Course Descriptions

WILDERNESS EXPEDITIONARY TRAINING (3)
Course Number: SES 346

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This service learning and leadership course involves travel to and within a selected national park, offering an interdisciplinary approach to preparing for and leading wilderness expeditions. The topics covered will include survival techniques, dealing appropriately with individuals and groups, psychological and physiological stress of wilderness living, outdoor trip preparation, safety, navigation, and wildlife. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the fundamentals of wilderness land travel with particular emphasis on preparation, safety, service and leadership. Emphasis will be on developing outdoor living skills and knowledge of government policies regarding the management and operation of national parks. The course is oriented toward the needs of those interested in outdoor activity programming. Also, it is designed to help students understand the magnitude of their responsibilities as outdoor leaders, and to equip them with the knowledge to both survive and avoid emergency situations.

SPORT ECOTOURISM (3)
Course Number: SES 388

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course involves travel to and within a selected location outside of the United States. Topics covered will include the history, philosophy, organization and management of the ecotourism industry. The selected destination of this course will be studied in order to understand the various systems of the host country, including an overview of urban, private, regional, state and federal roles and guidelines in the provision of recreational opportunities. An introduction to natural resource-based tourism, commercial outdoor recreation services, and conservation values will be explored.

RECREATIONAL LEADERSHIP (3)
Course Number: SES 262

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to develop and advance program and leadership skills used in leisure and recreational enterprises. Emphasis will be on leadership techniques, group dynamics, communication skills, facilitation styles, problem solving and decision making techniques. A study of group dynamics and the theories and processes of leadership will be explored and analyzed. This will include the duties, responsibilities and techniques associated with leadership; aspects regarding the functioning of groups in various professional settings; and probable effects and outcomes of different leadership styles will be investigated. Experiential learning and group processes will be the primary methodologies employed throughout this course.

PRINCIPLES OF SPORT TRAVEL AND TOURISM (3)
Course Number: SES 422

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The purpose of this course is to examine the elements and concept of sport and adventure travel and tourism. Topics will include the social science of tourism, or the geography, economics, psychology, history, and development of tourism and sustainable systems. The industry’s positive and negative social, cultural, economic, and ecological impacts in destination communities throughout the world will be examined. A thorough overview of the planning, development and management of sport tourism at local, regional, national and international levels will be discussed. This course provides a variety of practical planning theories, procedures and guidelines to meet the diverse needs of sport and adventure travelers, destination communities, tourism and hospitality organizations, and the private sector.

NATURAL RESOURCE RECREATION MANAGEMENT (3)
Course Number: SES 390

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course investigates the natural, cultural, social and managerial systems that provide society with opportunities for nature-based recreation. It will focus on the administration of recreational lands by state and federal agencies. Principles and practices of recreation planning and the management of natural resources will be examined.

INTRODUCTION TO OUTDOOR PURSUITS (3)
Course Number: SES 150

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course serves as a basic introduction to the field of recreation and leisure, including wilderness travel, outdoor adventure opportunities, experiential recreation and other topics applicable to most outdoor pursuits. The course includes principles, current theories and practical applications relevant to contemporary outdoor recreation and leisure pursuits.

COMMERCIAL RECREATION (3)
Course Number: SES 292

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals and principles of commercial recreation, including the delivery of goods, services, facilities, entrepreneurship, and trends in commercial recreation.