Recreation Courses

All persons who participate in any activity course must have a health clearance on file in the Ithaca College health center.

661-10100    Leisure and Society      SS LA

Introduction to the dimensions of leisure and recreation services in modern society. Potential of recreation as related to human needs and development. For freshman/sophomore non-recreation majors only. Students may not receive credit for this course and 661-10300. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

661-10300    Challenge of Recreation and Leisure      LA

Historical and theoretical foundations, nature, and significance of recreation and leisure in contemporary society; current trends and prospects for the future. Survey of agencies, organizations, and programs in the leisure service field and the recreation profession. For recreation majors and minors only. Students may not receive credit for this course and 661-10100. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

661-10400    New Games      NLA

Basic concepts of cooperative games - philosophy, leadership, curriculum development, and evaluation. The course includes leadership and referee techniques, safety considerations, group dynamics, and game philosophies. A variety of game strategies are presented. Other new and innovative approaches to games are also presented. 1 credit. (F-S,Y)

661-10500    Leadership      NLA

Basic concepts in leadership. Common roles of leaders in recreation settings. Analysis of effective leadership practices and their application to organized group activities. Preference is given to freshmen and sophomores. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

661-12500    Introduction to Special Populations      LA

Introduction to the wide spectrum of special populations, including people with mental retardation, mental illness, physical disability, and sensory impairment, as well as the aged and socially deviant. Discussions focus on causes, characteristics, and needs; the legal implications for treatment through an interdisciplinary team approach; and future trends in rehabilitation. Preference is given to freshmen and sophomores. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

661-13700    Leisure Travel      NLA

 Develops an understanding of tourism and its social, economic, and environmental impact as one of the world's largest and fastest growing industries. Examines travel motivation, travel trends including ecotourism, and the distinctive conditions that attract visitors to different regions of the world. Enables students to discover interesting places to visit and prepares them to deal with logistical concerns related to climate, monetary exchanges, customs, time changes, health, and safety. The role of intermediaries to facilitate travel arrangements and provide information is also examined. 3 credits. (F,Y)

661-13900    Computer Applications in Recreation      NLA

Introduction to microcomputers and their applications to therapeutic recreation and leisure services. Provides a brief survey of hardware and a more detailed examination of contemporary applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and database management, as well as recreation-specific programs. Students get hands-on experience practicing with various applications and software packages. A student may receive credit for only one of the following: 312-11000, 660-13900, 661-13900, 662-13900, 663-13900. Recreation majors/minors only. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

661-21000    Recreational Dance      NLA

Designed to train students in the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to conduct recreational dance programs. The students become familiar with a variety of dance forms and their application to various recreation settings. Prerequisites: 661-10500. 1 credit. (IRR)

661-21500    Youth at Risk      LA

Students explore the factors that contribute to or influence the leisure, educational, and social problems of youth at risk through theoretical and experiential learning. Included among these factors are abuse, neglect, homelessness, recent immigration, minority group membership, having single and/or addicted parents, and various kinds of family dysfunctions. An overview of developmental, social, and psychological perspectives is presented along with innovative programs for youth at risk. Includes weekend workshop (minimal fee). Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or above. 3 credits. (F,Y)

661-21600    Outdoor Adventure Skills      NLA

 Introduction to basic skills and concepts in a variety of outdoor adventure pursuits. Skills include trip preparation, menu planning, cooking techniques, and safety considerations in both moderate- and cold-weather camping. Fundamentals in backcountry travel include day hiking, backpacking, flat-water canoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Stress is placed on environmental concerns and minimizing human impact. Includes several mandatory field experiences, with fees for food. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or above. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

661-22100    Wilderness Travel      NLA

An intensive experience in wilderness travel and programming. Students spend five days on campus planning the logistics of the wilderness trip and making all preparations for a six-day trip in a selected wilderness area. Fee charged to cover expenses. Prerequisites: 661-21600; sophomore standing. 3 credits. (Summer only, E)

