This course consists of an introduction to the concepts of recreation and leisure and a survey of the recreation profession. Included in the course is a history of the leisure and recreation movement, and development of a personal philosophy related to discretionary time and related choices. This course focuses on the study and practice of leadership styles and techniques applied to recreation settings and leisure management situations. Emphasis will be placed on group dynamics as they relate to participants and managers of leisure activities.
Students explore the complexities of supply and demand for outdoor recreation in America.
Local, state and federal agencies' roles in outdoor recreation are examined. The emphasis is on programs that either take place outside of the classroom, outside the purview of the fomal public schools, or those conducted by natural resource agencies as part of their information and education imperatives. Students prepare to design and implement experiential education programs at appropriate outdoor sites for various agencies, organizations, and audiences. This is a lecture and seminar course that includes elements of organizational theory and structure, policy development by boards and commissions, personnel policies and manuals, and budgeting and revenue generation in the context of leisure services delivery systems. This course focuses on the planning of recreation and leisure activities through the use of human and natural resources in public, private, and commercial recreation programs.