RPTS 201 Class Syllabus

RPTS 201: Foundations of Recreation and Parks

Syllabus

Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences 201 (500)

Summer II

Foundations of Recreation and Parks

9:10 a.m. -10:00 a.m. M, W, F

Francis Hall 202

Instructor: Jamie Rae Walker Office: 351E Francis Hall

E-mail: jamie-rae-walker@tamu.edu Phone : 845-5411 (Department Main Line)

Office Hours: TBA

Class Web Page: http://www.rpts.tamu.edu/courses/201/

COURSE OBJECTIVES

SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1The objectives of this course are to familiarize students with a basic understanding of the role of recreation and leisure in our lives, and the role of federal, state, and local governments and other providers in recreation provision and park access/management.

1. To become aware of the role that recreation and parks play in communities and in individual’s lives

2. To develop knowledge of various recreation and park providers

REQUIRED READINGS

1. Available through Evans Library On-line Course Reserves

2. Web page links available on the RPTS 201 webpage

3. Handouts

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Attendance

Students should attend all classes. Learning is an active process, and it is impossible for you to learn unless you are in class. Students should come to class prepared to actively participate (i.e., answer questions, engage in discussions). If an absence is a university excused absence (i.e. doctor’s office visit or university activity) an authorized excuse must be presented.

The in-class assignments will be given in class at random times. Some of the assignments will be done in the class in which they are given, while others will require students to complete assignments outside of class time and bring them to a subsequent class. Under no circumstances will points be given for in-class assignments not completed when due. Students are responsible for finding out about these assignments. If you miss an assignment because of a university excused absence or a personal emergency, it is your responsibility to complete the assignment and turn it in within two class periods.

Class Project

Students must submit the written project on or before the due date at the beginning of class. Late assignments will be penalized 10% for each day they are late. Late projects will not be accepted more than five days after the due date.

Papers must be: typed, double-spaced, and single-sided. Use proper grammar and formal English composition - points will be subtracted for inaccurate or informal written language. Review your work (or ask a friend), and use spell check, a dictionary and/or thesaurus as needed.

Additional requirements will be conveyed when the project requirements handout is distributed.

Group Panel Presentation/Discussions

Students will be assigned to groups by the instructor. All group members should arrive prepared to present on the day assigned to the group. Additional requirements will be conveyed when group assignments are made.

Course Assignments Points Keep Track

1. Class Participation and Assignments

A. Attendance/Participation 45 ______/45

B. Merit based Participation 5 ______/5

2. Project

A. Individual Paper 10 ______/10

B. Group Panel Discussions 10 ______/10

3. Exam #1 10 ______/10

4. Exam #2 10 ______/10

5. Exam #2 10 ______/10

TOTAL POINTS 100 ______/100

Classroom/ University Information

Accommodations for students with disabilities

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy Statement - The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute 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 for Students with Disabilities, in Cain Hall or call 845-1637.

Diversity

Diversity is a strength of our society. In this class, I ask that you maintain an open mind to the differences around you, and I encourage you to respect those differences. Points of view may be actively argued but each speaker is to be respected. I encourage you to acknowledge your diversities by listening actively to one another. It is especially important that you listen to students, whose opinions differ from you own, arguing with the opinions while remaining respectful of the individuals who hold them.

Academic Dishonesty

AGGIE HONOR CODE - “An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.” Upon accepting admission to Texas A&M University, a student immediately assumes a commitment to uphold the Honor Code, to accept responsibility for learning, and to follow the philosophy and rules of the Honor System. Students will be required to state their commitment on examinations, research papers, and other academic work. Ignorance of the rules does not exclude any member of the TAMU community from the requirements or the processes of the Honor System. For additional information please visit: http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor/