2022-2023 Course List

The dissertation is based on independent research conducted by doctoral candidates at or near the end of their course of study. The dissertation culminates in an oral defense.

Promotes an understanding of the impact of physical and mental disabilities on people in their daily livesthrough in-class contacts and exercises with and about persons with disabilities.

Goal Areas:

GE-07

Diverse Cultures:

Gold

Overview of the psychological and social aspects of disability with an emphasis on diversity of experience among individuals with disabilities and their families. The impact of social and psychological aspects of disability on public attitudes, public policy, and law will be examined. The adjustment process experienced by individuals with disabilities and their families will be examined from the perspective of the personal and social context in which adjustment occurs. (Fall)

Beginning theory and related techniques of counseling and vocational development are presented utilizing lecture and role play to convey key concepts in rehabilitation counseling. (Fall)

Applied theory and techniques in rehabilitation counseling are presented, including specific applications to various disabilities in both groups and individual practice. Interactions are required in addition to regular class meetings. (Spring)

The travel and tourism industry is integral to the success of other areas of RPLS. This course will provide an overview of the use of travel and tourism as a form of leisure for people around the world and the professions that are associated with it.

Goal Areas:

GE-05

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.

Goal Areas:

GE-09

This course is designed to be an overview of Therapeutic Recreation Services in a variety of human service settings with emphasis on the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of leisure and recreation programs performed by therapeutic recreation specialists serving persons with physical, mental, emotional or social limitations.

Diverse Cultures:

Purple

Through interactive classroom assignments, students develop expertise in planning, leading and evaluating a recreational experience. Foundations of leadership, group dynamics and motivation are also included.

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.

Goal Areas:

GE-11

A broad survey course that is concerned with game and non-game wildlife species. Habitat is stressed throughout the course as a necessity for maintaining a species. Funding of wildlife programs and changing attitudes of the public are concerns throughout this course.

Goal Areas:

GE-10

This course is designed to be taken two semesters before students completes their practicums. It will help students identify and secure a practicum. It will also help students establish reasonable expectations for a quality practicum experience.

This course exposes the parks and recreation major to basic outdoor skills. The camping movement in America is discussed as well as progressional planning strategies for outdoor recreation.

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 introduces students to basic management and planning techniques for a wide variety of in-door and out-door recreation facilities.

Prerequisites:

RPLS 272 or with instructor permission.

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively implement technology in recreation. Students will have the opportunity to explore practical applications of technological in recreation. The objective of this class is to introduce the student to the variety of ways computers and other technologies are used in everyday recreation management.

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.

Focuses on the total planning, implementation and techniques of effective public relations.

Focuses on the total planning, implementation and techniques of effective public relations.

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:

RPLS 272, RPLS 277, RPLS 282 or with instructor permission.

Students are required to complete the Field Experience in order to be eligible to enroll in RPLS 495 Practicum. Students will contract with the advisor to complete 100 hours of volunteer or paid experience in a leisure services organization. Written permission required from the advisor.

Curricular Practical Training: Co-Operative Experience is a zero-credit full-time practical training experience for one summer and on adjacent fall or spring term. Special rules apply to preserve full-time student status. Please contact an advisor in your program for complete information.

Prerequisites:

At least 60 credits earned; in good standing; instructor permission; co-op contract; other prerequisites may also apply.

Students will learn about and gain experience with assessment as it is practiced in therapeutic recreation settings. The course focuses on the basics of assessment, the four most frequently utilized information gathering techniques, and commonly used assessment instruments.

Prerequisites:

RPLS 272, RPLS 274 or with instructor permission.

This course explores the philosophical and theoretical foundations of therapeutic recreation. Specifically, the relationships among recreation, leisure, health and well-being are examined as articulated by a number of authors. Students critically analyze the required materials and discuss potential implications for therapeutic recreation and therapeutic recreation specialists.

Prerequisites:

RPLS 272, RPLS 274, or with instructor permission.