RCPT 413: Professional Issues in Recreation, Parks and Tourism (WI)
Prerequisites: Final semester prior to internship, have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and a minimum 2.5 major GPA
Emphasis given to internship/employment preparation, concept of a profession and professional organization, ethical principles and professionalism, and trends and issues in recreation, parks and tourism.
Detailed Description of Content of the Course
The course is divided into two specific units. The initial unit considers the preparation and selection of the internship (RCPT 470) which has direct carry-over to employment. Major topics considered in this unit include developing goals for the internship, resume and cover letter, and interviewing skills. In addition, the student will develop a portfolio appropriate for an interview, understand internship procedures, and investigate and select an internship site.
The second unit focuses on the concept and criteria of a profession as related to recreation, park resources and leisure services as well as examining the various recreation professional issues. Associated with this unit is consideration of ethical principles as applied to professional practice, attitudes and behaviors in the delivery of recreation in various settings.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The first unit emphasizes the selection and arrangement of the internship (RCPT 470) which can also be used to enhance professional career employment opportunities to following graduation. Topics considered include: (1) conducting a self-assessment; (2) developing internship/employment goals; (3) investigating appropriate agencies; (4) developing a resume and cover letter; (5) preparing for and participating in interviews; and (6) selecting the best internship site.
The second unit considers the concept of recreation, parks and tourism as a profession in association with criteria of a profession in addition to examining current professional issues. Associated with this unit is the consideration or sensitizing students to ethical principles and professionalism as applied to professional practice, attitudes, legal issues, and behaviors in the delivery of recreation in various settings.
A variety of instructional methods will be used to promote a participative approach in exploring the various units. The methods used include but are not limited to the following: interviews, group discussion, oral presentations, in-class and take-home written assignments, small-group discussions, guest lecturers, literature reviews, demonstrations, attendance at professional meetings, and computer applications.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Course Objectives
At the conclusion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Prepare a cover letter and resume appropriate for internship and employment opportunities.
2. Develop a series of goals relevant to the internship.
3. Demonstrate interviewing skills relative to an internship.
4. Identify and describe contemporary professional issues and how they impact on the
delivery of recreation, parks and tourism.
5. Identify and demonstrate sensitivity to ethical principles and standards of practice
as applied to professional practice in recreation delivery systems.
6. Articulate the nature of recreation and leisure as a profession.
7. Articulate professional criteria and the relationship of criteria to the recreation,
park resources, and tourism field.
Assessment Measures
Assessment of students in the course is based upon a number of factors; individual and group oral presentations and written assignments, reports, and exercises; field investigations; examinations and quizzes; attendance and classroom discussion.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
Revised 2013
Reviewed February 2005 Edward Udd, Chair
March 01, 2021