Synopsis
The interpretive theme is the most important sentence an interpreter inks on paper. Despite its centrality to thematic interpretation, no single work has dedicated itself entirely to the art and craft of strong theme writing until now. The Interpretive Theme Writer's Field Guide builds on Sam Ham’s 30-year thematic interpretation research legacy. While leaving communication theory to his books, this companion offers writers strong theme examples, updated theme writer´s worksheet, inspirational quotes, technique highlights, and exercises, including the use of AI generators to craft themes. The second edition also includes new chapters on development psychology, presentation structures, a glossary, an essay on ChatGPT and theme writing, and much more. With contributions from Ham, Ted Cable, Shelton Johnson, Thorsten Ludwig, Don Enright, Judy Fort Brenneman, Kylie Christian, Michael Glen, and other voices from around the English-speaking world, this Field Guide serves at the desk, in the museum exhibit hall, on the park trail, or at an archeological site. It recognizes that teams, even communities, create natural-cultural heritage themes, and introduces the Interpretive Framework methodology to facilitate consensus community-based theme writing.
About the Author
Jon Kohl has dedicated his professional career to promoting heritage interpretation as part of a holistic approach to international natural-cultural heritage protected area management. Starting as a Peace Corps interpreter at the National Zoo of Costa Rica, he has since worn many hats as an interpretive trainer, professor, writer, planner, and theorist. He has taught interpretation at the University of Costa Rica, worked in the private sector, and is founding director of the PUP Collaboratory to innovate and curate heritage management tools, including interpretation. He has authored a Spanish university textbook on environmental interpretation for Latin America with Dr. Marisol Mayorga, a book on holistic heritage planning with Dr. Stephen McCool, and even a sci-fi romance novel with Casey Yager. Jon has penned nearly 300 professional, trade, and academic articles in many journals and magazines (see his ResearchGate profile). He has served as contributing editor to NAI's Legacy, associate editor of the Journal of Interpretation Research, and editorial advisor for UNESCO/WHIPIC's Interpreting World Heritage. He graduated with a Masters in Environmental Management from Yale University and a Bachelor's in Ecology and Political Science from Dartmouth College. He currently lives with his family in Costa Rica.
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