Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
479-575-2000
Recreation (RECR)
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See the Department of Health Science, Kinesiology, Recreation, and Dance for departmental contacts.
- Professors Hunt, Moiseichik
- Associate Professor Langsner
- Assistant Professors Benton, Dittmore
The program of recreation is designed to prepare candidates for a variety of career opportunities in the field of recreation and parks. Career opportunities may include park and recreation directors for a city, sports management, fitness center managers, state and national park managers, camp administrators, or work in YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, or other youth-serving agencies. Graduates of this program should be well prepared to enter the recreational workforce at an entry level position or pursue graduate studies in such areas as recreation management, sport management, or other allied health professional schools.
The candidate for the Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a major in recreation must select professional electives in an area of interest with help from an academic adviser from the recreation faculty. Each set of professional electives is developed individually to meet specific career goals. Professional electives are 18-21 hours, generally in academic areas other than the recreation program. Examples of professional electives include, but are not limited to, public recreation, children and families, fitness club management, commercial recreation, aquatic management, therapeutic recreation, camp administration, outdoor leadership, community sports, youth at risk, and outdoor recreation.
All students must complete the University Core requirements as listed under University Core Courses. In addition, all students must take the required general studies for the recreation core requirements listed below. Recreation majors must obtain a “C” or better in all courses beginning with the alpha code RECR. To enroll in RECR 440V, students must have a 2.50 GPA or better in RECR core and professional elective courses. Many courses in the recreation curriculum are taught in sequential order. Please check catalog course descriptions for prerequisites.
There are several experiential requirements within the recreation core. Students are required to do three practicum experiences (RECR 201V) in three different agencies. Each experience totals 45 hours. A more intense experience of an internship (RECR 440V) requires a minimum of 400 hours or work full time for 12-15 weeks in an agency with a qualified park and recreation professional. Students in the recreation program must obtain one instructor-level certification and a second certification in another area of expertise, three certifications which must be appropriate to recreation and be pre-approved by the recreation program. For additional information regarding these certifications see a recreation faculty adviser. Certifications must be valid at the time of graduation and be completed before a grade will be assigned in RECR 4013 Contemporary Issues in Leisure. Examples of these certifications include, but are not limited to, water safety instructor, aerobics instructor, American Red Cross canoeing instructor, first-aid instructor, and hunter safety instructor. A minimum of 124 hours are required for graduation in the major of recreation.
An undergraduate minor in recreation is also available to students enrolled in other colleges. Students with interests related to the recreation profession such as business, biology, human environmental science, or horticulture may elect the 15-hour minor. This minor could enhance future career opportunities.
| Curriculum for a Major in Recreation | Hours |
| University Minimum Core (State Minimum Core) Required University Core for Major in Recreation |
35 |
| PLSC 2003 American National Government | |
| PSYC 2003 General Psychology SOCI 2013 General Sociology |
|
| Required General Studies for the Recreation Major 3-hour Literature/History/Western Civilization elective COMM 1313 Fundamentals of Communication HLSC 1002 Wellness Concepts PEAC 1621 Fitness Concepts |
9 |
| Recreation Program requirements RECR 1003 Professional Foundations of Leisure RECR 1023 Recreation and Natural Resources RECR 201V Recreation Practicum (three one-credit experiences) RECR 2063 Commercial Recreation and Tourism Enterprise RECR 2093 Inclusive and Special Recreation RECR 2813 Leadership Techniques in Recreation RECR 3833 Program Planning in Recreation RECR 3843 Planning, Design and Maintenance for Recreation RECR 2853 Leisure and Society RECR 3873 Sport and Recreation Risk Management RECR 4003 Innovative Practices in Recreation RECR 4013 Contemporary Issues in Leisure RECR 4083 Research and Evaluation in Recreation RECR 440V Internship (9 hours) HLSC 3633 First Responder-First Aid |
51 |
| Directed Study Professional Electives (Selected with help from a recreation faculty adviser.) |
18-21 |
| Adviser approved electives | 8-11 |
| Total Hours for Recreation degree | 124 |
| Curriculum Requirements for a Minor in Recreation | 15 |
| RECR 1003 Professional Foundations of Leisure | |
| RECR 2813 Leadership Techniques in Recreation | |
| RECR 3833 Program Planning in Recreation | |
| RECR 3873 Sport and Recreation Risk Management | |
| RECR elective course selected to complement major (see adviser) |
Note: The minimum number of hours required to receive a baccalaureate degree at the University of Arkansas is 124 semester hours.
The Recreation major is exempt from Act 1014, which requires eight semester degree plans for most majors, because students are recommended to register for RECR 440V (Internship) after the completion of their course work. This is necessary because the recreation agencies have their busiest season in the summer. For a recommended nine-semester plan, however, please refer to the College of Education and Health Profession’s Web site at coehp.uark.edu.
Courses
RECR1003 Professional Foundations of Leisure (Sp, Fa) An analysis of the historical and philosophical development of recreation and leisure. Theories of play, recreation, and leisure are studied. Economic, political, technical, and social forces are examined as these influence recreation, parks, and leisure services is examined in context with diverse service delivery systems.
RECR1023 Recreation and Natural Resources (Fa) An examination of the use and management of natural resources for outdoor recreation with consideration of multiple use, environmental ethics, risk management, and other current considerations. Several field visits will be required as part of the class, including a weekend outing.
RECR201V Recreation Practicum (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-3) Students are assigned to assist in leisure-oriented programs for exposure to organizational structure, services, and programming of cooperating recreational agencies. Students may take 1-3 hours per semester; each credit hour is a 45-hour experience. Students must complete 3 different experiences before internship. Prerequisite: RECR 1003.
