Courses

ROE 182   Introduction to Recreation and Outdoor Education   3 credits
An introduction to the history, philosophy, founders, and principles of recreation and outdoor education, the agencies providing programs, and an investigation of professional employment opportunities in recreation.

ROE 189   Principles of Outdoor Recreation  3 credits
An exploration of the characteristics of wilderness and backcountry environments in terms of potential hazards and human capability for adverse impact on resource lands. The course is designed to create an outdoor education foundation and to enhance the knowledge of and appreciation for the natural environment so that safe, responsible and enjoyable outdoor adventures are possible. Leave No Trace Trainer curriculum will be covered and students will be provided the opportunity to earn a certificate.

ROE 197   Special Topics  1-6 credits

ROE 230  Interpretation of Natural and Cultural History  3 credits
A study of the principles, philosophies, and practices of interpretation, as well as active approaches to describing, relating, displaying, and revealing resources to a variety of audiences, primarily through observation and involvement in a variety of interpretation programs. Prerequisites: BIOL 130, BIOL 150, BIOL 151, or GEOL 101.

ROE 235  Foundations of Teaching Environmental Education  3 credits
A survey of environmental education examples from land management agencies, nature centers, and educational organizations. Students are guided to create their own curriculum employing environmental content. Field trips required.

ROE 240  Alternative Programming  3 credits
Course participants gain insight into alternative programming for special populations. Students explore case studies, specialized equipment, and profiles of special populations. Guest speakers and site visits will help students understand the intricacies of alternative programming and requisite career qualifications.  Field trips required.

ROE 283   Leadership and Facilitation  3 credits
A study of recreation and outdoor education leadership, including leading activities, managerial leadership, and the art of facilitation.  Emphasis is placed upon appropriate theories and techniques for varying populations.

ROE 293   Outdoor Pursuits Education—Water Based (with laboratory)  3 credits
Water-based outdoor leadership, skill development in areas such as rescue techniques, rafting, and kayaking. Field trips required. Summer offering only. Consult with instructor prior to registration week. Prerequisites: ROE 189, admission to the Program, and instructor permission.

ROE 295   Outdoor Pursuits Education—Snow Based (with laboratory) 3 credits
Snow-based outdoor leadership, skill development in areas such as rescue techniques,  mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and winter camping. Field trips required. Spring offering only. Consult with instructor prior to registration week. Prerequisites: ROE 189, admission to the Program, and instructor permission.

ROE 296   Outdoor Pursuits Education—Land Based (with laboratory) 3 credits
Land-based outdoor leadership and skill development in areas such as rescue techniques, mountaineering, rock climbing, backpacking, and caving. Field trips required. Fall and summer offering only. Consult with instructor prior to registration week. Prerequisites: ROE 189, admission to the Program and instructor permission.

ROE 297   Special Topics 1-6 credits

ROE 320   Leave No Trace Master Educator 3 credits
A comprehensive overview of Leave No Trace skills and ethics. Time in the classroom, as well as in a backcountry setting, allows students to gain understanding of LNT history, theory, and practical application. The curriculum also requires students to design and teach an LNT Trainer course, employing diverse teaching techniques and exploring personal wilderness ethics. Prerequisite: ROE 189 or instructor permission.

ROE 333   Recreation and Sport Marketing   3 credits
A survey of recreation and sport marketing topics: buyer behavior, segmentation, positioning, demand analysis, information and research, pricing, promotion, channels, “product” policies, destinations, sponsorship, endorsement, merchandising, and fundraising.

ROE 351   Inquiry into Sustainability  3 credits
An investigation of sustainability and the interconnectedness of environment, economics, and society. Students are provided opportunities to examine their thoughts and behaviors as they pertain to sustainability. The course examines theoretical and practical examples of sustainable businesses, communities, and other systems. Teaching, applied projects, field trips, and/or participation in conferences may be required.

ROE 364   Entrepreneurship and Commercial Recreation  3 credits
An analysis of the types of commercial and private enterprises, along with the qualities of the entrepreneur specific to recreation businesses. The student is also exposed to small-business management practices as they relate to commercial recreation. Case study analysis and field investigation methods are emphasized to provide the student the opportunity to learn through active participation.

ROE 391   Experiential Education Theory and Pedagogy  3 credits
An introduction to the historical, theoretical, and pedagogical foundations of experiential education. Teaching opportunities in the classroom and/or in the outdoors allow students to hone facilitation styles and effectiveness. Course topics include the experiential learning cycle, reflective learning, feedback, edgework, communication techniques, and multiple intelligences.

ROE 397   Special Topics  1-6 credits

ROE 398   Program Planning  (with laboratory)  3 credits
Equips students with a variety of program-planning methodologies and skills. Emphasis is placed on the planning, organization, implementation, and evaluation of recreation programs. Theories are applied in an experiential setting.

ROE 454   Human Development and Counseling for Outdoor Educators 3 credits
An investigation of human development theories enabling students to better understand  their own motives in outdoor pursuits and allow them to more effectively program for, manage, and support a variety of client needs. Prerequisite:  admission to the Program or instructor permission.

ROE 466   Facilities Management 3 credits
A study of management, clientele considerations, facilities, outdoor area planning, and operation. Also addressed are personnel, finance, architectural and environmental barriers, plus equipment as related to recreation areas and facilities. Field visits required.

ROE 468   Leadership and Administration of Outdoor Pursuits  3 credits
A focus on the implementation of outdoor pursuits programs, planning and leadership components, outdoor adventure-based administrative techniques, leadership competencies, therapeutic/adaptive considerations, and risk management. Field trip required. Prerequisites: admission to the Program; ROE 391 and ROE 398; ROE 393, ROE 395, or ROE 396.

ROE 490   Capstone: Recreation Philosophy and Ethics 3 credits
An exploration of recreation philosophy from Plato to Petzoldt and its implications to professionals in the field.  Designed to prepare ROE majors for the ethical challenges and time use dilemmas of the 21st century.  Prerequisites: admission to the Program and senior standing; corequisite: ROE 491.

ROE 491  Recreation and Outdoor Education Capstone 3 credits
A small group of graduating seniors pursue a practical project necessitating professional levels of problem solving, research, written and oral prowess, critical thinking, and familiarity with core curriculum.  Final projects are of high quality, so they can be used by professionals and decision-makers in the field. Prerequisites: admission to the Program and senior standing. Corequisite 490.

ROE 492   Independent Study 1-4 credits
A course open to qualified upper-division students who have specialized interests in a particular area of advanced study in recreation. Prerequisite: admission to the Program.

ROE 494   Research  1-4 credits
Provides students the opportunity to pursue research in the field of recreation.  Prerequisite: admission to the Program.

ROE 496   Field Experiences  1-6 credits
Provides students with directed field experiences in teaching, coaching, and laboratory settings. Guidelines for the field experiences are provided and agreed upon prior to registering for the course. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Prerequisite: admission to the Program.

ROE 497   Special Topics   1-6 credits

ROE 499   Internship in Recreation and Outdoor Education 6-9 credits
A course providing full-time concentration on a specific practical experience at an approved agency. It allows for comprehensive involvement in an agency program with faculty and on-site supervision. Prerequisites: senior standing, completion of all required ROE courses, and instructor permission.