms (e.g. homepage or Moodle) apply.

Lectures and seminars

• no assignment