Recreation
* Professor Emeritus Ryan * Professor Hunt * Associate Professors Langsner, Moiseichik * Assistant Professor McWhorter * Instructor Mock
The program of recreation is designed to prepare candidates for a variety of career opportunities in the field of recreation and parks. Career opportunities may include park and recreation directors for a city, therapeutic recreation specialists, fitness center managers, state and national park managers, camp administrators, or work in YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs or other youth serving agencies. Graduates of this program should be well prepared to enter the recreational workforce at an entry level position or pursue graduate studies in such areas as recreation management, sport management, or other allied health professional schools.
The candidate for the Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a major in recreation must select a concentration of study in an area of interest with help from an academic adviser from the recreation faculty. Each concentration is developed individually to meet specific career goals. Concentrations are 18-21 hours, generally in academic areas other than the recreation program. Examples of concentrations of study include, but are not limited to, public recreation, children and families, fitness club management, commercial recreation, aquatic management, therapeutic recreation, camp administration, outdoor leadership, community sports, youth at risk, and outdoor recreation.
All students must complete the University Core requirements and the College of Education and Health Professions requirements. In addition, all students must take the required general studies for the recreation core requirements listed below. As part of the University Core requirements and College of Education and Health Profession requirements specific social sciences and science courses are required within the recreation major and concentration requirements. Recreation majors must obtain a "C" grade or better in all courses beginning with the alpha code RECR. To enroll in RECR 440V, students must have a 2.50 GPA or better in RECR concentration courses. Many courses in the recreation curriculum are taught in sequential order. Please check catalog course descriptions for prerequisites.
There are several experiential requirements within the recreation core. Students are required to do three practicum experiences (RECR 201V) in three different agencies. Each experience totals 45 hours. A more intense experience of an internship (RECR 440V) requires a minimum of 400 hours or work full time for 12-15 weeks in an agency with a qualified park and recreation professional. Students in the recreation program must get certification at the instructor-level or higher in at least two areas of expertise. Certifications must be valid at the time of graduation and be completed before a grade will be assigned in RECR 4013, Contemporary Issues in Leisure. Examples of these certifications include, but are not limited to, water safety instructor, aerobics instructor, American Red Cross canoeing instructor, first-aid instructor, and hunter safety instructor. A minimum of 124 hours are required for graduation in the major of recreation. The total hours may vary slightly depending on the study concentration.
An undergraduate minor in recreation is also available to students enrolled in other colleges. Students with interests related to the recreation profession such as business, biology, human environmental science or horticulture may elect the 15 hour minor. This minor could enhance future career opportunities.
Curriculum for a Major in Recreation
Required general studies for the Recreation Major (6 hrs)
PLSC 2003,
American National Government
SOCI 2013,
General Sociology
Recreation Core (51 hrs)
RECR 1003,
Professional Foundations of Leisure
RECR 1023,
Recreation and Natural Resources
RECR 201V,
Recreation Practicum (three one-credit experiences)
RECR 2063,
The Commercial Recreation and Tourism Enterprise
RECR 2813,
Leadership Techniques in Recreation
RECR 3833,
Program Planning in Recreation
RECR 3853,
Leisure Behavior
RECR 3873,
Sport and Recreation Risk Mngmt
RECR 4003,
Innovative Practices in Recreation
RECR 4013,
Contemporary Issues in Leisure
RECR 4083,
Research and Evaluation in Recreation
RECR 4093,
Fundamentals of Therapeutic Recreation
RECR 440V,
Internship (9 hours)
COMM 2303,
Public Speaking
HLSC 3633,
First Responder-First Aid
Directed Study Concentration (18-21 hrs)
Selected with
help from an academic adviser from the recreation faculty.
Curriculum
for a Minor in Recreation (Available to students enrolled in other
colleges.)
RECR 1003,
Professional Foundations of Leisure
RECR 201V,
Recreation Practicum
RECR 2813,
Leadership Techniques in Recreation
RECR 3833,
Program Planning in Recreation
RECR 4013,
Contemporary Issues in Leisure
COURSES: RECREATION (RECR)
RECR1003 Professional Foundations of Leisure (FA) An analysis of the historical and philosophical development of recreation and leisure. Theories of play, recreation, and leisure are studied. Economic, political, technical, and social forces are examined as these influence recreation, parks, and leisure services is examined in context with diverse service delivery systems.
