Certificate Course on Heritage & Tourism

Heritage & Tourism: Exploring Calicut’s Cultural Legacy

The Archival and Research Project (ARPO), in association with the Malayalam Department of St. Joseph's Devagiri College, Calicut; Calicut Heritage Forum (CHF); and District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Calicut, is pleased to offer a unique certificate course on Heritage & Tourism: Exploring Calicut's Cultural Legacy.

Duration: 30 Hours

Who Should Apply:

Undergraduate and postgraduate students of any academic background.
Individuals with a general interest in heritage or those who are interested in pursuing careers in tourism, storytelling, cultural heritage preservation, or entrepreneurship in the experiential tourism sector.

Course Objectives

Raise Awareness about Heritage: Develop a deep understanding of Kerala's rich cultural heritage, including tangible and intangible elements, and their significance in contemporary society.
Practical Skill Development: Equip students with practical skills in heritage documentation, digital storytelling, and tourism management.
Academic Enrichment: Enhance knowledge in academic fields such as history, archaeology, and digital humanities, providing a foundation for further studies or research.
Career Opportunities: Prepare students for careers as storytellers, or entrepreneurs in the cultural and experiential tourism sector.

Course Structure

Module 1

Introduction to Heritage, Tourism & Documentation (10 Hours)

Understanding Heritage: Definitions, types (tangible, intangible, natural, cultural), and significance.
Kerala’s Heritage: A snapshot of Kerala's cultural, historical, and natural heritage.
Tourism Overview: Types of tourism with a focus on cultural and experiential tourism.
Case Studies: Success stories in heritage tourism from Kerala and beyond.

Documentation Techniques: Methods for documenting tangible and intangible heritage.
Hands-on Workshop: Students create a digital archive or a multimedia story based on local heritage.

Module 2

Experiential Tourism, Storytelling and Interpretation (8 Hours)

Art of Storytelling: Techniques for crafting engaging and informative heritage narratives.
Cultural Interpretation: Understanding and interpreting cultural symbols, traditions, and practices.

Experiential Tourism: Principles and best practices in creating immersive tourist experiences.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Identifying and developing business opportunities in heritage tourism.
Guest Lectures/Field Visits: Sessions with successful entrepreneurs.
Field Work: Students develop and present a heritage-based storytelling project.

Module 5

Heritage of Calicut (12 Hours)

Historical Overview: Study the rich history of Calicut (Kozhikode) as a major trade hub and cultural melting pot, including its significance in the spice trade and interactions with various global cultures.
Architectural Heritage: Explore the architectural marvels of Calicut, including ancient mosques, temples, and colonial structures, and their cultural significance.
Cultural Practices: Delve into the unique cultural practices, festivals, and arts that define the identity of Calicut, such as the influence of Mappila culture, ethnic arts, traditional music, and dance forms.

Calicut As City of Literature: Learning about the literature related legacy of Calicut city.

Field Visit: Organized trips to heritage sites, museums, or community heritage centers.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

Understand the significance of Kerala’s heritage and its role in tourism.

Develop compelling narratives for heritage interpretation and tourism.

Utilize digital tools for heritage documentation and storytelling.

Identify and pursue career opportunities in heritage management, tourism, and related fields.

Instructors

Collaborators

Experienced faculty from the fields of heritage, tourism, and digital humanities.
Guest speakers from the tourism industry and cultural heritage sector.