Outdoor, Recreation, Tourism & Event Management program

REC 320 Introduction to Tourism This course provides an introduction to tourism through the examination of tourism as a system of interconnected parts. The topics include the history of tourism, destination mix, tourist motivation and behavior, destination marketing, and destination management. It explores the role of natural and built environments in creating tourism, economic implications for travelers and local communities, and social and cultural connections. Students gain an understanding of event and non-event based tourism. Offered Spring.

REC 306 NatureRx: Environmental Ethics and Behaviors in Recreation and Tourism This course provides an overview of the natural resources used for outdoor recreational pursuits and nature-based tourism. Students analyze leisure, recreation, and tourism activities dependent on natural resources, present issues associated with recreational land use, and develop environmental awareness and a personal environmental ethic. Offered Fall, Spring.

REC 301 Introduction to Recreation Programming and Event Management This course provides practical knowledge and experiences on the essential elements and design concepts of recreation programming and event planning. Emphasis is placed on student involvement in planning, directing, and evaluating programs that enhance well-being for diverse populations in a variety of physical settings. Offered Fall, Spring.

REC 150 Leisure, Quality of Life, and Well Being This course will focus on the knowledge and skills necessary for integrating the major elements of well-being (physical, emotional, spiritual, environmental, intellectual, social, and occupational) through the lens of a leisure perspective into a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle throughout one's lifespan. Course content will include theories and methods related to leisure as the foundation for enhancing overall wellness, building coping strategies, and negotiating a balanced, fulfilling life. Additionally, this course will explore philosophical and historical aspects of leisure and recreation. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.

REC 325 Leisure in a Diverse Society This course explores the increasingly diversified nature of society and its impact on individuals' experiences of leisure. A focus is placed on the experiences of members of minority populations including issues related to race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, social status, age, and disability. Students are introduced to factors that influence the experience of leisure and leisure service delivery. Offered Spring.

REC 340 Evaluation Methods and Practices This course is designed to provide students with foundational skills necessary to evaluate existing recreation, tourism, and leisure research. Students develop relevant and appropriate evaluations of such services and apply these techniques in practice. Students are exposed to both qualitative and quantitative evaluation approaches. Offered Fall, Spring.

REC 350 Experience Design, Promotion, and Communication This course introduces students to the experience design process. A focus of the course is placed on how to promote services offered to both customers and supporting stakeholders with the overall experience in mind. Students learn how to create engaging content and enhance communication during all phases of an experience. Offered Fall, Spring.

REC 390 Principles of Management in Recreation Study of theories and techniques in leadership, group dynamics, and personnel management as they relate to programming and staff supervision in recreation agencies. Emphasis on personnel management techniques, including job analysis, recruitment, selection training, motivation, career development, and evaluation of paid staff and volunteers. Course includes issues common to full-time entry-level professional positions in recreation. Prerequisite: junior standing. Offered Fall, Spring.