DEPARTMENT COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Required Courses:

The following courses are required for all recreation majors:

RECR 150 INTRODUCTION TO RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES (3 credits)

This course provides an introduction to the study of recreation and leisure as a phenomena of human social experience. The course presents an overview of the delivery of recreation and leisure services in a variety of settings for all populations.

RECR 250 RECREATION LEADERSHIP (3 credits)

This course analyzes the leadership role in group settings, group process, group dynamics, leadership styles, and interpersonal communication.  Incorporated into this course is a lab experience.  This enables students to gain practical experience in leading group activities for several age groups and skill levels.

RECR 260 INTRODUCTION TO THERAPEUTIC RECREATION (3 credits)

This course is an introduction to the delivery of therapeutic recreational services in both community and clinical settings. Societal attitudes, history of therapeutic recreation, legislation, and models of service are analyzed. Specific disability groups are evaluated.

RECR 270 RECREATION IN COMMERCIAL SETTINGS (3 credits)

This course is an analysis of tourist-related industries with particular attention focused on managerial tasks and business skills required in delivering commercial leisure services to the consumer. This course will also focus upon different types of commercial recreation enterprises such as resorts, health clubs, ski areas and theme parks. Trends and issues pertinent to the operation and management of these firms will also be examined.

RECR 281 OUTDOOR RECREATION AND PARK MANAGEMENT (3 credits)

This course surveys the history, current status and management of outdoor recreation opportunities and resources.  It examines the relationship of outdoor recreation and natural resources, especially the environmental impact of recreational pursuits on the resource base.

RECR 350 Special Event & Program Planning (3 credits)

This class is designed to enable the student to plan and implement a variety of recreation programs and special events. Particular attention will be focused on the progress of program planning, marketing, risk management, and pricing as they relate to the offering of leisure services and special events.
Pre-requisite(s): RECR 150 and 250

RECR 351 LEISURE SERVICES MANAGEMENT (3 credits)

This is a survey course of organizational theories and concepts, procedures, and practices utilized in the delivery of leisure services.  Emphasis is on the management role, legal issues, human resources, supervision, and fiscal responsibility. Prerequisites: RECR 150 and RECR 250; Junior standing.

RECR 450 PLANNING AND DESIGNING RECREATION AREAS AND FACILITIES
(3 credits)

This course will enable students to develop an understanding of the planning, design, and maintenance of indoor and outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Students will study existing facilities and be required to complete projects related to facility development. Prerequisites: RECR 150, RECR 351, Senior standing, approval of instructor, Recreation majors only.

RECR 452 RESEARCH METHODS (3 credits)

This course is designed to develop an understanding of the principles of scientific investigation and analysis.  Methods of data collection, sampling, research designs, qualitative and quantitative paradigms are reviewed.  Students will interpret and apply research principles to leisure studies.  Prerequisites: RECR 150, RECR 351, Senior standing, Recreation majors only.

RECR 486 INTERNSHIP (12 or 15 credits)

Supervised practical experience in a recreation setting. Each student is required to complete 480 clock hours (12 weeks/40 hours per week) for 12 credits or 600 clock hours (15 weeks/40 hours per week) for 15 credits. Prerequisites: junior standing and departmental approval.

Select 3 out of the 4 following practicum courses:

RECR 390 THERAPEUTIC PRACTICUM (1 credit)

Analysis of the administration of an agency offering therapeutic recreation services. Majors will gain practical field experience through participation in programming and interaction with agency personnel. Preparation of an agency profile and critique of field experience are required assignments.

RECR 391 OUTDOOR PRACTICUM (1 credit)

Analysis of the administration of an agency offering outdoor recreation or environmental education services. Majors will gain practical field experience through participation in programming and interaction with agency personnel. Preparation of an agency profile and critique of field experience are required assignments.

RECR 392 COMMERCIAL PRACTICUM (1 credit)

Analysis of the administration of a business offering commercial recreation services. Majors will gain practical field experience through participation in programming and interaction with personnel. Preparation of a profile of the business and critique of field experience are required assignments.

RECR 393 COMMUNITY PRACTICUM (1 credit)

Analysis of the administration of an agency offering community recreation services. Majors will gain practical field experience through participation in programming and interaction with agency personnel. Preparation of an agency profile and critique of field experience are required assignments.

Recreation Elective Courses:

The following courses are recreation electives for students who wish more in-depth course work in specialized areas:

RECR 241 LEISURE AND GENDER (3 credits)

This course is an introduction to issues and questions about women and men and their leisure. The student will examine the differences and similarities between women and men concerning their leisure interests, needs and perceptions. Topics will include a comparison of women's and men's leisure historically, gender-role socialization during lifespan development, participation in leisure pursuits by gender, gender-based constraints on leisure, and problems and issues faced by leisure professionals related to gender. Prerequisites: sophomore standing.

RECR 261 LEISURE AND AGING (3 credits)

This course analyzes the delivery of leisure services to individuals over 60. Psychosocial, physical, and cognitive changes as they relate to the aging process and one's leisure are investigated. The implications of changes in demographics, lifespan, healthcare delivery, and public policy are explored. Therapeutic recreation practice in long term care is examined.

RECR 280 OUTDOOR/ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION (3 credits)

This course provides a survey of the history, philosophy, current status, and future trends in the outdoor education and environmental education movements. The student will acquire skills in leadership of a variety of outdoor/environmental education activities and will visit environmental education centers and programs in the regional area. Pre-requisite: BIOL 104.

RECR 361 CLINICAL ASPECTS OF THERAPEUTIC RECREATION (3 credits)

The focus of this course is to prepare future practitioners to deliver therapeutic recreation services in clinical settings. Medical terminology, assessment, documentation, the helping relationship, and the process of therapy are systematically analyzed. The lab experience incorporated into this course is to emphasize activity skill development. This course is for majors only. Prerequisite: RECR 260.

RECR 371 MARKETING FOR COMMERCIAL RECREATION ENTERPRISES (3 credits)

This course is designed to acquaint the student with the importance of marketing to the commercial recreation industry. Particular attention will be placed upon the implementation of the marketing concept as well as an in- depth look into the development and implementation of a marketing plan. Consumer desision processes with their marketing implications will also be considered. Prerequisite: RECR 270.

RECR 380 COASTAL AND MARINE RECREATION (3 credits)

This course will provide an overview of the types and extent of recreational pursuits in coastal and marine environments. Historical aspects and trends in participation will be surveyed. Emphasis is on management of coastal and marine resources and issues associated with the use of these resources for recreation. Prerequisite: RECR 281.

RECR 381 ISSUES IN OUTDOOR RECREATION MANAGEMENT (3 credits)

This course provides advanced study in the area of outdoor recreation and natural resources management. Students will explore current issues faced by federal, state, and local government agencies and private and commercial enterprises responsible for resource management. Students will learn a problem-solving approach to the resolution of issues. Prerequisite: RECR 281.

RECR 460 CONCEPTS AND ISSUES IN THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SETTINGS (3 credits)

This course is a continuation of RECR 361, which concentrates on the preparation of recreation therapy practitioners. Human development, leisure education, therapeutic techniques and approaches, treatment protocols, and the inter-disciplinary approach to treatment are examined. Other contemporary issues and trends in recreation therapy are analyzed. Prerequisites: RECR 260, RECR 361, Recreation majors only.

RECR 470 SKI AREA MANAGEMENT (3 credits)

This course is designed to give the student an overview of ski area management with emphasis on design principles, financial practices, and operating procedures necessary for the successful operation of a ski area. Prerequisites: RECR 150, RECR 270.

RECR 471 SEMINAR IN COMMERCIAL RECREATION (3 credits)

This course will provide discussion and intensive study of issues, topics, trends, and problems within the field of commercial recreation. Prerequisites: RECR 150, RECR 270, EMGT 211.

RECR 480 ENVIRONMENTAL INTERPRETATION (3 credits)

This course prepares the student to develop and supervise interpretive services and public outdoor education programs. The lab concentrates on interpretive skills including displays and exhibits, interpretive walks, slide presentations, and interpretive trails. Prerequisite: RECR 280.

RECR 485 INDEPENDENT STUDY (Semester Hours Arranged)

This course is available for one, two, or three credits with five hours faculty involvement per credit on topics approved by the department and not regularly listed in the catalog.