Course Objectives:
Develop a sound understanding and working knowledge of the principles of park interpretation
Foster a solid understanding of the communication techniques necessary to be a successful interpreter
Have a broad understanding issues and difficulties of interpreting environmental and cultural messages
Understand the relationship of how interpretation can play a role in the management of natural and cultural resources
Have first hand knowledge in researching, developing, presenting and evaluation an interpretive program (walk or presentation)

Course Responsibilities

Lectures: These will revolve around class reading, discussions and demonstrations by faculty, students and guest speakers. Special mini projects and short-term projects will be integrated throughout the course. Key to your success will be participation in class as well as a midterm exam. 40 points

Project/Presentation: Individuals will be teamed with another student and asked to develop a 15-20 minute interpretive presentation (slide show, power point or demonstration) or a 15-20 interpretive walk. This project will be tied into the Lake Winnecook Water Quality Service Learning partnership that Unity College and The Friends of Lake Winnecook established in 1997. When completed the students work will be packaged as a portfolio of presentations or walks that the Friends Group could utilize as part of their education or promotional plans. In addition, the students will receive a copy of this portfolio for their use in career portfolios and work related assignments.

This project will include writing and oral presentation elements. Evaluation of the project will be by the student, the faculty and classmates at various stages of the development process. 50 points

Participation: Individuals are expected to actively participate in class discussion and activities. Written assignments will be turned in on time and the expectation is that they will be presented in a professional manner. 10 points

Extra Credit: There will be several opportunities for students to earn extra credit. Extra credit will be awarded for participating in one of the scheduled service learning projects set for this semester or by attending one or more of the following professional workshops.


National Association for Interpretation Regional Meeting
Maine Environmental Education Association Conference
Maine Recreation and Parks Association Meeting

For each of the events listed above a van shuttle will be running from Unity to the Conference. Reduced rates are available for students. A one-page summary of your experience will be required by the end of the last week of classes. Up to 5 points extra credit

Grading:
A90+
B80-89
C70-79
D60-69
F59 and below

Texts:
Required:
Environmental Interpretation by Sam H. Ham. Your purchase of this book includes a complimentary one year student membership in the National Association for Interpretation.

Recommended:
Interpreting for Park Visitors by William Lewis
Interpreting Our Heritage by Freeman Tilden
Effective Slide Presentations by John Hooper

These recommended books along with any assigned supplemental reading are available at the Quimby Library or my office.

Submit your own work: Plagiarism, writes Dr. Alison Wallace of Unity College, "is the use of another person's specific work or ideas without acknowledging the source. This form of cheating ranges from copying portions of another's work, be it published or unpublished, to having someone complete an assignment for you. Plagiarism is a violation of the Campus code and will lead you to receive an F on the assignment, possibly an F in the course and could lead to an appearance before the Community Council. Assistance from the Learning Resource Center or a peer tutor is acceptable but should be noted as the end of the assignment or project.


PM 3133 Interpretation
Tom Mullin, Assistant Professor
Tentative Course Syllabus
"A work in progress is never really completed." In other words, it is subject to change.

Week 1
Introductions (course review, text assignments)
The Art of Interpretation video
Five minute writing -Best interpretive moment I have experienced
Interpretive tip or trick
HW Assignment-Chapter I and 2 Prepare a SSQ

Week 2
Interpretive Tip or Trick
What is interpretation and
Thematic Development
HW Assignment-In groups of 2-3 choose one of the suggested objects and prepare a 10 minute oral presentation using the Thematic Development system
Be prepared to present next week and turn in a summary of the presentation (1 -2 pages)

Week 3
Interpretive Tip or Trick
Small Group Presentations
HW Assignment-Read Chapter 3 and 4-Prepare a SSQ

Week 4
Interpretive Tip or Trick
The Interpretive Talk fundamentals
Demonstration of how to use various types of AV equipment
Discussion about project presentation and timetable Form partnerships and decide on format
(walk or talk)
HW assignment-Read Chapter 5 Prepare a SSQ

Week 5
Interpretive Tip or Trick
Guidelines for Guided Walks or Tours
Project/Presentation discussion
Review of the Lake Winnecook Project by Guest Speaker
Timetable for draft work, expectations and final product
HW Assignment-Prepare Topic and Theme Development with your group.
Read Chapter 6 Prepare a SSQ

Week 6
Interpretive Tip or Trick
Guidelines for other types of interpretive activities
Share Topic and Theme development
Basics of Interpretive Program Critiquing
Midterm
HW Assignment-While on vacation prepare a one-page summary of an interpretive program or operation at a nearby park or similar setting. Focus on the nonformal types of programs as described in Chapter 6 1-2 pages in length

Semester Break

Week 7
Review Midterm results Field work at Lake Winnecook.

Week 8
Field Work
First written drafts of presentation scripts are due. Peer review and discussion

Weeks 9 and 10
First presentations of walk or talk. Peer and instructor critiquing as well as in some cases video taping of the presentation

Week 11
Field work for teams
Appointments with instructor to meet with each team
Second draft of script due to instructor
Maine Environmental Education Association annual meeting

Weeks 12-14
Final Presentations
Final Interpretive evaluations completed
College Community is invited to attend

Finals Week
Group product is due in my office by the Monday of finals with portfolio packaged by the end of finals week