TuTh 4:00-5:15pm SW 119
Th 1:25-2:15pm HP 017

Description of course content: HPER R160 offers an introduction to
leisure as a significant force in contemporary life. We study this
by way of its social, psychological, historical, philosophical,
anthropological, geographical, and economic foundations. More than a
survey course, however, R160 is a point of view. Leisure is
presented as a human phenomenon that is individual and collective,
historical and contemporary, good and bad, and useful and frivolous.
Thus, we explore leisure as:
•a condition of being human, including its meanings through the
humanities, ancient history, contemporary usage, as well as its
qualities, explanations, and role in human development
•a cultural mirror, including its meaning reflected in society,
media, geography, technology, and deviance
•a social instrument, including its history as a tool for social
good, its power over an economy, our time, and work, as well as its
role in achieving human equity

Required Book List: Pastimes: The Context of Contemporary Leisure
(3rd Ed.), by Ruth V. Russell, 2005, Sagamore Publishing.
Summary of Assignments: Weekly reading assignments in the text, a
mid-term and final exam, active participation in 8 in-class
activities and the submission of 8 one-page papers.