College Courses for Therapeutic Schools

 

College Course Descriptions

Course Number: ORL 116
Course Title: Outdoor Recreation Principles
Course Length:  90 hours
Units: 3 
Catalog Description:  This course is designed to prepare students for further training and education and to enhance their knowledge of and appreciation for the natural environment so that safe, responsible and enjoyable outdoor adventures are possible.  Upon completion of this course students will be able to plan and implement backpacking trips in a safe and efficient manner.
Topic Outline:  Note:  Not every topic will necessarily be covered in each course.

  1. Basic Theories of Outdoor Leadership
  2. Federal Land Management
  3. Wilderness Management
  4. Obtaining Permits
  5. Clothing and Equipment
  6. Trail Techniques
  7. Leave No Trace
  8. Navigation with Map and Compass
  9. Map and Compass
  10. Trail Techniques
  11. Time/Energy Control Planning
  12. Logistical Planning
  13. Backcountry Safety and First Aid and SAR
  14. Backcountry Cooking
  15. Water Purification

Major Course Goals:  Students will have developed and practiced basic skills related to safe backcountry travel.  Students will have the ability to safely and effectively plan and execute extended backcountry trips.
Student Learning Outcomes:  Upon completion of this course students will:  1) Demonstrate an ability to use camp craft skills in a manner consistent with safety, efficiency, and Leave No Trace ethics;  2) Demonstrate knowledge of and experience in at least two different outdoor recreation technical skills (e.g. backpacking, climbing, rafting, kayaking, skiing…); 3) Demonstrate ability to select clothing and equipment appropriate to the recreational activity and environment.

Course Number: ORL 161
Course Title: Intermediate Backpacking
Course Length:  36 hours
Units: 1 
Catalog Description:  A class designed for students who have obtained basic competencies related to backpacking and backcountry travel.  Content will include a more advanced survey of equipment and clothing, navigation with map and compass, leave no trace principles, time / energy control planning, trip planning, campsite selection, trail techniques, and camp cooking.
Topic Outline: 

  1. Clothing and Equipment:  lightweight backcountry travel
  2. Map & Compass
  3. Leave No Trace
  4. Time / Energy Control Planning
  5. Trip Planning
  6. Campsite Selection
  7. Group travel and trail techniques
  8. Camp cooking
  9. Natural History and Land Management Agencies

Major Course Goals:  1) To provide a strong conceptual foundation of the principles required to backpack with the lightest pack possible; 2) To give students the knowledge and experience necessary to participate in a variety of backpacking activities on their own; 3) To allow students the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to Leave No Trace with a large group in a pristine environment, and to move that group efficiently through the backcountry.

Student Learning Outcomes:  1) The student will demonstrate an understanding of equipment, hiking techniques, group travel, and personal care techniques necessary for safe backpacking travel; 2) The student will discuss the differences in traditional verses lightweight backpacking techniques; 3)The student will use the proper language and terminology specific to backpacking

Number: ORL 200
Course Title: Outdoor Recreation Leadership
Course Length:  90 hours
Units: 3 
Catalog Description:  A study of leadership as it pertains to recreation.  This course allows students to develop as recreation leaders by providing a theoretical framework of leadership theory and experiential learning as recreation leaders.  Emphasis is placed on appropriate theories and techniques for addressing the needs of a variety of clientele in an outdoor setting.
Topic Outline: 

  1. Definitions
  2. Leader traits and Qualities
  3. Leadership Theories and Styles
  4. Leadership and Human Development
  5. Group Dynamics
  6. Communication Skills
  7. Conflict Resolution
  8. Managing and motivating
  9. Motivation
  10. Values and Ethics
  11. Risk Management

Major Course Goals:  After completing this class, students will have a strong conceptual understanding of the principles of leadership as it pertains to recreation.   Students will have the knowledge and experience necessary to plan and facilitate the group process related to the provision successful outdoor trips

Student Learning Outcomes:  Upon successful completion of this class, students will be able to:  1) Demonstrate an understanding of leadership principles by directing a group in a manner consistent with fundamental leadership theory; 2) Discuss leadership from a theoretical perspective; 3)  Manage Risks on an outdoor trip in a manner which demonstrates knowledge of effective Risk Management Planning.