Outdoor Leadership and Environmental Education (OLEE)

OLEE 201. Exploring the Outdoor World: Nature and Society. 3 Credits.

Introduction to outdoor learning and recreation in natural environments, including exploring the socio-cultural, psychological, philosophical ecological and leadership influences in American society and among diverse groups of people. The class pays particular attention to the balance between human interests and ecological preservation in examining how social groups develop relationships to the outdoor world. F.

OLEE 271. Outdoor, Experiential Learning. 3 Credits.

Learn about the history, theories, philosophies, and contexts of nature based outdoor education for diverse learners, with a focus on experiential and immersive learning. Students will spend considerable time outdoors experiencing the natural world first-hand. F, odd years.

OLEE 362. Nature as Classroom. 3 Credits.

The world is facing increasing environmental challenges and issues, the majority linked to human impact. Ecological literacy and nature-based environmental education have become essential to foster the necessary awareness, critical thinking, attitudes and motivations that enable us to address these environmental issues. Nature-based environmental education provides an integrated approach to teaching centered on localized ecological and cultural (biocultural) systems with a specific focus on culturally relevant ways of understanding and working with the land and ecosystems significant to place. In this introductory course we will explore nature-based environmental and focus on critical analysis of readings and perspectives, experiential learning, our own connections to the natural world and hone our skills in nature-based leadership in topics such as learning gardens and watershed education. F, even years.

OLEE 370. Outdoor Adventure Leadership. 4 Credits.

Field oriented course that provides knowledge, awareness and technical skill development through experiential practice of skills and immersive leadership opportunities. The course will foster understanding of outdoor leadership in both formal and informal settings, and provide skill training to develop competencies required to lead diverse groups and enhance recreation and learning experiences in the natural environment. Experiential, hands on, immersive learning in outdoor settings. S, even years.

OLEE 398. Practicum in Outdoor Leadership/Environmental Education. 1-8 Credits.

Placement of student in a practical setting under university faculty supervision. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and upper division status. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. S/U grading. On demand.

OLEE 470. Wild Thoughts: Interpreting the Natural World. 3 Credits.

As a field, Interpretation helps people develop a deep relationship to nature. This relationship changes based on history, culture, personal meaning and communication. Through an examination of the concept of wilderness, students will engage with the principles, methods, and insights of Environmental Interpretation and explore the many ways human societies have communicated values and relationships to the natural world. S, odd years.

OLEE 497. Internship in Outdoor Leadership/Environmental Education. 4-12 Credits.

Development of professional skills by working directly with established outdoor leadership and environmental education organizations under the supervision of approved professionals and faculty. S/U grading. On demand.

RTS 272. Recreation and the Natural Environment. 3 Credits.

An overview of the use of natural environments as formal and informal settings for leisure and recreation involvement and the interrelationship among people, the environment and leisure. F.

RTS 322. Recreation Program and Event Planning. 3 Credits.

Development of programming skills for recreation programs and special events in various settings. Prerequisite: RTS 201. F.

RTS 323. Recreation Program and Event Implementation. 3 Credits.

Implementation and evaluation of programs planned in RTS 322. Prerequisite: RTS 322. S.

RTS 397. Cooperative Education in Recreation and Leisure Services. 1-4 Credits.

A practical work experience with an employer closely associated with the student's academic area. Arranged by mutual agreement among student, department and employer. Repeatable to 16 credits. Prerequisite: RTS 201. Repeatable to 16.00 credits. S/U grading. F,S,SS.

RTS 399. Special Topics in Recreation and Leisure Services. 1-4 Credits.

Specialized topics related to recreation and leisure. Repeatable to 9 credits. Repeatable to 9.00 credits. On demand.

RTS 421. Research and Evaluation Methods. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the recreation, parks and leisure services profession. Prerequisite: RTS 322 and senior standing in the RTS or RHS major. S.

RTS 442. Recreation Administration. 3 Credits.

An examination of theories and principles of administration for recreation services. S.

RTS 494. Directed Studies in Recreation and Leisure Services. 1-4 Credits.

An in-depth study in a subject area selected by the student under tutorial supervision. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Repeatable to 4.00 credits. F,S.