Degrees, Majors, and Certificates
Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies Undergraduate-Level Courses
HPER R100 Recreation Leadership Skills (1-2 cr.) Short courses designed to provide students with skills and teaching techniques necessary to function as leaders in recreation and parks. May be repeated for credit if topic differs.
HPER R110 Outdoor Adventure Leadership Skills (1 cr.) This course provides opportunities for application of pre-existing outdoor adventure skills in a natural setting. Students will learn general leadership concepts and have opportunities to practice and apply leadership skills to land- and water-based outdoor adventure activities.
HPER R120 Fundamentals of Search and Rescue (2 cr.) This course prepares students for national certification as a Search and Rescue (SAR) Tech II according to the National Association of Search and Rescue. Content includes topics in three major areas: survival and support, search, and rescue. Course provides practical experience during simulated search and rescue operations during day/evening scenarios.
HPER R121 Wildland Firefighting (2 cr.) Provides basic knowledge/skills necessary to become qualified as a wildland firefighter for state or federal agencies. Topics of course are oriented toward suppression of wildland fires. Successful completion of the course and pack test (aerobic capacity) will qualify students for Red Card certification as a Wildland Firefighter.
HPER R150 Outdoor Education Skills (1 cr.) This course provides opportunities for development and application of outdoor education skills in a natural setting. Students will learn general leadership skills/concepts and have opportunities to practice and apply leadership skills to outdoor education, environmental education, and challenge education activities.
HPER R160 Foundations of Recreation and Leisure (3 cr.) An introduction to the field of recreation and leisure from the viewpoint of the individual as a consumer and of societal agencies as providers of leisure services. Includes philosophy, history, theory, and survey of public and private leisure-service organizations.
HPER R171 Gardening and Nature Education (1 cr.) This course provides opportunities for development and application of nature education and gardening skills in a natural setting. Students will learn general foundations and concepts and have opportunities to practice and apply leadership skills to nature education and gardening activities.
HPER R202 Aquatic Facility Operator (2 cr.) Students will be educated in the most advanced techniques of chemical treatment, filtration, mechanical system operations, and maintenance for aquatic facilities. Course will provide the necessary information needed to gain certification in a nationally recognized pool operators program.
HPER R231 Careers in Leisure Services (3 cr.) This course provides an accurate, comprehensive understanding of the overall leisure-service field. Ten professional areas are focused upon in terms of employment and career opportunities and the national professional organizations promoting them. Steps of the job search process will be covered to assist in making career-planning choices.
HPER R236 Tourism and Commercial Recreation (3 cr.) Analysis of private, commercial, and industrial recreation fields, focusing on economic impact, marketing strategies, consumer protection, and career opportunities.
HPER R237 Computers in Park, Recreation, Sport, and Tourism Management (3 cr.) An introduction to computer applications in parks, recreation, sports, and tourism. The primary emphasis is placed on word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, desktop publishing, electronic mail, and Internet computing skills.
HPER R241 Wildflowers and Wild Edibles (3 cr.) Identification of wildflowers and wild edible plants. Activities include a weekend field trip and a chance to improve skills in identifying local plants, as well as a culinary experience in wild edibles.
HPER R250 Introduction to Equine Assisted Activities (3 cr.) This lecture and laboratory course introduces equine assisted activities. Topics include NARHA, history, teaching techniques, safety issues, volunteers, selecting/training therapy horses, public relations, fundraising, disabilities, choosing rider populations and mounting procedures. Student will be required to participate in hands-on experiences at PAL (People and Animal learning Services).
HPER R266 Recreation Facilities Management (3 cr.) P: HPER R160. An introduction to the management of recreation facilities in the public and private sector including design, development, utilization, resources, and auxiliary operation considerations. The course focuses on the facility manager’s responsibilities and includes site visits and analysis of various recreation facilities.
HPER R270 Inclusive Recreation Services (3 cr.) Discussion of the need for the provision of leisure services to special populations, including concepts and terminology resources, adaptations of programs and facilities, and gaining an awareness of needs and abilities of persons who have disabilities.
HPER R271 Dynamics of Outdoor Recreation (3 cr.) Philosophical orientation to the field of outdoor recreation; camping, outdoor/environmental education, and natural resource management, with emphasis on programs, trends, resources, and values.