661-23200    Program Planning      NLA

Takes students through the process of programming, including the setting and evaluation of goals and objectives. Provides opportunities to experience the implementation of ideas in the community. This course also incorporates activity analysis, leisure education, program safety and risk management, and public relations. Prerequisites: 661-10100 or 661-10300; 661-10500. Corequisites: 661-24800. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

661-23300    Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation      NLA

An in-depth study of the scope of therapeutic recreation. Students study the historical and philosophical foundations of the profession. The role of therapeutic recreation professionals in the spectrum of health care settings serving clients with a variety of disabilities is explored. Students participate in field visits and interact with professionals in the field throughout the course. Prerequisites: 661-12500. 3 credits. (S,Y)

661-23500    Design and Operation of Areas and Facilities      NLA

Elements and principles of the design of outdoor recreation areas, with emphasis on playground, neighborhood, community, and large urban parks. Design features and operational practices of selected special facilities are also examined. Prerequisites: 661-10100 or 661-10300. 3 credits. (F,Y)

661-23800    Leisure and Aging      LA

Explores the role of leisure in the aging process. Students analyze the effects of incorporating meaningful leisure activities into the lifestyles of older individuals, based on their needs and interests. Visits to facilities and interaction with older individuals in leisure settings demonstrate the importance of leisure to a healthy lifestyle for older individuals. Prerequisites: 661-10100, 661-10300, or 780-10100. 3 credits. (F,O)

661-24000    Sports for Individuals with Disabilities      NLA

Study of competitive and recreational sports programs and of the development of sports programs and athletic classification systems for individuals with disabilities. The organizations sanctioned by the U.S. Olympic Committee to provide sports opportunities to individuals with disabilities are also discussed. Coaching techniques, performance, and rule adaptations are considered. Through films, guest speakers, role playing, and attendance at sporting events, students gain an understanding of the unique needs and abilities of athletes with disabilities. Prerequisites: 661-12500. 3 credits. (IRR)

661-24300    Interventions and Protocols in Therapeutic Recreation      NLA

Explores ways in which arts and related recreation activities can aid in the rehabilitation process of individuals with disabling conditions, develop individual creativity, and enhance the quality of life. Programming areas include art, music, dance, drama, writing, literary readings, movement, reminiscence, horticulture, pet therapy, and biofeedback. Prerequisites: 661-12500. 3 credits. (S,Y)

661-24800    Fieldwork I      NLA

An experiential education opportunity that applies program planning theories and skills to real-life situations. The student works in a leisure service agency and is actively involved in some aspect of program planning and direct leadership. This course combines classroom and agency experience. Prerequisites: 661-10100 or 661-10300; 661-10500; major or minor status in department. Corequisites: 661-23200. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

661-25000    Rock Climbing      NLA

An introduction to the fundamentals of rock climbing, including safety considerations. Skills taught include the care and use of equipment, knot-tying, belaying, rappelling, and a variety of movements on rock. Conducted on the artificial wall at Cornell University. Arrangements must be made at the department office in Hill Center prior to registration. Open to recreation majors and minors only. Prerequisites: 661-21600; sophomore standing. Pass/fail only. 1 credit. (IRR)

661-25100    Foundations of Outdoor Adventure Pursuits      LA

An overview of the phenomenon of outdoor adventure pursuits. Topics include risk taking, motivations, resource areas, policies, and environmental impacts. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

661-25300    Project Adventure      NLA

Principles and practices of leading, supervising, planning, implementing, and evaluating Project Adventure programs and activities. Covers the use and construction of the basic ropes course, as well as group problem solving, initiative games, and balance activities. Stresses teaching methods, techniques, and safety. Fee charged to cover expenses. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or above. 3 credits. (Summer only, O)

661-25500    Outdoor Adventures for People with Disabilities      NLA

 Principles and practices of planning, leading, implementing, supervising, and evaluating outdoor adventure programs for people with disabilities. The focus is on the abilities, rights, characteristics, and needs of people with varying abilities, including cognitive disabilities, mental illness, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and sensory impairments that impact participation in outdoor adventure. Use of outdoor adventure as therapeutic intervention is also examined. Prerequisites: 661-12500. 3 credits. (F,IRR)

661-33000    Administration and Supervision      NLA

Introduction to basic concepts of organization, administration, and supervision of leisure service agencies. The administrative functions covered include personnel management, budgets, finance, resource planning, public relations, evaluation, legal issues, policy development, and problem-solving techniques. Prerequisites: 661-23200; 661-24800. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

661-33200    Research Methods      LA

Procedures and applications of social science research methods to recreational settings. Topics include research design, methods of data collection, and the presentation and interpretation of data. Prerequisites: 661-10500; 661-23200; junior standing. 3 credits. (S,Y)

661-33400    Leisure Education      LA

The recreation professional is considered a facilitator of his or her clients' expanded leisure awareness. Focus is on enabling clients to evaluate the individual and social dynamics of leisure, and to assess their leisure attitudes, skills, and options. Prerequisites: 661-10100 or 661-10300. 3 credits. (F,Y)

661-33600    Entrepreneurial Recreation      NLA

Study of commercial and entrepreneurial recreation as a major component of the leisure service delivery system. Analysis of the development potential of different types of recreation enterprises, including resources, location, risks, sources of financing, pricing, managerial requirements, marketing, and sources of technical assistance. Prerequisites: 661-33000 or a level-2 business or economics course. 3 credits. (S,E)

661-33700    Tourism Systems and Policies      NLA

Study of the tourism industry, including its present characteristics, policies, organizations, impact, and site development. The components of tourism, including transportation modes, accommodations, primary attractions, and information and sales distribution systems, are examined. Prerequisites: 661-10100 or 661-10300; three courses in business and/or the social sciences; junior standing. 3 credits. (S,O)

661-34000    Inclusive Community Leisure Services      NLA

Principles and techniques to include people with disabilities in regular, community leisure services. Rationale for inclusion, historical context, and legislative initiatives are addressed. Strategies highlighted include needs assessment, staff training, environmental analysis, sensitization training for peers without disabilities, trainer advocacy, behavioral teaching techniques, cooperative learning, friendship development, and evaluation techniques. A 20-hour volunteer experience is required. Prerequisites: 661-12500; junior standing. 3 credits. (F,Y)

661-34400    Programming and Evaluation in Therapeutic Recreation      NLA

A systematic approach to the program planning and evaluation process in therapeutic recreation. Students learn to design, implement, and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs that meet professional standards of practice and accrediting guidelines and that facilitate third-party reimbursement. Topics include needs assessment; comprehensive and specific level program planning, including the development of program goals and objectives and evaluation plans; activity and task analysis; scheduling; implementation plans; program evaluation techniques; and the application of intervention strategies. Prerequisites: 661-23300. 3 credits. (F,Y)

661-34800    Fieldwork II      NLA

Fieldwork in a leisure service agency compatible with the student's career interests and talents. The experience focuses on learning the responsibilities of a recreation administrator and/or supervisor. This course encourages practical application of concepts discussed in 661-33000 Administration and Supervision. Prerequisites: 661-24800. Corequisites: 661-33000. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

661-34900    Advanced Fieldwork      NLA

Practical in-depth work experience in a leisure service agency. Prerequisites: 661-34800; permission of department chair. 2-6 credits. (F-S,Y)

661-35200    Outdoor Education      NLA

Basic concepts in environmental interpretation and ecology, development of outdoor education programs, and laboratory experience in the outdoors. Three-day field trip is required; additional fee is charged. Prerequisites: 661-10500; sophomore standing. 3 credits. (F,Y)

661-35400    Leadership Techniques in Outdoor Recreation      NLA

Principles and practices in planning, implementing, leading, supervising, and evaluating outdoor trips and programs. Emphasis is given to wilderness leadership techniques and programming. Prerequisites: 661-21600 or 661-22100; sophomore standing. 3 credits. (F,E)

