Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies (BS)

A foundation course that introduces the student to the profession of leisure services. Emphasis is placed on recreation in the student's life, the development of the profession, the community leisure service system and careers in recreation, parks and leisure services.

Prerequisites: none

In this course we will explore the importance of the natural world and how individuals and societies interact with and impact nature. Students will apply ethical frameworks of sustainability, rights, and justice to understand conservation and resource management practices in public and private lands. Students will analyze and reflect upon complex narratives that guide how diverse people and natural systems interact.

Prerequisites: none

Through interactive assignments, students will learn and practice the skills and techniques used by direct leaders in the Recreation and Parks profession. Topics include an introduction to leadership practices, program planning, activity selection, and activity facilitation for diverse groups.

Prerequisites: none

This course addresses leisure wellness and incorporates leisure into life as a balancing force for healthy living. Leisure is studied in relation to: work, time and money management, stress management, healthy relationships, life choices and decisions, personal and community resources, career opportunities and in relation to current issues in politics and in the work place.

Prerequisites: none

This course introduces students to basic management and operations techniques for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor recreation facilities.

Prerequisites: RPLS 272 or with instructor permission.

The emphasis of this course is on the program planning process-from creating the idea through evaluation of the program-and how it fits into the agency profile. Various formats such as leisure learning, tournaments, trips and outings, and special events are highlighted for a variety of leisure service agencies.

Prerequisites: RPLS 272, RPLS 277, or with instructor permission.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion within RPLS has evolved from a focus on control by othering to a strategic-level effort to enhance quality of life and wellbeing in our communities. While we aspire to create a community climate that acknowledges and appreciates diversity, equity, and inclusion, current community practices lag behind this aspiration. We will explore language around diversity, equity, and inclusion to engage in discourse that requires us to acknowledge our history and ways we can learn, heal, and advocate for equitable practices related to recreation programming and access to spaces.

Prerequisites: none

This course examines leadership roles in and principles of human resources in recreation and park organizations to build and maintain an effective work force. A range of human resource topics and leadership theories are explored.

Prerequisites: RPLS 272, RPLS 376, or with instructor permission. Upper division prerequisites can be taken concurrently with instructor permission.

This course explores the philosophical and theoretical foundations that intersect and connect our multifaceted discipline of recreation, parks and leisure services. Specifically, the relationships between nature, conservation, wilderness, social equity, disability, commodification of leisure, and recreation experiences will be explored from the vantage point of a variety of influential scholars. Students will critically analyze the material and discuss potential implications for the profession. Upper division prerequisites can be taken concurrently with instructor permission.

Prerequisites: RPLS 272, RPLS 274, RPLS 277, RPLS 282, RPLS 341W, or with instructor permission. Upper division prerequisites can be taken concurrently with instructor permission.

The Practicum, which is one full semester of professional work experience, is completed at the end of the student's course work and requires 560 hours of service at a Department approved agency where the student works full-time for 14 weeks. Written permission is required from the student's advisor, one semester in advance. All required RPLS courses must be completed with a C or better grade.

Prerequisites: All required RPLS courses completed with a 'C' or better.

An introduction to experiential education practices, methods for instruction and planning in outdoor settings, and outdoor skill development.

Prerequisites: RPLS 272, RPLS 277 or with instructor permission.

This course will explore research design with emphasis related to the areas of recreation, parks, and leisure sciences. Basic overview of research methodologies commonly utilized in leisure sciences and approaches to RPLS research will be explored through review of original research. Students will be required to produce and revise scientific writing with specific focus on presenting material to audiences in the RPLS field. Team-based problem centered research questions will be developed and investigated using methodology with current RPLS-related issues.

Prerequisites: RPLS 272, RPLS 376, or with instructor permission. Upper division prerequisites can be taken concurrently with instructor permission.

Students will be introduced to various methods and skills used to design and deliver interpretive programs and materials to various audiences. Students will also apply the philosophies, concepts, theories and practical skills necessary for implementing effective interpretive programs.

Prerequisites: RPLS 272. RPLS 282. or with instructor permission.

This course is a survey of commercial recreation and tourism that examines the basic types of commercial recreation and tourism providers, some basic trends in commercial recreation and the social, economic and environmental impacts of commercial recreation and tourism.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to teach a wide variety of interventions and facilitation techniques used in therapeutic recreation programs to give the student knowledge, practice and ability in the implementation of leisure and recreation programs for persons with special needs.

Prerequisites: RPLS 272, RPLS 274, or with instructor permission.

Students will study the recreation needs of various groups of people and learn the best practices for serving those needs. The emphasis will be on program planning guidelines appropriate for each group across the lifespan and for diverse groups.

Prerequisites: none

This course introduces students to the concepts, principles, and the design involved in the event planning strategy; special event management; stakeholder development; budgets and finance; site selection; contracts, vendors, and marketing and promotions.

Prerequisites: RPLS 272, RPLS 373, or with instructor permission. Upper division prerequisites can be taken concurrently with instructor permission.

Students will develop skills in the implementation and evaluation of special events in the recreation and parks profession through on-site delivery and analysis.

Prerequisites: none

An examination of advanced leadership theories, models, and techniques used by professionals in the RPLS field. Topics may include teamwork, conflict resolution, power and influence, and other related concepts to promote high-performing workplaces.

Prerequisites: none

Traces the history of the parks movement in the United States, selected legislation establishing parks and the enactment of funding legislation. The importance of public participation, planning and political strategies are stressed. Upper division prerequisites can be taken concurrently with instructor permission.

Prerequisites: RPLS 272 RPLS 282 RPLS 341W, or with instructor permission. Upper division prerequisites can be taken concurrently with instructor permission.