Heritage Interpretation Training Center
Interpretive Writing Course
Our
interpretive writing course is one of the most popular of the 39 Heritage
Interpretation college level courses we offer.
This is a complete college level course on developing interpretive copy
for exhibits, interpretive panels, interpretive trail guides and any other
written media designed to engage the imagination and interest of the visitor
reading it. As with all of our courses
you can start the course at any time and complete the course at your own
pace. You can also work on actual
writing projects as part of course assignments.
As
an e-LIVE course, your assignments are sent to the course coach to review and
keep you moving along, and you can chat with the course instructor by e-mail,
phone or SKYPE. The course awards a
certificate of completion and Continuing Education Unit credits as well.
Course
units include a YouTube video of instruction, reading and reference materials,
and homework assignments for review.
Our
new text book on interpretive writing - The Interpretive Writers
Guidebook will be included as the main course text book.
What makes interpretive writing “interpretive”?
The truth is that
most “interpretive” writing is not actually interpretive – just
“informational”. So what makes
interpretive writing interpretive? Here
are some key points:
1. It's usually designed to support or illustrate a main interpretive theme.
2. Is
based on Tilden’s Interpretive
Principles (Provoke, Relate, and Reveal).
3. Uses
tangible and intangible examples.
4. Uses
active language to engage the visitor’s interests and relate to them
personally.
5. Is
short (usually about 100 words or less for panels and exhibit label copy).
6. Helps
move the subject from short term to long term memory.
7. Is
fun to read.
8. Talks
with and to the visitor, not “at” the visitor.
9. Accomplishes its interpretive objectives (can be pre-tested).
Check
out the above course link and if you have any questions please feel free to
contact me at any time. The link for
our complete course catalog is provided below.
Would you like to see/read copies of "real" interpretive writing? Let me know and I will send you some samples of interpretive writing products.
John
Veverka
Director
Heritage
Interpretation Training Center