661-35600    Assessment and Documentation in Therapeutic Recreation      NLA

An in-depth study of therapeutic recreation assessment and documentation procedures. The course includes exposure to and practical application of a variety of assessment instruments. Data secured from these assessments are utilized for the development of individual treatment plans and documentation of client progress. Continuous quality management, discharge planning, behavioral observation, interagency referral, and protocol development for therapeutic recreation are discussed. Prerequisites: 661-23300. 3 credits. (S,Y)

661-36600    Social and Cultural Aspects of Play      LA

Explores qualities of play through interdisciplinary reading, experiential learning, and in-depth classroom discussion. Students learn about social and cultural aspects of play and rekindle their personal sense of playfulness. Prerequisites: Three courses from recreation 661-xxxxx, psychology 330-xxxxx, anthropology 339-xxxxx, history 311-xxxxx, music 551-xxxxx, philosophy 314-xxxxx, or sociology 331-xxxxx; junior standing. 3 credits. (S,E)

661-39900-661-39999 Selected Topics in Recreation      LA/NLA

Topics of current interest to faculty and students. Experimental courses are offered under this course number and title. This course may be repeated for credit for different selected topics. Prerequisites: As appropriate to topics. 1-3 credits. (IRR)

661-43100    Feasibility Studies in Commercial Recreation      NLA

An analysis of commercial recreation potential resources, potential market, feasible market, cost, demand, cost justified by demand, community services, land, mobility, and facilities. Prerequisites: 661-33600 or permission of instructor. 3 credits. (IRR)

661-43300    Administration of Therapeutic Recreation      NLA

Provides an awareness and working knowledge of the skills needed to administer a therapeutic recreation department. Topics to be discussed include standards of practice, accreditation standards, third party reimbursements, alternate funding sources, team involvement and intervention, marketing, clinical supervision, and continuous quality management as it relates to the therapeutic recreation process. Prerequisites: 661-33000. 3 credits. (F,Y)

661-43700    Planning Tourism Services      NLA

In-depth study of the group travel market and factors related to researching, designing, costing, booking, and marketing of packaged tours. The corporate travel sector and the convention and meeting planning trade are also examined. Professionals in the areas of group tours, meeting planning, convention services, and corporate travel explain their particular operations. Prerequisites: 661-33700. 3 credits. (IRR)

661-44100    Internship in Recreation and Leisure Studies      NLA

Supervised, full-time work experience during the summer or regular academic school year in a leisure service agency. Prerequisites: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00; minimum GPA in 661-xxxxx courses of 2.50; minimum average of 3.00 in 661-24800 and 661-34800; completion of at least 24 credits of required recreation courses (661-xxxxx) and 6 credits of recreation electives; approval of department chair. 6-9 credits. (F-S-Sum,Y)

661-45000-661-45099 Independent Study      LA

Individual pursuit of the solution to a problem of interest to the student and consultant faculty member. Prerequisites: 661-33200; permission of department chair. 1-3 credits. (F-S-Sum,Y)

661-45300    Seminar: Professional Development      NLA

Capstone course to develop skills necessary for professional involvement after graduation. Topics include an in-depth study of the national certification processes, professional organizations and committee involvement, and legislative and consumer advocacy skills. Students also learn to develop proposals for presentations at professional conferences and develop presentation skills, including the use of handouts, overheads, and multimedia presentations. Professional publications and publication requirements are discussed. Prerequisites: 661-33000. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

661-46000    Seminar: Health Care Teams      NLA

The theory and practice of other health care professions. Introduction to the essential knowledge that can facilitate interaction among health science professionals and enable them to become more effective members of interdisciplinary teams. Cross-listed with 620-46000. Students may not receive credit for both 661-46000 and 620-46000. Prerequisites: Senior standing in a health sciences and human performance major. 3 credits. (F,Y)