RPTM 327Cultural History Interpretation

3 credits · Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management · Penn State

Methods, skills, and techniques necessary for the programming of historical sites and areas. RPTM 327 Cultural History Interpretation (3)The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the cultural resources within central Pennsylvania and to learn how to effectively interpret these resources through interactive programs and experiences. Building on the prerequisite course ( RPTM 325 : Principles of Environmental Interpretation), students continue to apply and practice principles that help create effective outdoor programming. Main topics typically include: *Demonstrating sound interpretive methods and techniques by conducting short presentations *Demonstrating a competency in program development by planning, researching, and presenting two different 1st Person Interpretation -living history programs in an outdoor setting to the general public and to school groups. *Participation, planning and presenting a Maple Sugaring Lesson at the community attended Maple Harvest Festival. *Engaging in research and writing of a Historical Character Paper. Learning how and where to conduct cultural history research in any community by utilizing historical societies, historical sites, libraries, and personal interviews. *Observation of professional cultural history interpreters. This course is one of three selections for RPTM majors in the environmental interpretation emphasis of the Outdoor Recreation Option. It is included as part of the 'Discovery Semester' block of courses taught by faculty at the Shaver's Creek Environmental Center.