Recreation

DR. TAKEYRA COLLINS, CTRS DR. DOUGLAS KENNEDY, CPRP, Department Chair

DR. WAYNE POLLOCK, CTRS DR. JILL STURTS, RCRSP

Within the framework of the liberal arts, the mission of the Sport and Recreation Professions Department is to educate students as informed consumers, skilled professionals, and advocates of sport, recreation and leisure services throughout their personal and professional lives. By providing two Majors, the course offerings in Sport and Recreation Professions allow students to investigate the larger discipline and focus upon one of two Majors: Sport and Recreation Management, and Recreational Therapy. The course offerings in each major are designed to provide practical “handson” learning experiences with local agencies. By combining the concepts, skills, and perspectives of Sport and Recreation Professions courses with carefully selected courses, students may expect both to become focused in their chosen major and receive practical experience. Each major culminates in a semester-long internship, allowing students to continue their learning while applying their knowledge to “real-life” practice in a recreation agency of their choice. The Department has been nationally accredited since 1984 by the National Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions. All students completing either major are eligible to take the national examination to be recognized as a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP). Students completing the Recreational Therapy Major and designated coursework are also eligible to take the national examination to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).

*See also Recreational Therapy and Sport and Recreation Management.

RECREATION COURSES (REC)

101 Introduction to Sport, Recreation, and Leisure Services (4)

Designed for all students who desire to explore the varied professions of recreation/leisure services as a possible career goal or for personal growth and development. Recreation and leisure in historical development and today’s contemporary society and leisure education are the major areas of concentration. Includes a practicum in which students are required to investigate local recreation/leisure agencies. Prerequisite: freshmen/sophomores only; juniors/seniors by consent. Offered every semester.

207 Leadership and Management of Sport, Recreation and Leisure Services (4)

This course is designed to cover the principles of leadership and management found in agencies providing sport, recreation, and leisure experiences. Emphasis is upon practical application and a “hands-on” focus is provided. Course requires a weekly lab section for practical application of content to participant and agency experiences. Offered fall and spring semesters.

219 Disability in the Media (4)

Explores various disabling conditions and related challenges/prejudices experienced by individuals with disabilities and how these individuals are portrayed in popular film and other media. Examines physical, psychological, emotional, and social lifeconditions and allows students to examine their own attitudes and perceptions regarding disabilities. Offered January Term on demand.

305 Teaching Assistant (1)

Provides recreation/leisure service majors or other students who qualify the opportunity, under supervision, to organize and lead recreation, physical education activity courses, and selected introductory content courses. Students are required to prepare lesson plans. Prerequisites: REC 207, or prior teaching experience. Students must be interviewed and accepted by the course instructor. Offered every semester.

325 Race, Gender, and Leisure (4) W

Investigates the past, present and future roles of leisure in the lives of individuals within the context of gender, race, and ethnicity. Leisure patterns and pursuits will be examined through a review and analysis of ideals on equity, empowerment and social values. The course will also incorporate a personal examination of leisure philosophy, behavior and constraints related to one’s identity. Offered intermittently.

346 Travel and Tourism (4)

Introduces the principles of travel and tourism as an element of leisure service delivery. Covers tourism development and promotion from both the public and private sectors. Students investigate various socioeconomic factors of travel and tourism and visit various travel and tourism agencies. Offered intermittently.

406 Historical, Cultural, and Professional Dimensions of Sport, Recreation, and Leisure (4) W

Provides students with knowledge of the history, philosophy, development, purposes, values, and interrelationships of recreation delivery systems from both the private and public sectors. Focuses on the professional dimensions of recreation and leisure as they relate to diverse cultures served in contemporary practice. Prerequisites: ENG 105 with a grade of C or higher and junior/senior status. Offered every fall.

408 Research Methods in Sport and Recreation (4)

This course is designed to cover the various methods employed in research related to sport and recreation. Focus is upon descriptive methods, sampling, surveying, participant observation, and data interpretation in agencies providing sport and recreation experiences. While introduced, this course does not concentrate on experimental research design. Corequisite: RT 409 or SRM 409. Offered spring semester or on demand.