RECR1001L Outdoor Recreation Laboratory (FA) An introductory course designed to teach students the skills and leadership techniques associated with several outdoor recreation activities including backpacking, camping, and orienteering. Includes a mandatory weekend trip outing.
RECR1023 Recreation and Natural Resources (SP) An examination of the use and management of natural resources for outdoor recreation with consideration of multiple use, environmental ethics, risk management, and other current considerations. Several field visits will be required as part of the class, including a weekend outing.
RECR201V Recreation Practicum (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) Students are assigned to assist in leisure-oriented programs for exposure to organizational structure, services, and programming of cooperating recreational agencies. Students may take 1-3 hours per semester; each credit hour is a 45-hour experience. Students must complete 3 different experiences before internship. May be repeated. Prerequisite: RECR 1003.
RECR2063 The Commercial Recreation and Tourism Enterprise (FA) Examination of the commercial recreation and tourism industries. The operational requirement of a wide range of recreation businesses will be studied. Case study and field investigation methods will be emphasized.
RECR2102 Hunter Education and Safety (FA) Provides the individual with knowledge and skill in the sport of hunting. Safety rules in both hunting and the use of firearms are stressed.
RECR2813 Leadership Techniques in Recreation (FA) Development of knowledge related to leadership theory, group dynamics, and face-to-face leadership techniques. Students gain an understanding of leadership theories as they are applied in a field setting.
RECR3002 Officiating Flag Football and Volleyball (FA) Provide the individual with the basic knowledge of sport rules and mechanics of officiating flag football and volleyball.
RECR3012 Officiating Basketball, Softball, and Baseball (SP) Provide the individual with the basic knowledge of sport rules and mechanics of officiating basketball, softball, and baseball.
RECR3833 Program Planning in Recreation (SP) Development of the fundamentals of program planning using modern techniques of identifying and analyzing program activity areas and community needs. Includes program development and application with a variety of population groups and representative leisure service areas. Prerequisite: RECR 1003 and RECR 2813.
RECR3853 Leisure Behavior (FA) An examination of individual and group leisure behavior within a human development context. Identification and exploration of motivating factors related to various traditional and contemporary leisure expressions. Emphasis placed on application of leisure behavior concepts in the delivery of recreation programs and services.
RECR3873 Sport and Recreation Risk Management (FA) Indepth look at risk management and related legal issues affecting recreation and sport administration. Prerequisite: RECR 3833 and junior standing.
RECR4003 Innovative Practices in Recreation (SP) Management techniques for recreation programs and facilities. Prerequisite: RECR 3873.
RECR4013 Contemporary Issues in Leisure (SP) Discussion of selected topics and review of current literature in the recreation field. Analysis of current trends and professional issues are emphasized. Certification at the instructor level or higher in at least 2 areas of expertise must be completed before a grade is assigned in this course. Prerequisite: senior standing.
RECR4083 Research and Evaluation in Recreation (SP) An introduction to the applied methods and techniques of research and evaluation in leisure studies and services. General consideration given to research applications such as needs assessment, program evaluation, and marketing studies. Emphasis placed on the logic underlying the research process.
RECR4093 Fundamentals of Therapeutic Recreation (FA) An introduction to the field of therapeutic recreation. This survey encompasses history, philosophy, programs, treatment, research, populations served, and professional aspects of therapeutic recreation practice. Requirements are different for graduate credit.
RECR4263 Aquatic Facilities Management (SP) Prepares students to organize, administer, and supervise aquatic facilities, staff, and programs in school, community, and camp settings.
RECR440V Internship (1-12) (FA, SP, SU) Prerequisite: RECR 3873.
RECR4503 Seminar (FA, SP, SU)
RECR480V Workshop (1-3) (FA, SP, SU)
RECR4803 Research Recreation (FA, SP, SU)
RECR5003 Graduate Prerequisites (FA) Gives students entering a recreation degree program with no course background in recreation the necessary understanding of the recreation field. This course will not count toward a graduate degree in recreation.
RECR5213 Social Psychology of Recreation (IR) Application of social psychological theory to leisure, recreation, and travel behavior. Additional emphasis placed on the contribution of this theory to current practice in the recreation and tourism management field.
