RCPT 411
HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF RECREATION, PARKS AND TOURISM
RCPT 411. History and Philosophy of Recreation, Parks and Tourism
Three hours lecture (3).
Prerequisite: RCPT 112, 210, 313 and 319.
Discussion of selected philosophies, theories, issues, problems, trends and principles as foundations for the development of a philosophy of recreation; evolutionary and cross-cultural survey of the history and development of the profession.
In this course students will survey the following topics related to the history and philosophy of recreation, parks and tourism: selected theories, models and conceptions of play, recreation and leisure, philosophical methods of inquiry, conceptions and experiences of time, the psychology and assumptions of humanistic recreation, particularly intrinsic/ extrinsic motivation and internal/external locus of control, the legal and ethical aspects of professional practice, the relationships between work and leisure, competitive and cooperative leisure, the sociocultural bases of leisure, and the evolution and development of leisure from "primitive" to modern societies.
An interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, pragmatic, and integrative approach characterizes this course:
1) Interdisciplinary: students will study and discuss the research, findings, and speculations of a variety of disciplines, including philosophy, psychology, sociology, anthropology, history, and science
2) Cross-cultural: students will explore the history and development of leisure in societies and cultures from around the world
3) Pragmatic: students will be required to explore the practical and professional implications of theoretical models, concepts, etc.
4) Integrative: students will read original, as well as textual sources reflecting attempts to integrate Western and Eastern philosophical/religious concepts, assumptions, beliefs, etc. This "readings and discussion" course is designed to provoke students to develop a personal and/or professional philosophy of leisure, as well as examine the role of leisure in their own lives.
The methods utilized in this course include most, if not all, of the following: lectures, readings (original and textual), small-group discussions and activities, guest lecturers, and written assignments.
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
1. State a personal philosophy of leisure.
2. Explain selected theories of play, recreation and leisure.
3. Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative approaches to leisure.
4. Apply selected theories of play and leisure to the actual professional practice of recreation programmers and leaders.
5. Articulate selected legal concepts and principles of tort liability as it applies to the parks and recreation field.
6. Describe the significance of leisure throughout the lifecycle of the individual.
7. Trace the historical evolution of the idea and ideal of leisure.
8. Describe the impact of leisure behavior and recreation, parks and tourism on the natural environment.
Assessment is based upon grades for three exams, attendance, assigned homework, in-class and take-home writing assignments, quizzes.
NONE
DATE ACTION APPROVED BY
February 2005 Reviewed Edward Udd, Chair