Catalog - Virginia Intermont College

Programs of Study 140
CULTURAL HERITAGE STUDIES AND PUBLIC ARTS
Cultural Heritage Studies and Public Arts (Minor)
The minor in Cultural Heritage Studies and Public Arts provides students with
an academic grounding in the study of public culture and the arts (such as
tourist sites, museums, music performances, and festivals). The curriculum gives
students an understanding of the economic and social importance of culture
and arts programs, while providing a space for critical inquiry into the nature of
cultural production, agency, and the politics of arts administration. In addition
to an academic grounding in the study of cultural production, students receive
training in collection and documentation of cultural experiences including
training in ethnographic fieldwork practices, interview techniques, audio-visual
collection best practices, museum and event exhibits, and issues in archives and
digital storage. A third component of the program would be a community-based
internship wherein students participate in the workings of local museums, arts
organizations, and cultural tourism productions as a means of practical experience
in public sector work or arts management, community service, and applying
theory to practice.
Upon completion of the program, students are generally prepared for entrylevel,
professional positions in public sector arts and non-profit organizations as well as
continued study of culture, tourism, and public arts at the graduate level. A minor
in Cultural Heritage Studies and Public Arts involves a total of 18 credit hours.
Cultural Heritage Studies and Public Arts (Minor)
REQUIREMENTS
Semester Hours
(Choose six courses)
CUL 201 Introduction to Heritage Studies & Cultural 3
CUL 202 Introduction Public Sector Arts 3
CUL 301 Documenting Culture: Ethnography & Oral History 3
CUL 302 Exhibiting Culture: Public Sector Arts Production 3
CUL 424 Internship/Project Heritage Studies/Cultural 3
SOC 306 Appalachian Culture 3
TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS 18
Virginia Intermont College 2012–2013 College Catalog