RECREATION, TOURISM AND THERAPEUTIC RECREATION
Memorial Hall, Room 122 (507-457-5200; Fax: 507-457-5606)
Lorene S. Olson (Chairperson)
FACULTY
Lorene Olson, Professor; B.S., M.S., University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; Ph.D., University of New Mexico; 1989
James Reidy, Associate Professor; B.S., M.S., Ed.D., Oklahoma State University; 2000
Roger Riley, Professor; B.S., M.S., University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; Ph.D., Texas A&M University; 2000
Dave Wright, Associate Professor; B.S., University of Sydney/Goulburn Teacher's College; M.S., Ph.D., University of Oregon; 2005
PURPOSE
The Department of Recreation, Tourism and Therapeutic Recreation exists within the College of Education. Through traditional as well as experiential methods, the faculty prepare majors to become recreation, tourism, and therapeutic recreation (RTTR) professionals. The RTTR major leads to a non-teaching Bachelor of Science degree. In addition, the department offers numerous RTTR courses, which fulfill the two-semester hour University Studies requirement for Physical Development and Wellness.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Recreation and Tourism (RT)
Graduates in the recreation and tourism major are qualified to obtain entry-level positions in the following settings:
Nonprofit or voluntary agencies (e.g., YMCA-YWCA, Scouts)
Private settings that require memberships (e.g., golf or tennis clubs)
Military recreation
Commercial or "for-profit" agencies (e.g., theme parks, fitness centers)
Public, corporate, campus or correctional recreation
Adventure-based outdoor programs and adventure travel/outfitting companies
Federal programs (e.g., U.S. Forest Service, National Parks Service, Bureau of Land Management)
Therapeutic Recreation (TR)
Graduates in the therapeutic recreation major are qualified to obtain entry-level positions in the following settings:
Special rehabilitation centers for persons with physical disabilities
Mental health facilities that treat a variety of psychological impairments
Nursing homes and retirement centers
Residential centers that care for persons with developmental disabilities
Some TR specialists also find employment in schools, half-way houses, community recreation programs, or correctional institutions
DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS
B.S. Major: Recreation, Tourism and Therapeutic Recreation. Students in this major may elect the recreation and tourism track or the therapeutic recreation track. While a minor is not required for the RTTR programs, many students elect to complete both tracks and/or add an additional minor such as adventure tourism or coaching.
B.S. Minor: Adventure Tourism. This is an interdisciplinary program sponsored by the RTTR Department.
TRAVEL STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
Within the department's interdisciplinary Adventure Tourism (ADVT) minor, travel/study opportunities are offered in Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, and the Northern Plain states. Students are not required to be RTTR majors or ADVT minors to take advantage of these programs. Students should see the department chairperson for details.
PASS/NO CREDIT (P/NC) COURSES
Except for internships, students majoring or minoring in RTTR programs must take all courses in the major, minor, and options on a grade-only basis. Courses offered for pass/no credit-only or grade-only are so designated in the course descriptions. If no grading method is listed for a particular course in the course descriptions, the course may be taken for either grade or pass/no credit.
UNIVERSITY STUDIES FLAG REQUIREMENTS
Students may use flag courses to satisfy both University Studies and major requirements. Flag courses will usually be in the student's major or minor program. The Department of Recreation, Tourism and Therapeutic Recreation offers the following flag courses in the University Studies Program:
FLAG
Oral #
RTTR 414 Recreational Leadership (3)
Math/Critical Analysis #
RTTR 393 Evaluation in Recreation, Tourism, and TR (3)
Writing #
RTTR 326 Organization and Administration of Recreation (3)
RTTR 426 Recreation Facilities and Area Design (3)
Flag courses that can be used to satisfy RTTR major/minor requirements are identified in the lists of required courses and electives in this section.
B.S. MAJOR - RECREATION, TOURISM AND THERAPEUTIC RECREATION (RTTR)
(No Minor Required)
This major is designed to prepare students for professional leadership roles in a variety of public, commercial, clinical, community, and natural-resource settings where recreational and/or therapeutic recreation services are offered. Within the major, students may select the Recreation and Tourism (RT) Track and/or the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Track. Students who graduate with the Therapeutic Recreation Track are qualified to sit for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) examination. See page XX for information about career opportunities available to graduates of both these options.
ADMISSION TO THE MAJOR
To be admitted to the Recreation, Tourism and Therapeutic Recreation (RTTR) program, a student must fulfill one of the following requirements:
Be admitted to Winona State University as an entering freshman or transfer student
Have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA as a currently enrolled student.
Denial of Admission
Students may be denied admission to the RTTR major for failure to meet any of the WSU or RTTR admissions requirements.
ACADEMIC STANDING
To be eligible for an internship, a student must have a 2.50 GPA overall as it appears on the DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System) report at the end of the semester preceding the internship experience.
ASSISTANCE/RETENTION PLAN
Students identified by the RTTR faculty as needing assistance in academic, personal or professional domains are required to attend a review meeting initiated by the advisor and called by the Department Chairperson. An assistance plan will be developed; the plan will likely draw upon the services of such units as the Counseling Center, the Writing Center, Student Support Services, and the Advising and Retention Office.
WARNING AND SUSPENSION POLICY
Students must be in good standing at the end of each academic year to remain enrolled in the RTTR program. Students not in good standing will be notified of their status at their advisory session. Students must complete an assistance plan to remain in the program; otherwise, they are suspended from the program.
Reinstatement Policy
Students may apply for reinstatement to the program, one semester after receiving a notice of suspension.
Appeals
Students who are suspended from the RTTR program may submit a written appeal for readmission to the department chairperson. If the appeal is denied, the student may appeal in person to the WSU Academic Review Committee.
TRACK A: RECREATION AND TOURISM (RT)
64-68 S.H.
RTTR COURSES REQUIRED BY TRACK A AND TRACK B (37-39 S.H.)
203 Recreation Programming (3)
229 Foundations of Recreation and Leisure Studies (3)
239 Outdoor Pursuits (3)
245 Therapeutic Recreation and Services (3)
# 326 Organization and Administration of Recreation (3)
350 Legal and Financial Aspects of Recreation (3)
# 393 Evaluation in Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation & Tourism (3)
399 Internship in Recreation and Tourism or Therapeutic Recreation (10-12)
# 414 Recreational Leadership (3)
# 426 Recreation Facilities and Area Design (3)
RTTR REQUIREMENTS FOR TRACK A ONLY (22 S.H.)
222 Resource Applications in Program Delivery for Recreation, Tourism, and Therapeutic Recreation (3)
290 Foundations of Tourism (3)
302 Adventure Travel and Tourism Development (3)
339 Wilderness Ethics, Safety and Survival (3)
398 Practicum in Recreation/Therapeutic Recreation (3)
421 Outdoor Education and Interpretive Services (3)
Plus 4 S.H. of any 100-level physical education activity courses OR
RTTR 417 Special Topics in Recreation, Tourism, and Therapeutic
Recreation (1-3)
INTERDISCIPLINARY REQUIREMENTS FOR TRACK A
5-7 S.H.
Biology/Geography (3-4 S.H.)
GEOG 270 Geography of Tourism (3) OR
* BIOL 104 Environment, Society, and Conservation (3) OR
BIOL 203 Natural History (4)
Theatre and Dance/Music (2-3 S.H.)
* THAD 141 Oral Interpretation (3) OR
THAD 239 Creative Dramatics for Children (2) OR
MUS 324 Recreational Music (2)
Recreation and tourism students are encouraged to take additional coursework related to the natural environment, business concepts, public speaking, marketing, historical and social aspects of American culture, and the use of technology and statistical analysis.
TRACK B: THERAPEUTIC RECREATION (TR)
(67-69 S.H.)
RTTR COURSES REQUIRED BY TRACK A AND TRACK B (37-39 S.H.)
