Heritage Interpretation and Museum Studies Minor

Program Information

Department of Appalachian Studies

Department Chair: Ron Roach, Ph.D.
222 Nicks Hall
Box 70556
(423) 439-7494
e-mail: roachr@etsu.edu

department website: www.etsu.edu/cas/das/

The Heritage Interpretation and Museum Studies Minor is a 21-credit interdisciplinary program for students who would like to increase their knowledge of museum studies and heritage interpretation. 

Northeast Tennessee is home to a large number of museums and heritage sites and cultural heritage tourism is one of the most important and fastest-growing segments of the region’s economy. This minor provides general knowledge for students interested in this field. In addition, the minor emphasizes the communication and storytelling skills that are essential to the creative interpretation of natural and cultural resources.  

Heritage interpretation is the way in which natural, cultural, or historic resources are presented to the public, helping them to experience the resources, discover meaning, and form connections. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines heritage as “the legacy that we receive from the past, that we experience in the present, and that we will pass on to future generations.” Heritage encompasses both natural heritage (features of the natural landscape) and cultural heritage (the whole range of cultural resources created or built by humans in the past). How a community interprets and uses its heritage plays an important role in sustainable development, by helping to build a sense of community among diverse groups and individuals; creating jobs and economic growth through heritage tourism; building respect for history and for cultural and social diversity; and challenging prejudice and stereotypes. 

This minor is an excellent complement to a number of majors, including  anthropology; biological sciences; bluegrass, old-time, and country music studies; communication studies; geosciences; history; management; sociology; and sport and recreation management.

This interdisciplinary minor represents a partnership between several academic departments, including Appalachian Studies, Biological Sciences, History, Communication Studies, Geosciences, History, Liberal Studies, and Sport, Exercise, Recreation, and Kinesiology. 

Heritage Interpretation and Museum Studies Minor: 21 credits

A minor is a secondary area of study outside of the major program of study with a structured curriculum composed of at least 18 credits of which at least 9 credits must be at the 3000-level or above.

Core Requirements: 9 credits

• HIST 3810 - Introduction to Public History (3 credits)
• SALM 3110 - Interpretation of Cultural and Natural Resources (3 credits)
• STOR 2500 - Introduction to Storytelling (3 credits)

Advisor Approved Electives: 12 credits

Choose 12 credits from the following:

• Communication and Storytelling

• COMM 4346 - Business and Professional Communication (3 credits)
• COMM 4356 - Intercultural Communication (3 credits)
• STOR 3510 - Storytelling II: Storytelling in Oral Traditions (3 credits)
• STOR 4510 - Storytelling III: Telling Personal Stories (3 credits)
• Other courses as approved by advisor

• 
  Environment and Natural Heritage

• ANTH 3250 - Environmental Anthropology (3 credits)
• APST 3510 - Coal Mining in Appalachia: History and Current Issues (3 credits)
• BIOL 4247 - Appalachian Flora (3 credits)
• BIOL 4257 - Appalachian Fauna (3 credits)
• ENVS 2010 - The Natural Environment in Appalachia (3 credits)
• HIST 3801 - Environmental History (3 credits)
• Other courses as approved by advisor

• 
  History and Cultural Heritage

• APST 3530 - Religion in Appalachia (3 credits)
• APST 4237 - Scots-Irish in Appalachia (3-6 credits)
• APST 4337 - Appalachia in Scotland and Ireland (3-6 credits)
• HIST 3041 - History of Southern Appalachians (3 credits)
• Other courses as approved by advisor

• 
  Museum Studies and Heritage Management

• ANTH 1260 - Introduction to Archaeology (3 credits)
• ANTH 4027 - Cultural Resource Management (3 credits)
• APST 4810 - Museum and Heritage Site Practicum (1 credit)
• GEOS 2450 - Paleontological Techniques (3 credits)
• HIST 4957 - Topics in History (1-6 credits) (when topic is The 21st Century Museum Experience)
• SALM 3130 - Natural Resource Management (3 credits)

• 
  Internship (optional) (1-3 credits)

  Taken in the appropriate department, according to student interest and professional goals.