RPTS 101

Introduction to Recreation, Parks, and Tourism

Chemistry Bldg., Room 255

Course Description

    This course is intended to introduce students to the recreation, park, and tourism profession.  We will examine the function of leisure service providers, including community parks and recreation agencies, the national park service, cruise ships, and so on.  We will also examine different disciplines related to recreation, parks, and tourism, including planning, marketing, and youth recreation.

Course Objectives

    1.    Students will understand the array of fields and occupations that make up the leisure service industry.

    2.    Students will understand principle leisure service providers that deliver recreation, park, and tourism programs and              amenities.

    3.    Students will understand fields of study in recreation, parks, and tourism.

Method of Instruction

    The approach of this course is to utilize guest speakers who are recognized for their expertise in their respective field.

Course Requirements

50% Attendance and Participation - I expect students to come to class fully present.  This means being attentive to guest speakers, and being prepared to answer and ask questions.  Second, it means refraining from activities that will distract them, their classmates, and me from what is going on in class.  To this end, I expect students to turn cell phones off, not chat with people next to them, and abstain from behaviors that are not directly related to course material (e.g., doing crossword puzzles, doing homework for another exam, and so on).

25% Reaction Paper 1.  Paper will be 1.5 to 2 pages double spaced (12 pt. font, 1" margins on all sides, page numbers on all pages, stapled) and will provide in-depth comments about one or tow major points of interest spurred by class material.  Papers can not simply repeat material we learned during class.  Papers should answer one or more of the following questions.  As a result of material learned in class, a) I learned...b) I disagree with the premise that...c) I feel strongly that...d) I have revised my views about (how revised)...etc.  Papers can either deal with ideas or the application of ideas to practice (the real world) or both.  Papers will be graded on a) student's ability to lay out a clear topic for discussion and b) quality of writing about and discussion of the topic.  Papers should be strong 2nd or 3rd drafts (i.e., polished beyond the initial writing).  They should be written in as interewsting a way as possible (I am going to be reading lots of these so make your paper worth reading).  First reaction paper is due by October 13.  However, you may turn it in anytime before then.

25% Reaction Paper 2.  Same as Reaction Paper 1 except this one must be based on material covered in class form October 13-November 24.  Paper is due by December 1.  Again, you may turn your paper in prior to the due date.

People with Disabilities

    If you need accommodations in this class related to a disability, please make an appointment with the instructor to discuss this as soon as possible.  Texas A&M University provides academic adjustments and auxiliary aids to students with disabilities who otherwise meet academic requirements of the institution.

    The following ADA Policy Statement (part of the Policy on Individual Disabling Conditions) was submitted to the University Curriculum Committee by the Department of Student Life.  the policy statement was forwarded to the Faculty Senate for information.

    The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination stature that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities.  Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities.  If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Life Services, Services for Students with Disabilities, in Room 126 of the Koldus Building or call 845-1637.

Scholastic Dishonesty

    Consistent with Texas A&M University Regulations, scholastic dishonesty (e.g., plagiarism and acquiring information from unauthorized sources) will result in the student being given an F in the course.

    As commonly defined, plagiarism consists of passing off as one's own ideas, words, writings, etc., which belong to another.  In accordance with this definition, you are committing plagiarism if you copy the work of another person and turn it in as your own, even if you should have the permission of that person.  This includes notes included in course packets and other in class handouts.  Plagiarism is one of the worst academic sins, for the plagiarist destroys the trust among colleagues without which research cannot be safely communicated.

    If you have any questions regarding plagiarism, please consult the latest issue of the Texas A&M University Student Rules, under the section "Scholastic Dishonesty."

Topics and Calendar of Activity

September 1:    Overview of Course and Recreation, Parks, and Tourism

September 8:    Time scarcity and leisure

            Speaker: David Scott

September 15:    Serious leisure and festivals

            Speaker: H.Kim (Gon - as in Gone with the Wind)

September  22:     Military Recreation

            Speaker:  Kristi Montandon

September 29:  Youth and recreation

            Speaker:    Peter Witt

October 6:    Eco-tourism

            Speaker:  Amanda Stronza

October 13:    Environmental education and interpretation

            Speaker:  Susan Scott

October 20:    National Parks

            Speaker: TBA

October 27:    Planning Parks and Greenways

            Speaker:  Scott Shafer

November 3:    Recreation and Tourism: Species of the same genus

            Speaker: John L. Crompton

November 10:    Trends in outdoor recreation and tourism travel

            Speaker:    Joe O'Leary

November 17:    Cruise Ships

            Speaker:     James Petrick

November 24:    International Tourism

            Speaker:     Sanjay Nepal

December 1:    TO BE DETERMINED