Recreation, Parks & Tourism

Provides for the development of an understanding of the various roles that recreation has in our contemporary society and provides students an opportunity to examine recreation as a potential profession.

This course examines leisure as a condition of being human, as a cultural mirror and as a social instrument. The course reflects a wide range of literature from a number of academic disciplines. (S)

An overview of the philosophical and historical foundations of recreation, leisure and play with the intent of providing students a base on which to interpret the recreation profession. (H)

An exploration of the dynamics and implications of current professional issues and trends impacting the delivery of parks, recreation and tourism services.

Survey of the history, terminology and current issues of outdoor recreation and parks. Overview of urban, private, NGO, local, state and federal roles in the provision of outdoor recreation opportunities. Explores the tension between recreational use and conservation values.

Leadership principles and planning or conducting recreation programs.

This course is a study of camp programming and administration of a camp.

The training of counselors for organized camping, including crafts, nature, cooking and informal activities.

Recreation Programming and Leadership gives students the opportunity to plan programs and assume a leadership role in conducting recreation activities. The student will study principles and practices of leadership and program planning for a variety of activities and programs in the leisure service delivery system.

Limited to recreation majors or those with permission of the instructor. Organizing and administering leisure and recreation services, emphasizing problem solving.

Orientation to park operations and management including planning, maintenance, law enforcement, resource management and visitor contact. Examine user conflicts and review case studies of existing park operations and research.

Planning, budgeting, site selection, layout and maintenance of recreational facilities.

Therapeutic recreation concepts, programming, practices, service models and setting, and types of disability and special population groups with an emphasis on the therapeutic recreation specialist’s role in clinical and nonclinical settings.

Leisure and recreation services for special population groups will be examined and studied with a focus on: access/inclusion, barriers to participation, disabling conditions and special population groups, program development and service delivery and legislation.

An in-depth study of the responsibilities and opportunities in providing recreation services for the older adult.

Focuses on the theory and practice of leisure education and counseling.

This class will provide students with an overview of the travel and tourism industry. Course content will cover historical, behavioral, societal and business aspects of travel and tourism.

This course focuses on the planning of tourism services and facilities. The major topics include the identification and planning of the use of the physical, social and economic resources that are necessary to develop and support tourism.

Course is designed to assist students to develop skills, strategies, knowledge, and understanding about scheduling, marketing, and planning meetings for various groups.

Overview of the hospitality industry, including hotel management, food and beverage operations, business and leisure travel markets, convention services, hospitality trends, quest based customer service strategies sand career opportunities will be addressed.

A study of commercial recreation as a major component of leisure services delivery systems will be conducted. An analysis of development potential of different types of recreation enterprises including resources, location, risks, sources of financing, pricing, managerial requirements, marketing, and sources of technical assistance will be explored.

The study of resort and destination development and management will be made in an effort to bridge observations about resort planning, development and management with current examples from the industry itself. Laboratory experience will require on-site research and study.

Computer applications for leisure services with emphasis on recreation-specific skills, utilizing word processing, data management, spreadsheet, and research/evaluation software.

Field experience gives students the opportunity to gain practical experience in a chosen area of the leisure service delivery system. Students will apply skill and knowledge as a volunteer at an agency in their area of study. Students are expected to utilize leadership and management skills to enhance participant involvement and agency operations. In addition, the student prepares a resume, investigates agencies as potential intern sites and submits the appropriate forms for approval of an internship site.

Concentrates on the legal aspects of recreation, parks and tourism in order to assist students to better understand the law as it pertains to their area of specialization and therefore reduce the potential for litigation.

This course will provide the student with a basic understanding of the management process as it relates to planning and operation of leisure services facilities. Subjects covered in management and supervision include traditional and contemporary management theory, the management process, legal and financial aspects, risk management and contemporary issues in leisure services management. Facility topics include feasibility studies and design issues.

Identifies the many and varied forms of revenue resources available in recreation and methods of managing that revenue.

An examination of the multi-dimensional marketing functions common to recreation, parks and tourism organizations. The course is designed to build on students’ knowledge from other courses. Emphasis is placed on strategic planning in marketing and its use by hospitality and tourism organizations.

Advanced study in planning programs and evaluation in Therapeutic Recreation.

Basic concepts, methods and techniques associated with the practice of therapeutic recreation in settings offering medical, rehabilitation and health care services.

Principles and practices in planning and implementing programs for socially deviant. (S)

A study of the components, history, practice and current issues of nature based tourism. Explores principles and problems of ecotourism for natural resources and host populations. Includes rural tourism, economic impacts, tourism life cycle and case studies.

Methods, techniques and applications of the evaluation process related to the wide variety of leisure services.

Offered upon request to students to meet special interests which are not adequately provided for in other courses.

Limited to recreation majors.

Practical field experience in selected off-campus leisure service agencies. Normally taken during the last semester prior to graduation.