School of Experiential Leadership

Undergraduate Course Descriptions

REC1060 Beginning Rock Climbing (1 semester hour)
This course introduces the student to beginning rock climbing. Topics covered include terminology, equipment, as well as technical and safety skills. Safety will be emphasized. Students will have the opportunity to climb on the University Climbing Wall and put lectures, discussions, and readings into practice.
No Prerequisites
Offered Fall and Spring

REC1070 Elementary Backpacking (1 semester hour)
Introduction to basic backpacking skills which include the following: Planning and preparing for a trip, how to select proper equipment, site selection and set up, safe use of equipment, back country travel, low impact camping and permitting. The class will be experiential, with opportunities to practice skills and participating in an overnight backpacking trip.
No prerequisites; camping equipment and backpacks provided; students share trip food expenses.

REC1080 Bicycle Touring (1 semester hour)
Introduction to bicycle touring, which includes: terminology, equipment, bicycle maintenance, safe-riding skills and tour planning. Students participate in an overnight bicycle tour.
No prerequisites; must furnish own bicycle; other equipment provided, students share trip food expenses.

REC1750 Practicum in Outdoor Living Skills (3 semester hours)
A 7-day resident course scheduled in late August prior to the beginning of the Fall Term. Students learn outdoor-living, environmental and camp programming skills. American Camping Association Outdoor Living Skills Program Leader Certification awarded to students who qualify.
Prerequisites: Special registration and permission of instructor; medical examination form required for participation; additional room, board, and materials fee. Group camping equipment provided.

REC1760 Leisure and Society (3 semester hours)
This course focuses on the phenomena of leisure, recreation and play and their impact on individuals and society. It traces the historical development of recreation and leisure and the corresponding concepts of time, work, meaning, pleasure, culture, technology and rapid change. Students are challenged to think critically about the issues related to choices an individual and society make when using "free time" and the resulting benefits and consequences.
No prerequisites.
Meets the General Education requirement of Knowing Ourselves and Others - B.

REC2000 Introduction to Inclusive Leisure Services (3 semester hours)
This course serves as an introduction to inclusion for the professional practices of recreation services. Topics covered include history, philosophy, purpose, programming, as well as characteristics and needs of individuals with disabilities.
No Prerequisites.

REC2080 First Aid/CPR (2 semester hours)
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent and treat injuries effectively and safely. American Red Cross certification in Community First Aid and CPR will be awarded to students who qualify.
No Prerequisites

REC2160 Teaching Non-Traditional Games (2 semester hours)
Crosslisted with PED2160.
This course addresses methodologies for teaching a variety of non-traditional games, including team challenges, problem solving activities, and cooperative games. Concepts will include a challenge by choice philosophy, setting goals and objectives, planning for the physical and emotional safety of the participants, sequencing of activities, and processing the experience. Students will lead peer-facilitated experiences and will be required to generate a resource notebook.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing.

REC2220 Recreation Leadership (3 semester hours)
This course focuses on the development of foundational leadership knowledge and skills within the recreation field. Students will learn about various leadership styles, interpersonal and organizational communication, motivational theories, group dynamics, process and technical skills, as well as knowledge of liability and risk management issues.
Prerequisites: Taken concurrently with REC2750.

REC2750 Professional Leadership Practicum (1 semester hour )
This course focuses on application and development of leadership knowledge and skills needed to deliver recreation and leisure programs. Opportunities are offered for diverse leadership experiences in designated community recreation settings. Includes classroom experience and a minimum of 50 hours of practical experience.
Prerequisites: REC1760 or consent of the instructor. Taken concurrently with REC2220.

REC3040 Sports and Event Management (3 semester hours)
The role of sport in society, participant needs and satisfaction regarding sport involvement and management responsibilities in club sports, intramurals and athletics. Students will develop an understanding of the administration aspect of comprehensive sports programs and event formats including organizational philosophy, financing, facilities, equipment, risk management, legal considerations, personnel management, marketing and sports information. Students will also gain insight into the use of sport and leisure events within various leisure service delivery agencies and for various diverse populations.
No prerequisites

REC3330 Recreation Programming and Supervision (3 semester hours)
Introduction to programming concepts and theory for delivering recreation and leisure programs. Planning, implementing and evaluating program services. Addresses a variety of program formats including education, competition and special events.
Prerequisites: REC2220 and REC2750 or equivalent experience determined by instructor. Taken concurrently with REC3750.

REC3400 Philosophy and Methods of Outdoor Education (3 semester hours)
Students study outdoor education historical program development. Topics include introduction to outdoor education curriculum development, teaching techniques, and administrative programming practices. Students will participate in developing curricula and activities appropriate for extending academic classroom subjects to the outdoors according to Illinois State standards of education.

Cross listed with EDU3400
Prerequisites: Junior Standing

REC3750 Professional Program Practicum (1 semester hour)
This course focuses on enhancing professional skills for implementing leisure/recreation programs and services. Students gain practical programming experience in an agency related to their particular specialization and interest. Includes classroom experience and a minimum of 50 hours of practical experience.
Prerequisites: REC1760, REC2750 and consent of the instructor. Taken concurrently with REC3330.