HPER R272 Recreation Activities and Leadership Methods (3 cr.) P: HPER R160. Analysis of recreation program activities, objectives, determinants, and group dynamics involved in the leadership process. Assessment and evaluation of programs and leadership techniques. Students are strongly encouraged to take R367 immediately following this course.
HPER R277 Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation (3 cr.) Theoretical, philosophical, and historic foundation of therapeutic recreation; role of treatment and rehabilitation with a survey of major services and settings.
HPER-R 279 Outdoor Adventure Education (2 cr.) Experiential overview of the concepts and practices of outdoor adventure/challenge recreation, such as ropes courses, backpacking, canoeing, and survival skills. Course is conducted in an outdoor laboratory setting.
HPER R280 Natural History (3 cr.) Investigation of general natural history and field ecology concepts in a laboratory setting. Weekly field trips.
HPER R281 Green Space Management (3 cr.) Management of public green space resources including urban parks and gardens, school, community, and therapeutic gardens. Explores importance of green space in the landscape. Emphasis on function and design of green space, plant selection, and techniques of plant propagation and care, site preparation, and plan implementation.
HPER R301 Internship Preparation (1 cr.) P: HPER R160, HPER R272. Procedures, preparation of materials, and selection of an agency for internship. Only S/F grades given.
HPER R302 Aquatic Management (3 cr.) Skills/knowledge necessary to assume a management role in the area of aquatics will be covered. Course will introduce aspects of managing a variety of aquatic settings, and will acquaint students with the latest trends in aquatic programs/facilities/equipment. Materials/testing to become certified in American Red Cross Lifeguard Management included.
HPER R317 Seminar in Recreation and Parks (1-3 cr.) Park and recreation current issues seminar. Topic varies with the instructor and year. Consult the online Schedule of Classes for current information. May be repeated for credit if topic differs.
HPER R320 Therapeutic Horticulture (3 cr.) For students of adjunct therapies to understand the use of horticulture for therapy and rehabilitation. Methods and techniques are presented with an interdisciplinary approach. The student will gain a basic knowledge of horticulture therapy and develop a working knowledge of program planning.
HPER R322 Scientific Diver Certification (3 cr.) P: HPER E270. Fundamentals necessary for safe and efficient diving during scientific investigations and surveys, including diving physics and physiology. Emphasis on knowledge, skills, and Scientific Diver Level I open water evaluation. Recreational diving certification available. Diving fee may be required.
HPER R323 Ecosystem Management (3 cr.) This course equips students with knowledge and application of the principles, concepts, and techniques in ecosystem management and restoration ecology; the ability to design and complete complex ecological projects; and the ability to interpret results of field studies and incorporate results into ecosystems management plans.
HPER R324 Recreational Sport Programming (3 cr.) Overview of programmatic elements and techniques in recreational sports. Topics include informal, intramural, club, extramural, and instructional sports programming; values of recreational sports; and terminology and career opportunities in various recreational sport settings.
HPER R325 Investigating and Evaluating Environmental Issues (3 cr.) Provides students the ability to analyze, investigate, and act upon environmental issues. This course will utilize basic research methodologies to identify key characteristics of environmental problems. Local, national, and international issues will be reviewed with an emphasis on community conflict.
HPER R326 Customer Service and Media Relations (3 cr.) Overview of practical approaches to customer service and the use of quality programs in providing these services to the public or clients.
HPER R331 Leisure Education (3 cr.) Students develop an understanding of leisure and its relationship to lifestyles and the fabric of society.
HPER R333 Camping for Special Populations (3 cr.) Understanding the nature and function of organized camping involving handicapped persons. Emphasis on camp staff positions, camp operations, and the camp’s role in rehabilitation.
HPER R338 Integrated Resource Management (3 cr.) Provides a managerial understanding of ecological concepts, resource management practices, and resource policies related to natural resource/land management. Focus on allocation of resources, carrying capacity, resource protection, and environmental impacts of uses on natural resources.
HPER R340 Leisure in Modern Society (3 cr.) Encourages a holistic and comprehensive understanding of the significance of leisure to the individual and society. Discusses the relationship between leisure and other disciplines such as psychology, sociology, health, economics, political science, and education.
HPER R341 Camp Leadership and Management (3 cr.) Covers the historical, sociological, and psychological aspects of the organized camp movement as well as programming and administrative principles and practices. Emphasizes various organized structures.
HPER R351 Convention Management and Meeting Planning (3 cr.) To enhance their effectiveness in the tourism and commercial recreation industry, students should extend this programming focus to include nonrecreational facilities and services, particularly those associated with various groups and types of meetings such as conventions, banquets, receptions, and special events.
HPER R352 Resort Management (3 cr.) This class provides an overview of resort management, including the history of travel, evolution of resort management, resort design, and the emerging trends of resort development. In addition, the students will explore a variety of managerial problems and apply problem-solving skills to a critical issue (e.g., marketing).
HPER R354 Sport and Violence: Influences and Issues (3 cr.) This course explores the roots of violence from the content of sport. Foundations in the theoretical framework of sport in society from historical, sociological, and psychological perspectives are discussed as well as linkage to contemporary resources that address this problem.
HPER R355 Outdoor Recreation Consortium (2 cr.) This course is designed to convey both practical information and direct experience to students about components of outdoor recreation and resource management. To accomplish this goal, this course enables students to participate in a one-week long outdoor recreation consortium at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
HPER R356 Field Techniques in Environmental Education (3 cr.) This is an intensive one-week course that uses the outdoors as the laboratory to share strategies, methodologies, and techniques to teach environmental education concepts to others. The course offers training and subsequent certification in the three environmental education curriculums—Project Wild, Project Wet, and Project Learning Tree.
HPER R357 Applied Ecology: Water Communities (3 cr.) This is an intensive three-week course that uses Bradford Woods Outdoor Education Center as a laboratory to explore and investigate a variety of freshwater systems. This course investigates the important theories associated with freshwater ecology and explores the water communities common to southern Indiana.
HPER R362 Therapeutic Communication (3 cr.) Students will develop competencies to help ensure therapeutic communication needed for effective client relationships in clinical practice. Must be taken concurrently with R402.
HPER R363 Professional Internship (6-14 cr.) P: HPER R301, HPER R367, 2.0 GPA or higher. Therapeutic recreation option only: P: HPER R301, HPER R379, abnormal psychology, anatomy, physiology. Laboratory or field experience. Only S/F grades given.
HPER R365 Leisure and Aging (3 cr.) Explores the role of leisure in adult development with specific focus on the aging process, leisure needs, and leisure services. Basic concepts associated with leisure, aging, targeting leisure services, research, and public policy are presented in light of forecasting leisure demand in the 21st century.
HPER R366 Therapeutic Interventions with the Elderly (3 cr.) Promotes understanding of elderly persons who are frail, vulnerable, infirm, or disabled and how activities may be used to reach treatment and rehabilitation goals with clients from these populations.
HPER R367 Leisure Program Development (3 cr.) P: HPER R160, HPER R272. Learning and applying the recreation program process for leisure delivery systems. Introduction to program activity plans, budgeting, and public relations.
HPER R370 Wilderness First Responder (3 cr.) Wilderness First Responder is the most widely accepted standard in wilderness medical care for outdoor leaders. The curriculum uses the principles of long-term care, improvised resources, and varying environmental conciliations as the framework for learning. The course takes an in-depth look at emergencies that might be encountered in the backcountry.
HPER R372 Interpretive Resources and Techniques (3 cr.) P: HPER R271. Basic principles, philosophies, and methodologies of interpretation, outdoor education, and environmental education.
HPER R378 Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation (3 cr.) P: HPER R277. Leadership and intervention techniques with methods of assessment of client needs, activity analysis, and therapeutic use of recreation activity. Must be taken concurrently with HPER R402.
HPER R379 Clinical Practice in Therapeutic Recreation (3 cr.) P: HPER R378. Development of theoretically sound and effective interventions; understanding of social/clinical psychological concepts related to leader transactions with clients in therapeutic recreation.
HPER R380 Outdoor Experiential Education: Instructional Techniques (3 cr.) This course is designed to provide an examination of the basic techniques and practices commonly used in outdoor programming. Of specific interest are techniques, skills, and procedures used in the instruction and supervision of individuals and groups in outdoor environments.
HPER R381 Introduction to Armed Forces Recreation (3 cr.) Introduction to the processes and programs used by the U.S. Armed Forces to provide recreation services to members of the military community.
HPER R385 Wilderness in the American Mind (3 cr.) The philosophical turmoil of formal wilderness creation in the United States will be presented in this course. Discussion and debate of the European influences on wilderness thinking in the United States as well as examination of wilderness experiences of early European settlers to America will be addressed. The course traces the history of influential leaders in wilderness designations and the political climate of wilderness debates.
HPER R390 Statistical Applications in Leisure Studies (3 cr.) Introduction to the principles and practices of research analysis. Statistics is the mathematical tool used to describe research observations and to make inferences. Emphasis will be placed on the concepts and assumptions behind a statistical test and in the test’s mathematical description.
HPER R391 Graduate Prerequisite in Recreation and Park Administration (3 cr.) An overview of the various disciplines within the field of recreation and park administration intended for graduate students with minimal background in recreation and parks.
HPER R398 Practicum in Recreation (1-6 cr.) Practical field experience under faculty supervision and with seminar discussions. Only S/F grades given. No fees deducted.
HPER R399 Practicum in Parks and Recreation (1-6 cr.) Practical field experience under faculty supervision and with seminar discussions. Only S/F grades given.
HPER R402 Senior Seminar (1 cr.) Intensive study and culminating discussion of contemporary problems, techniques, and issues in recreation and parks. Inquiry will focus according to students’ specialization.
HPER R413 Outdoor Adventure Programming: Foundations and Theories (3 cr.) Examines the history, management administration, and current issues in outdoor and adventure-based programs. Special attention will be given to developing an understanding of organizational involvement, social and ecological issues in risk management.
HPER R418 Strategies and Methods of Interpretation (3 cr.) Explores the theory and practice of interpretation, a unique form of communication that takes place at parks, museums, sites, and tourist attractions. Examines different methods of interpretation, emphasizing cultural and historical interpretation.
HPER R421 Investigation of Underwater Resources (3 cr.) Techniques for scientific investigation of underwater resources. History of underwater exploration, Abandoned Shipwreck Act, evolution of maritime technology, artifact identification, and dating criteria. Development of techniques for producing site plans and scientific field reports. Includes Scientific Diver Level II and sport diver Underwater Archaeology Certification. Underwater Science Certification may be earned concurrently.
HPER R422 Marketing for Leisure Services (3 cr.) Application of marketing principles to leisure service delivery systems. Emphasis on organizing and analyzing the marketing process and planning the marketing mix. For recreation majors with limited background in economics and marketing.
HPER R423 Visitor Behavior (3 cr.) Examines the theory and findings of visitor and tourism research as it is conducted in such recreation and leisure settings as parks, museums, towns, historic sites, sporting facilities, and resorts. Topics include visitor motivations, expectations, social interactions, and assessment. Students will learn nine techniques for gathering information from and about visitors.
HPER R424 Shipwreck Parks as Underwater Museums (3 cr.) Shipwrecks, defined as submerged cultural resources, will be studied as museums underwater that warrant research and interpretation in situ. Legislative issues for the protection and preservation of historic shipwrecks. Emphasis on the development of historic shipwreck parks and preserves in the United States and the Caribbean.
HPER R429 Resource Based Tourism (3 cr.) This course will integrate various concepts of natural resource management, tourism theory, and selected business practices to examine the form, functions, and impacts of resource-based tourism.
HPER R440 Policy Studies in Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Management (3 cr.) Students will be exposed to policy decision making in the management of government-owned lands and develop an understanding of entry-level policy making with government agencies. Agencies to be studied include state and national parks, the forest service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and the Bureau of Land Management.
HPER R441 Legal Aspects of Recreation (3 cr.) Provides students with basic understanding of legal liability, the risk management process, negligence, intentional torts, constitutional torts, strict liability, standard of care, attractive nuisance, and other legal subjects. Introduction to personnel and contract law; strategies for reducing the probability of litigation.
HPER R450 Tourism Systems Planning (3 cr.) Components of the tourism-park recreation development system and the concepts of planning resource use at the larger-than-site scale. Physical and program factors important to development for visitor use.
HPER R451 Fiscal Management for Leisure Service Organizations (3 cr.) Financing leisure products and services in public- and private-sector delivery systems. Emphasis on sources and methods of financing; forecasting cost and income; and budgeting, pricing, and fiscal management through use of computer technology.
HPER R462 Organization and Management of Therapeutic Recreation Programs (3 cr.) P: HPER R378. Presents the foundation for systematic program design, implementation, and management. Includes the development of program protocols.
HPER R466 Management of Leisure Services (3 cr.) P: HPER R367. An introduction to managing leisure service agencies in a dynamic and changing environment.
HPER R468 Strategic Planning for Recreation, Park, and Tourism Organizations (3 cr.) P: HPER R160, HPER R266. Study of strategic and comprehensive planning, its application, and process to include management components and influences. Emphasis will be placed upon the planning process, public engagement techniques, research methods, trends analysis, and planning models as they relate to recreation and tourism organizations’ identification of a desired future.
HPER R471 Human Resource Management in Leisure Services (3 cr.) Principles and practices of human resource management in recreation and leisure service agencies will be studied with emphasis upon the skills necessary to manage full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees as well as volunteers.
HPER R472 Youth Sport Management (3 cr.) P: HPER R324. Exploration and examination of youth sport history, philosophy, developmental stages of youth, sport management and programming, and current issues and events necessary to deliver youth sport programming within a variety of settings, agencies, and/or organizations.
HPER R479 Trends and Issues in Therapeutic Recreation (3 cr.) Problems confronting the therapeutic recreator in the transition period between traditional medical practice and comprehensive health care for all people.
HPER R482 Trends and Issues in Armed Forces Recreation (2 cr.) In-depth examination of problems and issues of importance to students considering employment in Armed Forces Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR).
HPER R490 Research and Evaluation (3 cr.) P: HPER R390 or equivalent statistics course. Methods and techniques of research and evaluation as applied to recreation and park services.
HPER R499 Research in Recreation (1-3 cr.) Undergraduate independent research and study under the guidance of a faculty member.
Interdepartmental and Technical Courses
HPER T101 Introduction to Resource Development/Fundraising (3 cr.) Comprehensive overview of the importance of philanthropy in our society and on fundraising techniques and resources useful to future and current nonprofit professionals, volunteers, and donors. Emphasis on annual funds (including direct mail, special events, telemarketing, and online giving), capital campaigns, major gifts/planned giving, development services, and volunteer/staff roles in fundraising.
HPER T142 Living Well (3 cr.) Broaden your view of living well by actively pursuing healthy lifestyles. This course utilizes HPER faculty and professionals throughout the Bloomington community to help students achieve balance in health, physical activity, and leisure pursuits. Students address concepts of peer mentoring and goal setting strategies to achieve this balance.
HPER T201 Annual Giving (2 cr.) Information, skills, and resources useful to nonprofit professionals, volunteers, and donors who want to create effective annual giving programs. Emphasis on integrating key fundraising components (direct mail, special events, telemarketing, personal solicitation, matching gifts, and technology) into coherent development plans.
HPER T202 Major Gifts and Planned Giving (2 cr.) Techniques and best practices used to cultivate, solicit, and close large philanthropic commitments from individuals. Focus on different ways gifts can be designed (or “planned”) to fit the needs of the donor and maximize the impact on the nonprofit recipient.
HPER T203 Development Services (2 cr.) Behind-the-scenes foundation for planning and managing innovative and effective resource development (fundraising) efforts. Emphasis on practical resources and techniques in research, stewardship, information systems, and development technologies.
HPER T301 Capital Campaigns (2 cr.) P: HPER T101. Advanced course in resource development/fundraising focusing on the successful organization, implementation, and completion of a capital campaign. Especially applicable for future and current nonprofit managers and fundraisers.
HPER T302 Development Marketing and Analytical Services (2 cr.) P: HPER T101. Introduction to the integration of for-profit marketing practices into the nonprofit culture.
HPER T399 Practicum in Resource Development/Fundraising (1-3 cr.) Supervised practical learning experience in resource development field. May include community-based research, special projects, or other applications of fundraising principles and techniques. Must be approved in advance.
HPER T401 Advanced Planned Giving Techniques, Wills, and Estates (2 cr.) P: HPER T101 and HPER T201. Advanced course for students contemplating a career in fundraising with a specialization in major gifts and planned giving. Pre-law students will also find this course useful.
HPER T470 Special Topics in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (1-3 cr.) Topics vary from semester to semester but cover broad subjects that cut across fields of study represented in the school. Consult the Schedule of Classes for current information. May be repeated for credit if topic differs.
HPER T490 Critical Issues in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (2 cr.) Analysis of current social problems pertinent to the responsibilities of the health, physical education, and recreation professions. Open to superior students at junior and senior levels. Admission by invitation only. Only S/F grades given.
HPER T499 Internship in Resource Development/Fundraising (1-3 cr.) Opportunity for hands-on experience in resource development field. Special projects and/or general duties supervised by faculty in cooperation with agency partners. Must be approved in advance.
