NVCC COLLEGE-WIDE COURSE CONTENT SUMMARY
TRV 138-139 - REGIONAL TOUR GUIDING I-II (3 CR.) (3 CR.)
Studies the knowledge and skills needed to become a regional tour guide. Covers the practical elements of tour guiding including regulations, licensing procedures, and marketing as well as the information necessary to give tours in the regional area. Includes national and local history, regional geography, architecture, government and political history, museums, flora and fauna, local personalities, and major sites of tourist interest. Lecture 3 hours per week. Lecture 3 hours per week.
GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE
The purpose of the course is to provide the knowledge to students to enable them to become successful tour guides in the regional area, and to be able to apply that knowledge to other cities where guides are hired.
ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES
COURSE OBJECTIVES/EDUCATIONAL OUTCOME
- To introduce tour guiding as a profession.
- To identify the opportunities in guiding.
- To describe the geography and topography of this region, emphasizing major streets and tour routes.
- To identify the basic architectural styles used in the region.
- To review the national history relevant to tourist sites in the area.
- To describe the basic operation of the three branches of government.
- To identify basic local flora and fauna.
- To identify important local museums and describe their scope and major contents.
- To identify and describe the key monuments, sites, parks, historic homes and cemeteries.
- To identify the information resources for local guides, such as publications, professional development courses, web sites, libraries, and associations.
- To participate in several guided tours.
MAJOR TOPICS TO BE COVERED
TRV 138 Regional Tour Guiding I:
- Local geography of the region, including street plan and the metro system.
- Regional history of the area, from Native Americans through the 20th century.
- L’Enfant’s city plan, the McMillan Commission Plan and the NCPPC Plan.
- Overview of regional and national government structure.
- Architectural Styles and Periods.
- Important museums, monuments, memorials, and outdoor sculpture.
- Local neighborhoods, historic homes and buildings of tourist interest.
- Nearby areas of interest
TRV 139 Regional Tour Guiding II:
- The business of guiding: obtaining a license, regulations, and marketing.
- Job opportunities for step-on guides, docents, and volunteers.
- The logistics of guiding: walking tours, motorcoach tours, and group psychology.
- Areas of knowledge that are useful for guides including flora and fauna, holidays, sports, shopping and restaurants.
- Survey of lesser known sites (museums, historic houses, monuments).
- Working with a specific tour itinerary—timing, logistics, and handling emergencies.
- Resources for guides: literature, libraries, lectures, associations, and courses.
- Ethics and professionalism in guiding.