College: Physical Education and Sport
This major provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of recreation, focusing on planning, managing, and delivering recreational programs and services. Students will explore key topics such as recreation behavior, program planning, event management, and outdoor recreation. The major emphasizes integrating theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prepare students for careers in recreation management, community development, and related fields.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the fundamental principles of recreation and their role in promoting health and well-being.
- Develop skills in planning and managing recreational programs and events.
- Learn techniques for assessing community needs and designing inclusive recreational activities.
- Explore the principles of outdoor recreation and environmental management.
- Understand the impact of recreation on mental and physical health.
- Analyze challenges and opportunities in the recreation industry.
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address challenges in recreation management.
Main Outline:
- Introduction to Recreation - An overview of recreation, its history, and its importance in promoting health and well-being.
- Recreation Behavior and Motivation - Fundamentals of recreation behavior, including motivation and participation theories. - Techniques to understand and influence recreation behavior.
- Program Planning and Management - Principles of program planning, including needs assessment, design, and evaluation. - Techniques for effectively managing recreational programs and services.
- Event Management - Overview of event management, including planning, coordinating, and executing recreational events. - Techniques to ensure successful and inclusive events.
- Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Conservation - Fundamentals of outdoor recreation, including adventure activities and environmental education. - Techniques to promote environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
- Health and Wellness in Recreation - Impact of recreation on mental and physical health. - Techniques to promote health and wellness through recreational activities.
- Ethics and Professional Practices in Recreation - Overview of ethical and professional considerations in recreation management. - Techniques to ensure ethical and professional behavior in delivering recreational services.
- Emerging Trends in Recreation - Impact of emerging trends, such as technology in recreation and adaptive recreation, on the industry. - Techniques to integrate new trends into recreational programs and services.
Assessment Methods:
- Program planning and event management projects to assess practical skills.
- Written assignments and research papers to assess knowledge of recreation behavior and program planning.
- Presentations and reports on outdoor recreation, health, and wellness.
- Participation in group projects and recreation program simulations.
Recommended Textbooks:
- "Leisure and Pleasure in Modern Society" by Amy Hurd and Robert J. Barcelona.
- "Programming for Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Services" by Debra J. Jordan, Donald J. McLean, and Daniel D. McLean.
- "Outdoor Recreation: Enrichment for a Lifetime" by Clain R. Jensen and Steven P. Guthrie.
Prerequisites:
Basic knowledge of health and wellness principles is recommended. This major is suitable for students in recreation management, community development, and related fields.
Duration of the Major:
Typically, this major lasts four academic years, combining lectures, practical sessions, and field experiences.
Certification:
Upon successful completion, students may earn a degree in recreation, depending on the program and institution.
Target Audience:
This major is designed for undergraduate and graduate students in recreation management, community development, and related fields, as well as professionals seeking to enhance their skills in recreation. This major prepares students and professionals to excel in the field of recreation, leveraging theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and understanding of emerging trends to plan, manage, and deliver recreational programs and services that promote health, well-being, and community engagement.