The minor in public history and museum studies trains students to critically evaluate the public presentation of history and culture. It helps students develop skills that will allow them to go on to graduate study in a variety of fields as well as professional or vocational work at cultural or historical sites. Coursework in a wide range of academic disciplines and hands-on experience enable an understanding of the pedagogical approaches used to examine memory and history and provide practical training in historic preservation, community documentation, museum work, and cultural program development.
A survey of the development of the United States from its colonial inception through the Civil War.
Methods of analysis provided by geographic information systems (GIS). Operations on map information, including map overlay, aggregation/disaggregation, and other spatial and attribute procedures. Exposure to raster and vector software and global positioning system tools.
Students will apply interpretive communications theory and processes toward the conservation and promotion of their cultural and natural patrimony. Students are expected to apply their knowledge by planning, choosing, and producing appropriate interpretive media. The class will feature planning for interpretive trails, exhibits, electronic media such as radio and television, as well as live events such as music and theatre. Site promotion will emphasize the use of low-cost, high-quality media products to reach the target audiences of community-based tourism sites or social causes.