203 Recreation Programming (3)
229 Foundations of Recreation and Leisure Studies (3)
239 Outdoor Pursuits (3)
245 Therapeutic Recreation and Services (3)
# 326 Organization and Administration of Recreation (3)
350 Legal and Financial Aspects (3)
# 393 Evaluation in Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, and TR (3)
399 Internship in Recreation and Tourism or Therapeutic Recreation (10-12)
# 414 Recreational Leadership (3)
# 426 Recreation Facilities and Area Design (3)
RTTR REQUIREMENTS FOR TRACK B ONLY (12 S.H.)
332 Leisure and Aging in Therapeutic Recreation (3)
342 Intervention Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation (3)
468 Programming in Therapeutic Recreation (3)
475 Trends and Issues in Therapeutic Recreation (3)
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TRACK B
(18 S.H.)
Psychology PSY (6 S.H.)
250 Developmental Psychology (3)
420 Abnormal Psychology (3)
Biology BIOL (4 S.H.)
* 211 Anatomy and Physiology (4)
Section I: Counselor Education/Health, Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences (6 S.H.)
Psychology/Sociology
Note: Select from two disciplines. Courses selected in this section are in addition to University Studies.
Counselor Education CE
220 Emotions and Behavior (3)
Health, Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences HERS
340 Physiology of Exercise (4)
Psychology PSY
210 Introduction to Psychological Science (3)
303 Brain and Behavior (3)
305 Theories of Personality (3)
325 Social Psychology (3)
Sociology SOC
* 150 Introduction to Sociology (3)
205 Social Interaction (3)
212 The Family (3)
216 Social Problems (3)
Section II: Biology/Physical Education and Recreation/Music (2 S.H.) (Any combination)
Biology BIOL
171 Medical Terminology (1)
172 Medical Terminology (1)
Recreation, Tourism, and Therapeutic Recreation RTTR
417 Special Topics in Recreation, Tourism or Therapeutic
Recreation (1-3)
PREPARATION FOR THE NCTRC EXAMINATION
Therapeutic recreation students are strongly encouraged to take additional biology, sociology, psychology, and health promotion courses to fill their University Studies requirements. Through such courses, therapeutic recreation students gain additional exposure to content areas included in their National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) examination.
In addition to completing the TR curriculum outlined above, students who choose to sit for the NCTRC examination after graduation must meet specific non-curricular eligibility requirements related to their ability to provide professional and competent performance of TR services. Students can obtain more information about the NCTRC examination certification requirements from any TR faculty member.
B.S. MINOR - ADVENTURE TOURISM (ADVT)
27 S.H.
Adventure tourism is a rapidly expanding segment of the travel and tourism industry, fueled by a societal need to escape routine lifestyles. People who provide adventure tourism services are likely to engage tourists in such activities as rock and mountain climbing, spelunking, river rafting, whitewater canoeing, trekking, wilderness camping, snow-shoeing and a variety of other pursuits in which the participant is challenged by the natural environment. Students who pursue this minor develop a repertoire of skills related to planning, marketing, and providing successful adventure tourism programs and services.
REQUIRED COURSES (27 S.H.)
Select a total of 27 credits from the following:
Geography - GEOG
270 Geography of Tourism (3)
Marketing - MKTG
333 Topics in Marketing (3)
336 Services Marketing (3)
337 Qualitative Research Methods (3)
399 Internship Experience (3)
Recreation, Tourism and Therapeutic Recreation - RTTR
239 Outdoor Pursuits (3)
240 Outdoor Pursuits II (3)
265 Leisure in Different Cultures (3)
290 Foundations of Tourism (3)
302 Adventure Travel and Tourism Development (3)
339 Wilderness Ethics, Safety, and Survival (3)
350 Legal and Financial Aspects (3)
390 Tourism Planning (3)
393 Evaluation in Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, and TR (3)
396 Leadership and Group Dynamics: An Experiential Education Approach (3)
398 Practicum in Recreation and Tourism or Therapeutic Recreation (3)
(May be repeated once for credit within this program)
417 Special Topics in Recreation, Tourism or Therapeutic Recreation (1-3)
(May be repeated once for credit within this program)
421 Outdoor Education and Interpretive Services (3)
Course content must relate to tourism and be pre-approved by the
ADVT advisor.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS (RTTR)
144 - Contemporary Activities (1 S.H.)
