2025-2026 Course List

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.

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.

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.

This course introduces students to basic management and operations techniques for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor recreation facilities.

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.

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

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

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.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion within RPLS has evolved from a focus on control by othering to a strategic-level effort to enhance quality of life and wellbeing in our communities. While we aspire to create a community climate that acknowledges and appreciates diversity, equity, and inclusion, current community practices lag behind this aspiration. We will explore language around diversity, equity, and inclusion to engage in discourse that requires us to acknowledge our history and ways we can learn, heal, and advocate for equitable practices related to recreation programming and access to spaces.

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.

This course details the Therapeutic Recreation process: assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation in relation to individual treatment programs in Therapeutic Recreation Service. Emphasis is on interpreting assessment data, writing measurable goals and objectives, implementing an actual program and documenting program results in terms currently used in human service settings.

Prerequisites:

RPLS 272, RPLS 274, or with instructor permission.

This course is designed to teach a wide variety of interventions and facilitation techniques used in therapeutic recreation programs to give the student knowledge, practice and ability in the implementation of leisure and recreation programs for persons with special needs.

Students will study the recreation needs of various groups of people and learn the best practices for serving those needs. The emphasis will be on program planning guidelines appropriate for each group across the lifespan and for diverse groups.

This course will explore transdisciplinary research design with emphasis related to the areas of allied health and nursing sciences and disciplines. Basic overview of research methodologies commonly utilized in health sciences and approaches to transdisciplinary research will be explored through review of original research. Students will be required to produce and revise scientific writing with specific focus on inter/transdisciplinary studies. Team-based problem centered research questions will be developed and investigated using transdisciplinary methodology with current health-related issues.

This course explores aspects of sustainable tourism including conceptual background, planning, consensus building, ethical considerations, and implementation. Students will engage in experiential learning opportunities centered around the application of ideas and will better understand the benefits and drawbacks of sustainable tourism as a revenue-producing endeavor.

This course introduces students to the concepts, principles, and the design involved in the event planning strategy; special event management; stakeholder development; budgets and finance; site selection; contracts, vendors, and marketing and promotions.

Students will develop skills in the implementation and evaluation of special events in the recreation and parks profession through on-site delivery and analysis.

This course guides the student through the survey process including the creation and implementation of a questionnaire. The data collected are then analyzed and a formal report is prepared. Computer skills are emphasized.

This course investigates basic economic principles behind managing finances and budgets in recreation, sport and tourism settings. Particular attention will be applied to revenue generation, specifically via grant writing, and creating and managing budgets. Upper division prerequisites can be taken concurrently with instructor permission.

Prerequisites:

RPLS 272, RPLS 373, or with instructor permission. Upper division prerequisites can be taken concurrently with instructor permission.

Traces the history of public lands in the United States, their acquisition and disposal. Congressional charges to executive agencies managing national lands and state and local government responsibilities for managing nonfederal public lands. Attention is given to international oceanic resources and how the international community will manage these resources.

An examination of advanced leadership theories, models, and techniques used by professionals in the RPLS field. Topics may include teamwork, conflict resolution, power and influence, and other related concepts to promote high-performing workplaces.

This course will explore interprofessional practices with emphasis related to the areas of allied health and nursing sciences and related disciplines. Students will learn how to interact with other disciplines. Students will be taught techniques to implement outcome-based interprofessional activities through project or community-based experiences.