Course Descriptions
800. Concepts of Recreation and Leisure
This course provides an overview of historical and philosophical
perspectives of the play, recreation, therapeutic recreation and
park and natural resource conservation movements. Students will
examine recreation leisure and recreation resources in contemporary
society particularly in the context of the development of social
capital. Leisure values and ideals, the emergence and evolution
of "free time" diversity in the contexts of understanding
the meaning of leisure and in leisure service delivery, and public
policy implications will also be addressed.
805. Management & Policy in Therapeutic
Recreation
Students will acquire knowledge of current principles and procedures
for assuming an administrative role in the therapeutic recreation
profession. Students will be exposed to issues and practices related
to supervision, reimbursement, quality improvement programs, consultation,
marketing and more.
806. Recreation Administration and Organizational
Behavior
This course focuses on the organization and administration of public,
private and not-for-profit recreation agencies. The primary unit
of analysis in this class is the recreation organization and the
environment in which it operates. Emphasis is placed on organization,
management, marketing, and financing applications, theories, and
research.
811. Recreation Resource Management
This course examines the supply and demand of natural resources
for outdoor recreation uses, with emphasis on the relationships
between public and private roles and responsibilities. Historical,
social, and environmental impacts of outdoor recreation use are
discussed. Current principles and techniques of recreation resource
planning and management are outlined.
830. Camp Administration and Leadership
This course will provide students with an understanding of administrative
and organizational practices in structured camp settings. Students
will be exposed to the theory, practice, and challenges of program
planning for youth and adult development within the recreation context
of camping. This course will explore current sociological, environmental,
economical and legislative trends influencing contemporary camp
management.
860. Community Sport Organizations: Administration
and Development
This course focuses on the administration and development of participant-based
community sport organizations and resources. The course emphasizes
the organizational, administrative and programming competencies
necessary to effectively manage these resources. A focus on problems,
and the development of research-oriented solutions related to the
management of community sport organizations will also be emphasized.
870. Management & Design of Recreation
and Park Facilities
This course is intended to provide students with an orientation
into the various theories, design, operations and functions as it
relates to recreational facilities. This course will address facility
development, operational considerations, and auxiliary functions
that impact the manager’s role. Visitations will be worked
into the class so that students will gain actual insight to different
facilities. This total experience will be designed to enhance the
student’s awareness and appreciation for the extensiveness
and diversity found in managing recreational facilities.
872. Law and Public Policy in Recreation
Services
Topics including an overview of the nature of law and U.S. legal
systems; the law of torts, contracts, civil liberties and rights;
risk management and legal research are addressed in the context
of recreation services and resources. Public policy and professional
advocacy implications are examined as related to legislative and
decisional systems. Permission required.
910.Conceptual Issues and Trends in Therapeutic
Recreation
This course will allow students to critically analyze and explore
the contemporary professional issues in the field of therapeutic
recreation such as: philosophical foundations, credentialing, legislation,
professional development, reimbursement, performance improvement,
and documentation. Historical and cultural contexts of each issue
will be discussed as well translated into practical applications
for therapeutic recreation professionals.
912. Non-Profit Administration and Leadership
This course will provide students with an overview of the creation,
management and administration of non-profit organizations and businesses.
It will examine legal requirements for charter and incorporation
by state law and federal guidelines from the Internal Revenue Service.
Current trends and issues in non-profit sector business will be
explored and a survey of the wide diversity of non-profit sector
organizations will be covered. Since a high percentage of recreation
agencies are incorporated as non-profit organizations, specific
applications will be made to the field of leisure and recreation.
924. Grantwriting and Fund Development
Students will develop an understanding of the meaning of philanthropy,
its importance in society, and its integral relationship to the
fund development process. The social context for philanthropy, development,
and fund raising and the changing practices for non-profit leadership
will be addressed. Various strategies and communication tools are
presented and how each is best used to support an organization’s
fund development goals. Students will develop abilities in grant
writing, requesting major donor support, structuring annual giving
campaigns and establishing special events.
964. Clinical Internship
Supervised, professional administrative work experience in an approved
recreation, park, tourism or health care agency. Students participate
in a 14 week 560 hour internship experience after receiving approval
for their Academic Advisor and the Internship Coordinator.
970. Teaching Practicum
Students will work with a faculty mentor to investigate, observe
and practice teaching methods and learning theory. Students will
also learn how to use various instructional technologies as tools
to enhance the teaching/learning process. The Teaching Practicum
is designed for student who wish to assume part-time or adjunct
University teaching positions upon completion of the Master’s
degree or who see themselves pursuing a future doctoral degree with
higher education as a career goal. Prerequisites: RMP 800 and permission.
Cr/F
RMP 995. Colloquium Seminar
As a capstone course for the M.S. Degree in Recreation Management
and Policy, this course is designed to invite students to bring
content and ideas formed in previous coursework and experience to
the consideration of opportunities and challenges in future professional
practice. Ethical problem solving as well as issues and trends within
and impacting upon, the profession will be central themes. Approaches
to ethical inquiry, analysis of evidence and advocacy methodologies
will be addressed in the context of forming and articulating professional
positions. The course will be conducted as a colloquium with all
participants contributing to the learning process. Prerequisites:
RMP 800, RMP 805 or RMP 806, and permission.