This course introduces the student to varied contemporary, movements-based activities. A variety of activities will be introduced as a means of encouraging movement and expanding the students leisure interest profile. May be repeated for credit under different subtitle..
203 - Recreational Programming (3 S.H.)
This course provides an introduction to recreational and sports programming and leadership concepts. Grade only.
222 - Resources and Applications in Program Delivery for
Recreation, Tourism and Therapeutic Recreation (3 S.H.)
Students develop resource applications for program delivery in recreation, tourism, and therapeutic recreation including the creation of newsletters, brochures, business cards, database and budget management, and agency websites. Prerequisite: RTTR 203. Grade only.
229 - Foundations of Recreation and Leisure Studies (3 S.H.)
History and development of recreation, and principles, and philosophies of leisure. Modern-day concepts of leisure will also be addressed. Grade only.
239 - Outdoor Pursuits (3 S.H.)
An overview of the theory and practice of adventure/challenge education. Processing skills included. Classroom as well as experiential involvement. Additional fee. Challenge by choice philosophy. Grade only.
240 - Outdoor Pursuits II (3 S.H.)
Use of the environment for year-round adventure recreation activities and learning of advanced camping/canoeing and/or kayaking and/or rafting skills. Several day- to month-long camping experiences. Additional fee. Grade only.
245 - Therapeutic Recreation and Services (3 S.H.)
History, philosophy, theories, and professionalism of therapeutic recreation. Factors influencing service delivery and models of service delivery will also be addressed. Grade only.
265 - Leisure in Different Cultures (3 S.H.)
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to different cultures through travel study. Applies only to travel education programs offered through RTTR and the ADVT minor. Repeatable for credit when students enroll in different travel/study programs. Grade only.
290 - Foundations of Tourism (3 S.H.)
This course will explore the tourism system and expose the students to the delineations of tourists and tourism enterprises, travel trends, governmental and non-governmental roles, transportation providers, and destination services and attractions. Attention will also be given to the impacts of tourism. Grade only.
302 - Adventure Travel and Tourism Development (3 S.H.)
An overview of the rapidly growing adventure tourism industry, and its relation to the field of recreation and leisure studies. Course emphasis will be placed on adventure tourism and national and international eco-tourism, which promotes cultural and environmental sensitivity. Field trip is an additional fee. Grade only.
326 - Organization and Administration of Recreation (3 S.H.)
Principles of supervision and administration as applied to tourism/outdoor/recreation and therapeutic recreation settings. Prerequisites: RTTR 229 and RTTR 245. Grade only.
332 - Leisure and Aging in Therapeutic Recreation (3 S.H.)
Leisure needs and perceptions of the elderly. Implications for therapeutic recreation services in clinical and community settings. Prerequisite: RTTR 245. Grade only.
339 - Wilderness Ethics, Safety, and Survival (3 S.H.)
Students will examine the elements of ethical wilderness trip planning, low impact activities, and select appropriate gear and equipment for trip safety. Survival and rescue skills will also be examined in this course. Grade only.
342 - Intervention Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation (3 S.H.)
Helping strategies, processes and techniques utilized by the therapeutic recreation specialist. Prerequisite: RTTR 245. Grade only.
350 - Legal and Financial Aspects (3 S.H.)
Legislation, liability, and legal matters concerning recreation services; technical and behavioral aspects of budgeting; traditional and recent methods of financial park and recreation operations. Prerequisites: RTTR 229 and RTTR 245. Grade only.
390 - Tourism Planning (3 S.H.)
Tourism planning involves maximizing benefits and minimizing negative impacts for local and regional tourism destinations. Student will be exposed to and understand positive and negative impacts of tourism; the need for resource inventories; the matching of resources with particular visitors, superstructure, and infrastructural needs; and the service quality necessary for visitor satisfaction and repeat visitation. Offered on travel study program only. Grade only.