REC3990 Issues and Ethics in Recreation Administration (3 semester hours)
This course in recreation administration will examine issues and ethical situations in the profession. Students will employ critical thinking skills in applying both their own values and knowledge and the core values of the university: integrity, citizenship continuous learning and excellence. Topics will include multiculturalism, gender equity, accessibility, the use of the environment, professionalism, competence, and the future.

Open to other majors and meets Junior Writing Intensive Requirement
Prerequisites: Junior standing and (all practicum experiences for Recreation Administration Majors).

REC4020 Adventure Education Ethics and Methods (3 semester hours)
This course introduces the student to adventure education philosophy, skills, programming ethics and methods, facilitation techniques, as well as safety and risk management principles. This class is experiential in nature and may include activities such as initiatives, rock climbing, and personal challenges.
Prerequisites: Junior standing

REC4080 Leisure and Aging (3 semester hours)
This course will focus on theoretical and practical issues encountered in serving older adults in recreation settings. Topics include attitudes toward aging, physical, mental, and social aspects of aging, wellness, dementia and death and dying and their relationship to and influence on the dimension of leisure in the lives of older adults. Programming, program delivery systems and innovative program design will also be addressed.
Prerequisites: Junior Standing.

REC 4100 Commercial Recreation Management (3 semester hours)
This course explores commercial recreation management as a major component of the leisure service delivery system for profit. Students study the development potential of different types of entrepreneurial recreation enterprises. Topics will include resources needed, location, risks, sources of financing, pricing, managerial requirements, marketing, consulting and technical assistance. Students will study for-profit business plans for leisure services enterprises.
Prerequisites: Junior standing or permission from instructor.

REC4340 Political and Policy Implications for Recreation Administration (3 semester hours)
Political and legislative implications for recreation and leisure services will be explored. Students will study related governmental and political processes at the local, state, and national levels, policies and laws that influence recreation and leisure services planning and programming.
Prerequisite: Senior level course.

REC4350 Administration of Recreation and Leisure Services (3 semester hours )
Administration, organizational structure, personnel supervision, financing, and budgeting in recreation and leisure services are covered.
Prerequisite: Senior level course.

REC4370 Facilities Management (3 semester hours)
Principles for planning, assessing and evaluating resources, areas and facilities. Topics include scheduling, planning and design, assessing resources, routine and preventative maintenance, care of outdoor and natural areas, and impact on the environment.
Prerequisite: Senior standing.

REC4400 Camp and Outdoor Center Administration (3 semester hours)
Administration of resident camps, day camps, conference centers and outdoor adventure centers. Focus is on program design and implementation, staffing, food service, maintenance and financial aspects of center operations.
Prerequisite: Senior standing.

REC4430 Programs in Outdoor Education (3 semester hours)
Students will study the growth and significance of the organized outdoor education movement; program objectives, organization, philosophy, and clientele. Selected national and international programs will be analyzed.

Cross listed with EDU 4430
Prerequisite: Senior standing or permission from instructor.

REC4750 Assessment and Evaluation in Leisure Services (3 semester hours)
Designing and implementing program evaluation. Interpreting information generated by evaluation and assessment instruments. Focus is on development of surveys; focus groups; and evaluating facilities and recreation areas.
Prerequisite: REC3330 and statistics competency or basic statistic course.

REC4770 Recreation Administration Internship (6 semester hours)
Students complete a 320-hour/8 week internship at a professional recreation agency. The agency supervisor, the university internship supervisor and the student work as a team and develop a comprehensive hands-on learning experience for the student. Internship contract must have approval from both the Recreation Administration Internship Coordinator and the Department Chairperson prior to registration.
Prerequisites: Senior standing, REC2750, REC3750, REC4340, REC4350, REC4370, REC4750.

REC4790 Recreation Administration Internship (12 semester hours)
Students complete a 640-hour/16 week internship at a professional recreation agency. The agency supervisor, the university internship supervisor and the student work as a team and develop a comprehensive hands-on learning experience for the student. Internship Contract must have approval from both the Recreation Administration Internship Coordinator and the Department Chairperson.
Prerequisites: Senior standing, REC2750, REC3750, REC4340, REC4350, REC4370, REC4750.

REC5000 Administrative Practicum in Outdoor Experiences (3 semester hours )
A seven-day resident course conducted prior to the beginning of the Fall Term in late August. Students study organization and administrative preparation for resident outdoor and environmental experiences. Students will participate as outdoor instructors in areas where they have developed skills as leaders. Program planning, teaching, leading, supervising, and administering activities. Leave No Trace Trainer Certification is awarded to students who qualify.
Prerequisite: Senior standing, special registration and permission of instructor; medical examination form required for participation; additional room, board, and materials fee. Group camping equipment provided.

For more information about the Recreation Administration undergraduate program, please contact: