PROTECTING INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE

In an era of rapidly advancing technology, preserving traditional cultural values has become an urgent mission. If you are a culture enthusiast, passionate about creativity, and wish to contribute to preserving national identity, then the Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection major at Chinese universities is the gateway to a profoundly meaningful journey.

So, what's special about this major? Who is suitable to pursue this field of study? Let's explore the article below with studyinchina.io!

Introduction to the Major

The Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection major was established to address the crisis of national cultural identity in the context of globalization, while meeting the urgent need to preserve and promote traditional cultural values.

On February 20, 2021, the Chinese Ministry of Education officially included this major in the National Catalog of Regular Undergraduate Programs. Hebei Academy of Fine Arts is the first and only institution in Hebei Province approved to offer this major.

The major aims to train personnel with research, preservation, management, and creative capabilities in the field of intangible cultural heritage, contributing to the protection and development of national cultural identity in the new era.

Training Objectives

The major is designed to serve the National Cultural Development Strategy and the Rural Revitalization Strategy, focusing on the principle of "education – production – practice".

Students are equipped with:

• Theoretical knowledge, policies, laws, and heritage research methods
• Understanding of domestic and international conservation situations
• Capabilities in heritage investigation, assessment, protection, exploitation, management, and communication
• Creative thinking, application of modern technology, and professional practical skills

Upon graduation, students can assume positions in the fields of culture, media, education, research, management, and cultural creation.

Graduation Requirements

Graduates need to meet the following requirements:

• Political quality and cultural awareness: possess consciousness of preserving national culture, a sense of responsibility, and pride
• Professional competence: master heritage protection principles and know how to apply them in practice
• Legal understanding: be proficient in relevant legal documents and policies
• Innovation ability: combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to create cultural products
• Communication skills: collaborate with artisans, researchers, enterprises, and social organizations
• Community capacity: participate in community cultural activities, engage in lifelong learning

Core Courses

The major combines theory and practice, emphasizing professional skills and practical application.

Representative modules include:

• Introduction to Intangible Cultural Heritage
• History of Chinese Fine Arts and Crafts
• Cultural Anthropology and Intangible Cultural Heritage
• Heritage Protection Laws and Policies
• Digital Heritage Conservation Technology
• Heritage-Based Creative Cultural Design
• Writing Heritage Documentation and Application Files
• Practice of Traditional Craft Inheritance
• New Media Brand Planning and Operation

The teaching method follows a "1+N" model – one course taught by multiple instructors, integrating multi-dimensional fields such as ceramics, sculpture, folk painting, embroidery, glasswork, etc.

The learning process consists of 4 stages:

1. Research – Investigation
2. Craft Learning – Practice
3. Creation – Innovation
4. Presentation – Application

Students are encouraged to participate in workshops, exhibitions, and enterprise collaboration projects.

Specialized Research Directions

• Heritage Conservation Theory and Policy Research: theoretical foundations, legal and management aspects
• Traditional Craft Inheritance and Innovation: ceramics, sculpture, embroidery, folk songs, drama, etc.
• Heritage Digitization and Communication: application of 3D, VR/AR technology, digital media
• Cultural Industry and Heritage Creativity: cultural product development, tourism, and creative design

Degree

• Duration: 4 years
• Degree: Bachelor of Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection

Career Opportunities

Graduates can work in:

• Museums, cultural centers, heritage research institutes
• Creative industry and media enterprises
• Press, publishing houses, television stations
• Cultural and tourism management agencies
• Schools, educational institutions (art teachers, arts education)
• Community projects, new rural construction, public cultural services

Additionally, students can pursue postgraduate studies or specialized research in cultural heritage conservation and development.

Related Majors

• Ethnology
• Cultural Industry Management
• Applied Fine Arts and Crafts
• Art Design
• Art and Technology

Top Universities in China Offering Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection

1. Nanjing University of the Arts
2. Shandong University of Art & Design
3. Zhejiang Normal University
4. Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts
5. Yunnan Arts University

Assessment of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Major

The Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection major is a profoundly humanistic field of study, combining art, culture, technology, and management. In the context of globalization and modernization diluting many traditional values, this major plays a crucial role in preserving, restoring, and promoting national cultural identity.

Not limited to theoretical research, the major also emphasizes practice and innovation, enabling students to apply digital technology, cultural design, media, and heritage-based cultural product development. This is a field with strong potential for future growth, especially as nations increasingly value cultural "soft power" and national identity.

Who is Suitable for This Major?

This major is particularly suitable for:

• Those who love traditional culture, folk arts, and various forms of craftsmanship
• Individuals with creative thinking, keen observation, and deep cultural appreciation
• Those wishing to work in museums, cultural communication, creative design, or arts education
• Students aiming for careers in heritage conservation, cultural industries, or ethnic cultural research
• Individuals willing to learn new technologies like digitization, VR/AR for heritage conservation and promotion

The above is information about the Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection major for interested students. Visit the Major Search section now to quickly learn about majors in China!