393 - Evaluation in Recreation, Tourism, and TR (3 S.H.)
The procedures and applications of social science research and evaluation methods are applied to recreation settings. Course content includes design, methods of data collection, interpretation, and presentation of the data. Emphasis is given to evaluation techniques used by recreation professionals. Grade only.
396 - Leadership and Group Dynamics: An Experiential Education
Approach (3 S.H.)
As a member of a travel study group for an extended period of time, participants in this experientially based course will have a rich opportunity to observe, apply, synthesize, and reflect upon readings and personal experiences pertinent to leadership and group dynamics issues. Offered on travel study programs only. Grade only.
398 - Practicum in Recreation and Tourism or Therapeutic
Recreation (3 S.H.)
This course offers an opportunity to learn by experience and further professional development under the careful guidance of experienced professionals and college supervisors. May be repeated once for credit in a different setting. Prerequisite: Must have completed RTTR 229 and 245 and have consent or special permission of department.
399 - Internship in Recreation and Tourism or Therapeutic Recreation (1-12 S.H.)
The application of skill, knowledge and concepts necessary for planning, organizing and conducting recreation and leisure services. Permission and 2.50 GPA overall as it appears on the DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System) report at the end of the semester preceding the internship experience. Therapeutic Recreation interns also must obtain a copy of their intern supervisor's current NCTRC certification certificate. Interns must complete a 12 (or more) consecutive week, 480-hour placement under the supervision of a qualified recreation specialist. Prerequisite: Senior standing in the RTTR major and completion of recreation core courses, or instructor's permission. P/NC only.
412 - Independent Study in Recreation, Tourism or Therapeutic Recreation (1-3 S.H.)
Opportunity to work independently. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, preparation of proposed outline and major advisor's permission. Grade only.
414 - Recreational Leadership (3 S.H.)
A study of leadership principles, leadership techniques, and leadership theories. Required recreation leader competencies and group dynamic issues also will be addressed. Prerequisites: Sophomore, preferably higher standing; RTTR 229 and RTTR 245. Grade only.
417 - Special Topics in Recreation, Tourism or Therapeutic Recreation (1-3 S.H.)
Typically offered on a workshop basis. Subject matter determined by department. Course may be repeated when offered with different subject matter, content, and title. Grade only.
421 - Outdoor Education and Interpretive Services (3 S.H.)
Exploration of the out-of-doors as a medium to enhance cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning for persons of all ages. Outdoor recreation as a component of outdoor education is also addressed. Grade only.
426 - Recreation Facilities and Area Design (3 S.H.)
Principles and procedures related to the design, operation, and care of leisure resources, areas and facilities. Prerequisites: Sophomore, preferably with higher standing; RTTR 229 and RTTR 245. Grade only.
450 - Travel Study in Costa Rica (2 S.H.)
Will focus on student-based field research to assist the municipalities of Playa Dominical and Playa Uvita to develop their natural resources, tourism products, and associated services. Students will engage in inventorying natural resources, gathering data about tourism demand and supply, and constructing a database to help local officials make better tourism-related decisions. Prior to the study, students will be exposed to basic tourism and natural resources development concepts that have applications in Playa Dominical and Playa Uvita. Post-study work will focus on report development and the assessment of other tourism products and services in Costa Rica. Grade only.
468 - Programming in Therapeutic Recreation (3 S.H.)
An overview of functional problems commonly associated with various diseases and/or disabling conditions. Therapeutic recreation program development, implementation, and modification considerations. Prerequisites: Sophomore or, preferably, higher standing; RTTR 229 and RTTR 245. Grade only.
475 - Trends and Issues in Therapeutic Recreation (3 S.H.)
Professional concerns and implication related to contemporary trends and issues in the field of therapeutic recreation. Internship site selection, assessment techniques, and national exam criteria also will be addressed. Prerequisites: Junior or, preferably, senior standing; RTTR 229, RTTR 245, and RTTR 342. Grade only.
