RECREATION MANAGEMENT (REC)
Course Descriptions

REC 402/502 Cr. 3
Risk Management in Leisure Service Organizations

This course identifies the primary components of risk management and deals with the legal aspects of tort liability and contracts in leisure service organizations. It is designed to provide students with the basic knowledge necessary to understand and manage legal risks associated with leisure service organizations. Prerequisite: REC 401.

REC 420/520 Cr. 3
Commercial Recreation Management

Covers business management techniques and skills currently used in the private (for-profit) sector of recreation. Emphasis is on business formation strategies, methods of capitalization, market planning, pricing, and financial management. Prerequisite: REC 320; ACC 221 or 235.

REC 430/530 Cr. 1
Introduction to American Sign Language

This course is a basic introduction into American Sign Language (ASL), designed to familiarize the student with the basic structural characteristics of American Sign Language and the basics of finger-spelling. Vocabulary taught includes getting acquainted, school, and emergency health situations. The origins of ASL and aspects of deaf culture are addressed. The deaf culture topics concentrate on how the hearing person can interact more appropriately with the deaf community. This course is for any person who may occasionally interact with the deaf either personally or professionally.

REC 480/580 Cr. 3
Outdoor Education

This course explores a variety of subjects associated with outdoor education. Class emphasis will be placed on leadership of interpretative programs, appreciation of natural resources, and resource management techniques for a wide spectrum of outdoor recreation settings. Offered Spring.

REC 481/581 Cr. 1-3
Outdoor Pursuits

This course provides skill development and leadership techniques in outdoor recreation activities commonly associated with wilderness and roadless areas. Backcountry ethics and safety will be stressed. A field trip will be required. Examples: backpacking, canoeing, bicycling, rock climbing, fishing, camping, and/or cross-country skiing. Repeatable for credit — maximum 6. Offered Summer Session.

REC 491/591 Cr. 1-3
Workshop in Recreation Management

Group study of varying recreation and parks topics. University professors as well as visiting lecturers will be invited to address the students and conduct specialized phases of the workshops. Repeatable for credit under different subtitles. No student may earn more than six credits in REC/RTH 491/591. Offered occasionally.

REC 700 Cr. 1-6
Internship

Application of the methods and techniques of recreation leadership and administration through a supervised internship experience. Prerequisite: Completion of all required REC/RTH courses, current American Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR (or their equivalent) certifications throughout the length of the internship. Approval of recreation management internship coordinator. Repeatable for credit — maximum 6.

REC 701 Cr. 3
Philosophical Foundations of Leisure, Play and Recreation

In-depth study of past and current theories of leisure, play and recreation; concepts of work and time; the influence of technology and societal changes and the role of recreation in modern day society. Offered Fall.

REC 704 Cr. 3
Current Issues and Problems

An examination of current factors that are affecting the field of recreation, parks, and leisure with a major emphasis on special problem areas. Subject matter may vary in areas of interest or experience of the student and the instructor. Offered occasionally.

REC 710 Cr. 3
Entrepreneurship in Recreation

This course focuses on management processes that the entrepreneur in recreation uses to create new recreation or entertainment services or to reenergize faltering services. Because entrepreneurs create services that are unusual, innovative, or unique, emphasis is given to planning and marketing processes. The course addresses market feasibility studies, business plan development, pricing, advertising, and public relations. Offered Summer Session.

REC 711 Cr. 3
Management of Leisure Services Organizations

Designed to equip the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a public, not-for-profit, or commercial leisure service organization or a division of a leisure service organization. Emphasis will be placed on management functions (planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling) as they relate to the leisure service organization.

REC 720 Cr. 3
Research Methods for Recreation, Parks, and Leisure

The course introduces graduate students to research methods used in leisure research and recreation programs. Students learn to develop a research question, collect and analyze research literature, and conduct research using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The course is designed specifically to help students use methods relevant to the recreation field to take the initial steps for a graduate thesis or project. Offered Fall.

REC 740 Cr. 1-3
Outdoor Education

A study of the philosophy, resources, skills, methods and activities associated with the natural environment as a laboratory for the achievement of some of the purposes and objectives of education. The focus of the course is on direct participation and leadership situations in the out-of-doors. Repeatable for credit — maximum 4. Offered occasionally.

REC 761 Cr. 1-6
Graduate Project in Recreation

An independent investigation of advanced level study in the leisure service profession. Examples of professional projects include development of agency manuals, development of agency comprehensive assessments, research projects, recreation business proposals, program development and evaluation, and recreation comprehensive plans. Prerequisite: Approval of graduate program director. Repeatable for credit — maximum 6.

REC 780 Cr. 3
A Comparative Approach to Leisure and Society

This course will survey leisure practices throughout the world and make a comparison of how leisure is perceived in other societies. Prerequisite: REC 701. Offered occasionally.

REC 790 Cr. 1-3
Advanced Seminar-Recreation Management

Various current professional and theoretical topics will be presented in workshop format. Visiting scholars will supplement faculty presentations. Repeatable for credit — maximum 6. Offered occasionally.

REC 795 Cr. 1-3
Independent Study in Recreation Management

Individualized study of areas not available in existing courses. Prerequisite: consent of department chairperson and instructor. Repeatable for credit — maximum 6.

REC 797 Cr. 1-3
Special Projects in Recreation Management

Individualized study areas not available in existing courses or independent study. Emphasis is on the planning, implementation and evaluation of a recreation leisure project. Projects are completed under the supervision of the director and graduate faculty in the department. Repeatable for credit — maximum 6.

REC 799 Cr. 1-6
Research: Master’s Thesis

Independent research project selected and executed under the direction of a graduate faculty member by students electing to write a thesis. The project may be in any area related to recreation and parks. Prerequisite: approval of graduate program director. Maximum six credits allowed toward degree for graduation.