Peter Weishar (R) at Jurassic World Live tour in Orlando with students and UCF Interim President Thad Seymour (L), January 2020 Photo courtesy of Peter Weishar
Course objectives
What should Themed Experience graduates know, say and do? by Peter Weishar
W
hen I tell people I’m a Professor of Themed Experience, the response is often something like “Wow, that’s cool. I wish I could have studied that.” The comment is usually followed by the typical questions of, “So… like rollercoasters and stuff ? (Answer: “Among other things.”) “Do you get to go to theme parks for free?” (Answer: “When I’m working.”) Then, the important question: “What do you teach?” That is a solid question with a longer answer – and the subject of this article. We started the Themed Experience graduate program at University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando about a year ago. When starting a new academic program, it is important
(and actually required by the accrediting bodies) to consult with industry professionals as well as with other academics to determine best practices and discern the unique skillsets and knowledge required by the profession. Academics often refer to programmatic criteria as, “What students should know, say and do.” To achieve these goals, we map out a sequence of courses that comprise the curriculum.
Note: During these difficult times of social distancing the University of Central Florida, like almost all educational institutions, has moved classes online and closed the campus to students. In the themed
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