Cultural Events & Festivals

Department

Bachelor's program Entrepreneurship, Tourism & Leisure Business

Course unit code

IEL-B-3+5-WPM-IEL

Number of ECTS credits allocated

5.0

Name of lecturer(s)

FH-Prof. MMag. Stadler Raphaela, PhD

Mode of delivery

face-to-face

Recommended optional program components

none

Recommended or required reading

Innsbruck Cultural Strategy 2030

Assessment methods and criteria

Project work, Participation

Additional information about examination modalities

Assessment 1: Individual / Group Project Work (80%, group work)
Assessment 2: Engagement in class (20%, individual)

Level of course unit

Bachelor

Year of study

Fall 2026

Semester when the course unit is delivered

5

Language of instruction

English

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Events and festivals come in different shapes and sizes, and they play a significant role in our everyday lives. Some are professionally organized; others just “happen” when people get together and celebrate what is important to them. This elective allows students to develop an understanding of cultural events in general, why we attend events, and how events impact upon communities and society. Students will also attend a cultural event during the 2-week Elective period. Please be aware that this will likely take place in the evening or on the weekend!

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:
• Discuss how events are both producers and preservers of culture;
• Assess how events can help develop a sense of place and belonging;
• Explain the role of rituals and rites of passage in events;
• Highlight how events can express and celebrate ‘difference’;
• Debate issues of discrimination, inclusion and exclusion at events;
• Discuss how cultural events can empower marginalised communities; and
• Think critically about current challenges and opportunities within the events industry.

Course contents

• Cultural policy, cultural events and their role in society;
• Cultural and social impacts of events;
• Managing culture, rituals, and traditions in an events context;
• Events and marginalised communities, expressing difference, and issues of inclusion/exclusion;
• Community cultural development and empowerment through events;
• Events and placemaking, sense of belonging and pride;
• Protest events and social movements;
• Contemporary event case studies (e.g. Pride events, Full Moon Party, European Song Contest);
• Cultural event attendance and observation (in small groups).

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course comprises an interactive mix of lectures, discussions and individual and group work.

Work placement(s)

none