RECR5223 Applied Leisure Behavior (IR) Examines antecedents and consequences of leisure behavior from a social psychological perspective. Emphasis on assisting recreation managers to facilitate quality leisure experiences in their agency programs.
RECR5273 The Intramural Sports Program (FA) Historical development, aim and objectives, organization, administration, units of competition, program of activities, schedule making, scoring plans, rules and regulations, awards, and special administrative problems.
RECR5293 Sports Management (FA) (Formerly PHED 5293) Deals primarily with high school athletics and considers historical development, objectives, controlling agencies, eligibility and contest regulations, local organization and administration, staff program, finances, inventories, facilities and equipment, safety, legal aspects, awards, publicity, and public relations.
RECR5433 Medical Aspects of Disability (FA) Orientation to medical and medically related aspects of various disabling conditions with emphasis on the severely disabled. (Same as RHAB 5433)
RECR5453 Psychological Aspects of Disability (SP) Intensive study of the psychological aspects of adjustment to atypical physique and prolonged handicapping condition. (Same as RHAB 5453)
RECR5473 Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation (SU) Advances the student's understanding and application of therapeutic recreation techniques. It provides knowledge and the opportunity to apply skills for the student to gain competencies necessary for the provision of therapeutic recreation services. Prerequisite: RECR 4093.
RECR5483 Treatment Planning in Therapeutic (SP) Prepares students with the skills and understanding to apply the "TR Process" (assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation) in the development of individual client treatment plans in Therapeutic Recreation. Prerequisite: RECR 4093.
RECR5493 Trends and Issues in Therapeutic Recreation (SU) Advances the student's knowledge of issues and concerns that moderate therapeutic recreation services to the client. The student is expected to critically examine and discuss each issue in an effort to develop a sound, practical philosophy of therapeutic recreation. The ultimate goal is to prepare the student to enter the profession confident in his or her ability to provide exemplary services. Prerequisite: RECR 4093.
RECR560V Workshop (1-3) (IR)
RECR574V Internship (1-3) (IR)
RECR5813 Principles of Recreation (SU) Considers history, philosophy, current trends, basic issues, and fundamental principles of recreation. Using these principles as basic criteria, students make critical appraisals of current practices in organization and administration of recreation programs, program content, leadership methods, and evaluative procedures.
RECR5823 Outdoor Recreation Program (IR) Considers the values and scope of outdoor recreation programs. Attention is given to the influence of geographical factors, land use, standards, economics, and legislation on program planning and operation.
RECR5833 Recreation for Special Populations (SP, SU) Skills, knowledge, and concepts within recreation which are appropriate to planning and implementing recreation programs and services for the handicapped.
RECR5843 Tourism (FA) Explores major concepts of tourism to discover what makes tourism work, how tourism is organized, and its social and economic effects.
RECR5853 The School and Community Recreation Program (SP) Nature, background, significance, and trends in recreation in the school and community. Attention is given to departmental organization, administrative practices, program financing, personnel, safety, and legal aspects.
RECR5863 Operation of Commercial Recreation Enterprise (IR) Explores the operational requirements of commercial recreation enterprises. Students analyze the current status and future prospects of various recreational enterprises with respect to entry opportunities, operational and financial requirements, and market orientation.
RECR5883 Recreation Services Promotion (SP) Examines specific strategies for promoting recreation programs in the local community.
RECR5893 Field Work in Recreation (FA, SP, SU) Provides practical work experience in recreation programs and the opportunity to study special programs under the supervision of specialists.
RECR599V Seminar (1-3) (IR)
RECR600V Master's Thesis (1-3) (FA, SP, SU)
RECR605V Independent Study (1-3) (FA, SP, SU)
RECR612V Directed Reading in Recreation (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) Critical analysis of literature in the area of recreation.
RECR6533 Legal and Political Aspects (SP) An overview of major legislation affecting HKRD professions; how to operate within these laws; and methods for influencing new legislation. Also discusses political aspects of professions both outside and inside government agencies.
RECR674V Internship (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) Students will learn diverse teaching techniques and implement them in an on-going undergraduate recreation class serving as the teaching laboratory. The 'what "when" and "how" relative to integrating various teaching techniques with specific content areas in the class will be explored by both the student and the instructor.
RECR699V Seminar (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) Discussion of selected topics and review of current literature in the recreation field. Prerequisite: advanced graduate standing.
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