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 1

 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 both this course and 661-10300. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

661-10300 History and Philosophy of Leisure   LA 1

 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. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

661-10400 Cooperative Games Facilitation   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 Understanding Disability: Characteristics, Causes, Services   LA 1

 Introduction to the wide spectrum of disabilities -- including cognitive disability, mental illness, physical disability, and sensory impairment -- within home, school, community, and therapeutic settings. Course focuses on abilities, rights, characteristics, and needs of people with diverse abilities. Issues are discussed in light of societal, cultural, and historical barriers. Self-advocacy, family perspectives, technological developments, and current trends in educational and rehabilitative services are also considered. Includes an experiential swim program with children of varying abilities during class time. 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)

661-15100 Foundations of Outdoor Adventure Pursuits   LA 1

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

661-21500 Youth at Risk   LA 1

 Students explore, through theoretical and experiential learning, the factors that contribute to or influence the leisure, educational, and social problems of youth at risk. 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 taught in the context of the Wilderness Education Association (WEA) 18-point curriculum. 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. Students who take 661-21600, 661-35400, and 661-42100 in sequence will be eligible to apply for WEA certification. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or above; 661-15100 required for TRLS majors and minors. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

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. (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)

661-25500 Outdoor Adventures for People with Differing Abilities   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)

661-27700 Ecotourism and Natural Resource Management   LA g

Examines ecotourism from an international perspective. Emphasis is placed on management of the natural resources necessary in delivering a variety of ecotourist attractions (wildlife, plant life, scenery). Additionally, cultural resources associated with aboriginal cultures are explored. A majority of the course is spent traveling to various private and public ecotourism ventures (e.g., whale watching, hiking, sea kayaking). Students engage in the ecotourism ventures, as well as meet leisure service personnel who own, operate, and direct these ventures. Includes fee for travel, food, and gear rental. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing. 1-3 credits. (Y)

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 1

 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. (IRR)

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)

661-34800 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)

661-35000 Therapeutic Recreation Process I   NLA

 Introduction to the therapeutic recreation process, including the application of theory, client assessment, individualized treatment plan development, intervention planning, and documentation procedures. Focuses on the development and application of knowledge and skills necessary for meeting professional standards of practice, accreditation requirements, and third party payment criteria. Prerequisites: 661-12500; 661-23300. 3 credits. (F,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 and Administration of Outdoor Pursuits   NLA

Principles and practices in planning, implementing, leading, supervising, and evaluating outdoor trips and programs. Emphasis is given to wilderness leadership techniques and programming. Students study leadership theory and administration of outdoor programs while planning an expedition-style backcountry trip to be carried out in 661-42100 Wilderness Expedition Leadership. This course is the second of three courses in the outdoor adventure leadership major using the Wilderness Education Association (WEA) curriculum, satisfying the in-class portions of the WEA National Standards Program for outdoor leadership certification. Prerequisites: 661-21600 or 661-22100; sophomore standing. 3 credits. (F,E)

661-36000 Therapeutic Recreation Process II   NLA

Advanced study of the therapeutic recreation process, including the design and implementation of agency-specific assessments, standardized interdisciplinary assessment instruments, and systems design program planning and evaluation. Focuses on interdisciplinary treatment plan development and intervention planning. Prerequisites: 661-35000. 3 credits. (S,Y)

661-36600 Social and Cultural Aspects of Play   LA 1

 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. (IRR)

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)

661-42100 Wilderness Expedition Leadership   NLA

 Capstone course of the outdoor adventure leadership major. Entails up to 30 days of living, traveling, and developing skills outdoors in a wilderness setting. Emphasis is on the development of sound judgment, decision making, and teaching skills with groups in adventurous wilderness activities. This course is structured around personal ability and knowledge improvement to create a fair assessment of students coming into the course with varying leadership and skills ability. Fee charged to cover expedition expenses. When taken in sequence with 661-21600 and 661-35400, this course may lead to National Standards Program for Outdoor Leadership (NSP) certification through the Wilderness Education Association (WEA). Attempting to receive WEA NSP certification is optional and subject to an additional fee. Prerequisites: 661-35400; 600 hours of logged field experience; TRLS major or minor. 3 credits. (S,)

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)

661-44100 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)