Recreation and Leisure Services

This course explores the history, ecological, and social foundations of the conservation movement regarding natural resources at a state, national, and global levels. A wide range of perspectives is presented to help students develop a personal philosophy towards natural resources. Topics covered will include resource management of soil, water, forests, wetlands, coasts, wildlife, and food systems. The course also explores jobs in the Natural Resources world and offers opportunities to investigate career paths. Introduction to scientific theories and their relation to natural resources and agriculture. Influence of these theories on current perspectives toward the environment.

An introduction to the fields of environmental education including nature education, outdoor education, and conservation education. Philosophies and methodologies appropriate for a basic understanding of environmental education.

A study of interpretive program preparation and physical site planning for interpretive services. Focus on principles and methods to interpret natural and cultural history in parks and other outdoor settings.

Design, operation, and maintenance of recreation areas and facilities.

Development of programming skills for recreation programs in various settings, i.e., public, non-profit, and private, with emphasis on planning, implementation, and evaluation.

An overview of the use of natural environments as formal and informal settings for leisure and recreation involvement and the interrelationship among people, the environment and leisure. Focuses on the principles of managing outdoor recreation sites and visitor systems where the natural environment provides the dominant attraction.

A study of the various forms of commercial recreation, businesses and facilities providing recreational opportunities.

The course will provide a basic overview of the laws concerned with the environment and human activities, focusing on conservation and land use. Areas of specific concentration include the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Antiquities Act, Migratory Bird and Conservation Act and the consequences of activities such as timber harvesting, grazing, recreation, and wilderness preservation. In addition to gaining knowledge of federal environmental laws, students will also gain an understanding of why the laws are necessary and how to apply the laws to real life situations.

Development of understanding of and ability to utilize leadership and group facilitation strategies to enhance and evaluate recreation and leisure experiences. Examination of theories and principles of administration in recreation.

This course will introduce students to the concept of programmatic and physical accessibility in parks, recreation, and leisure services. This course will also discuss the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section 504 and other laws that apply to parks and recreation and leisure services. The course will explore the history and value of accessibility for individual with disabilities and the responsibilities of the agency providing services.

Concepts, methods, and settings involving recreation services as applied to groups that may need adaptations, i.e., physically, emotionally, or intellectually challenged persons, and the elderly.

An internship is required of most AAS programs. This course is available to AA and AS students as well. The students combine course learning with practical, professional work experience in their chosen field of study. The employer does an evaluation of the work experience: The faculty advisor supervises the students; the students are required to complete a project assigned by the faculty advisor. A minimum of 40 hrs of work is required to earn one credit. A grade of S/U is given by the faculty.