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On Interpretation: Sociology for Interpreters of Natural and Cultural History » (REVISED)

Book cover image of On Interpretation: Sociology for Interpreters of Natural and Cultural History by Gary E. Machlis

Authors: Gary E. Machlis (Editor), Donald R. Field (Editor), Donald R. Field
ISBN-13: 9780870713651, ISBN-10: 0870713655
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Oregon State University Press
Date Published: May 1992
Edition: REVISED

Author Biography: Gary E. Machlis

Book Synopsis

Widely used by the National Park Service and other organizations to train interpreters and other recreational professionals, this book shows how interpretation and sociology can be useful partners. Includes essays on cultural diversity in the U.S., gender-bias in museums, interpreting war and peace, eco-tourism, and other topics.

Booknews

Revised and expanded text-reference (first published in 1984) on the application of an interpretive, Weberian sociology to benefit the interpretation service offered to visitors of parks, wildlife refuges, museums, zoos, aquariums, and other such leisure places. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

	Introduction	1
Sect. I	Toward Theory and Technique
	Visitor Groups and Interpretation in Parks and Other Outdoor Leisure Settings (1973)	11
	Alternative Strategies for Studying Recreationists (1977)	24
	Ethnography as a Research Tool in Understanding Park Visitors (1983)	44
	Solving Park Problems: Developing a Social Science Research Plan (1984)	56
Sect. II	Case Studies
	Getting Connected: An Approach to Children's Interpretation (1974)	65
	The Social Organization of Family Camping: Implications for Interpretation (1975)	75
	Interpretation for the Elderly (1978)	88
	A Sociological Look at the Japanese Tourist (1981)	96
	Cruise Ship Travelers to Alaska (1981)	115
	Monster Time and Other Ethnographic Insights at Wupatki National Monument (1989)	129
	Children and Gender-Based Behavior at a Science Museum (1990)	150
	Interpretation and Hispanic American Ethnicity (1991)	161
	Little Darwins: A Profile of Visitors to the Galapagos Islands (1991)	178
Sect. III	Essays
	Red, White, and Black in the National Parks (1973)	195
	Some Radical Comments on Interpretation: A Little Heresy is Good for the Soul (1977)	206
	Interpretation in an Urban Society (1981)	212
	Thoughts on a New Interpretation (1985)	225
	Interpreting War and Peace (1985)	235
	The Devil's Work in God's Country: Politics and Interpretation in the 1990s (1989)	245
	Crossing Borders and Rethinking a Craft--Interpretation in Developing Countries (1991)	251
	Conclusion	275
	References Cited	284
	Index	303