VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE COURSE OUTLINE INSTRUCTOR'S NAME: Dr. Doug Kennedy e-mail: kennedy@vwc.edu COURSE TITLE: Methods in Recreation and Leisure Leadership COURSE NUMBER: REC 204 (3 credits) MEETING TIME: 1:30-3:00 Monday & Wednesday, Graybeal 1 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: This course is designed primarily for the student who is interested in the recreation and leisure services field, and who would like to develop his\her leadership ability. Although leadership theory will be discussed, the primary focus of this course will be actual leadership experiences with student participation. TEXT: None. However, readings will be put on reserve in the library and students will be responsible for reading the materials. You can be sure the material will turn up on tests. COMPETENCIES: Note: Numbers in parentheses refer to the NRPA/AALR Accreditation Standard(s) the competency meets or aids in meeting. 1. Students will demonstrate the ability to lead a variety of activities for different types and sizes of groups in various settings. 2. Students will Gain an understanding of leadership theory as it relates to recreation and leisure services. 3. Students will demonstrate the ability to vary their leadership styles in order to effectively lead different populations. (8.18) 4. Students will gain an understanding of the factors surrounding group dynamics. 5. Students will develop skill at leading small groups. 6. Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively advertise the activities they lead through written and oral description as well as the use of appropriate audio visual equipment. 7. Students will be able to determine appropriate activities to lead through participant and activity assessment 8. Students will demonstrate the ability to provide an effective environment through appropriate planning and design 9. Students will assess and develop their own personal leadership skills. 10. Students will develop plans to improve their own personal leadership abilities. 11. Students will develop leadership skills in relation to recreation and leisure small project planning. 12. Students will understand the importance of leading appropriate activities. (8.15) 13. Students will understand the role of various leisure service agencies and the leadership present. (8.15) 14. Students through volunteer experience will learn how the subjects presented in class apply to actual program provision. (8.39) MATERIALS USED: Leadership Assessment, Videotape METHODS OF INSTRUCTION: Class Discussion, Presentation, Guest Speakers, Class Projects, Hands-on Leadership. OUTLINE OF TOPICS: 1. What is Leadership? a. Theory b. Application 2. Recreation and Leadership a. Settings b. Functions c. Types d. Goals 3. Decision Making and Problem solving 4. Leadership Skill Assessment 5. Activity Leading a. Small groups b. Large Groups 6. Communication a. Written b. non-verbal c. verbal OUTLINE OF TOPICS: 7. Participant Considerations a. children b. Adolescents c. Senior Citizens d. Physically/emotionally challenged e. adults 8. Recreation and Leadership Career Choices. 9. Ethical and professional behavior 10. Role of the planning process in recreation. 11. Interrelationships between/among leisure service delivery agencies. CLASS POLICIES: 1. You may be absent from class once without penalty. Every other absence will result in a reduction of one-half of a letter grade from your final class participation grade. 2. All students are expected to participate in discussions to their fullest capacity. This means quantity ANDquality. Your participation is critical to your grade in this course. If you do not feel comfortable participating along with others you are advised to drop the course immediately. 3. Unless otherwise stated, All papers and assignments must be typed and turned in on time. No late assigments will be accepted. No exceptions. 4. Students may not make up missed examinations or assignments. 5. The College's Honor Code will be strictly followed. All cases of suspected plagiarism or other breaches of the College's honor code will be turned over to the Dean of Students and Academic Dean. Please speak to the instructor concerning any questions connected with proper conduct. 6. Students are asked to stop by the instructor's office to talk any time they'd like. Office hours are posted on the door. 7. Please come to class on-time. If class has already started, do not enter the room. 8. All assigned readings must be completed before class. Failure to do so will result in the request that you leave the classroom! 9. Work for this class must not have been submitted for any other VWC class. 10. Hey, it's your class. Any suggestions are welcome, and may add to your class participation grade. 11. In accordance with Title 5, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, reasonable accommodation will be provided to any student who has followed the College's procedures as outlined in the Academic Bulletin. So that the instructor can do all that he can to provide an appropriate learning and testing environment, it is requested that any student asking for accommodation insure that the instructor is aware of such requests at least one week from the time that such accommodations are needed. 12. Political Correctness is notappreciated. A sense of humor, a thick skin, and the ability to appreciate a joke are appreciated. 13. This class may include a practical component providing recreation activities for members of the community, as well as a simultaneous opportunity to demonstrate your leadership to a different population. The dates of this component will be finalized during the first few weeks of the semester. You must be present on your assigned leadership date as well as others. All efforts will be made to minimize conflicts with intercollegiate sporting events. However, it is your responsibility to arrange your schedule to accommodate these dates. If you cannot do so you must drop the course. METHODS OF EVALUATING INSTRUCTOR'S EFFECTIVENESS: Standard college evaluation form. In addition, students will have the opportunity to complete a midterm evaluation and may suggest any changes at that time. METHODS OF EVALUATING STUDENT PERFORMANCE: Test #1........................10% Test #2*.......................10% Leadership exercise and analysis #1...............20% Leadership exercise #2.........20% Class Participation............30% Lesson Plan....................10% LETTER GRADE EQUIVALENTS: A = 90-100% A- = 87-89% B+ = 84-86% B = 80-83% B- = 77-79% C+ = 74-76% C = 70-73% C- = 67-69% D+ = 64-66% D = 60-63% D- = 57-59% F+ = 54-56% F = 53 and below