RECR2063 The Commercial Recreation and Tourism Enterprise (Fa) Examination of the commercial recreation and tourism industries. The operational requirement of a wide range of recreation businesses will be studied. Case study and field investigation methods will be emphasized.
RECR2093 Inclusive and Special Recreation (Sp) An introduction to the basic concepts of inclusive and special recreation services integrated with knowledge and skill sets required to provide accessible recreation and leisure programming for people with disabilities.
RECR2813 Leadership Techniques in Recreation (Fa) Development of knowledge related to leadership theory, group dynamics, and face-to-face leadership techniques. Students gain an understanding of leadership theories as they are applied in a field setting.
RECR2853 Leisure and Society (Sp, Su, Fa) This course is an examination of leisure and its effect on society. Course content includes identification and exploration of motivating factors related to various traditional and contemporary leisure expressions as it occurs across diverse populations.
RECR2853H Honors Leisure and Society (Sp, Su, Fa) This course is an examination of leisure and its effect on society. Course content includes identification and exploration of motivating factors related to various traditional and contemporary leisure expressions as it occurs across diverse populations.
RECR3012 Officiating Basketball, Softball, and Baseball (Irregular) Provide the individual with the basic knowledge of sport rules and mechanics of officiating basketball, softball, and baseball.
RECR3023 Sport Management Fundamentals (Fa) This course is designed to present an overview of the fundamentals of sport management in professional and intercollegiate sport, as well as issues facing sport organizations and how management techniques can be applied to solve sport business problems. A description of career opportunities in sport will be presented with special interest in helping the student design a course of study that best meets his/her goals. Prerequisite: RECR 1003.
RECR3833 Program Planning in Recreation (Sp) Development of the fundamentals of program planning using modern techniques of identifying and analyzing program activity areas and community needs. Includes program development and application with a variety of population groups and representative leisure service areas.
RECR3843 Planning, Design, and Maintenance for Recreation (Sp) Planning concepts, design principles, and maintenance techniques are emphasized. Also, technical design concepts and firsthand experiences in maintenance of facilities are included.
RECR3873 Sport and Recreation Risk Management (Sp) Indepth look at risk management and related legal issues affecting recreation and sport administration. Prerequisite: RECR 3833 and junior standing. (Same as HESC 3623)
RECR4003 Innovative Practices in Recreation (Fa) Management techniques for recreation programs and facilities.
RECR4013 Contemporary Issues in Leisure (Sp) Discussion of selected topics and review of current literature in the recreation field. Analysis of current trends and professional issues are emphasized. Certification at the instructor level or higher in at least 2 areas of expertise must be completed before a grade is assigned in this course. Prerequisite: Senior standing.
RECR405V Independent Study in Recreation (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-3) Provides student an opportunity to pursue special study of research problems.
RECR4083 Research and Evaluation in Recreation (Sp) An introduction to the applied methods and techniques of research and evaluation in leisure studies and services. General consideration given to research applications such as needs assessment, program evaluation, and marketing studies. Emphasis placed on the logic underlying the research process.
RECR440V Internship (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-12) This experiential based course requires 40 hours per week of work in an approved agency for a full semester. It is recommended that students register for the summer session after completion of their course work. Prerequisite: RECR 3873.
RECR480V Workshop (Irregular) (1-3) May be repeated for up to 3 hours of degree credit.
RECR4923 Outdoor Adventure Leadership (Su) This course considers the scope of outdoor recreation programs, leadership and skill development with practical experience in a wilderness environment. The course will include a canoe trip through the wilderness, and skill training in such areas as orienteering and rock climbing; and leadership development in interpersonal and processing skills.
RECR5003 Graduate Prerequisites (Fa) Gives students entering a recreation degree program with no course background in recreation the necessary understanding of the recreation field. This course will not count toward a graduate degree in recreation.
RECR5273 The Intramural Sports Program (Odd Years, Fa) Historical development, aim and objectives, organization, administration, units of competition, program of activities, schedule making, scoring plans, rules and regulations, awards, and special administrative problems.
RECR5293 Sports Management (Fa) Deals primarily with high school athletics and considers historical development, objectives, controlling agencies, eligibility and contest regulations, local organization and administration, staff program, finances, inventories, facilities and equipment, safety, legal aspects, awards, publicity, and public relations.
RECR5473 Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation (Irregular) Advances the student's understanding and application of therapeutic recreation techniques. It provides knowledge and the opportunity to apply skills for the student to gain competencies necessary for the provision of therapeutic recreation services. Prerequisite: RECR 4093.
RECR5483 Treatment Planning in Therapeutic Recreation (Irregular) Prepares students with the skills and understanding to apply the "TR Process" (assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation) in the development of individual client treatment plans in Therapeutic Recreation. Prerequisite: RECR 4093.
RECR5493 Trends and Issues in Therapeutic Recreation (Irregular) Advances the student's knowledge of issues and concerns that moderate therapeutic recreation services to the client. The student is expected to critically examine and discuss each issue in an effort to develop a sound, practical philosophy of therapeutic recreation. The ultimate goal is to prepare the student to enter the profession confident in his or her ability to provide exemplary services. Prerequisite: RECR 4093.
RECR560V Workshop (Irregular) (1-3) May be repeated for up to 3 hours of degree credit.
RECR574V Internship (Irregular) (1-3)
RECR5813 Principles of Recreation (Su) Considers history, philosophy, current trends, basic issues, and fundamental principles of recreation. Using these principles as basic criteria, students make critical appraisals of current practices in organization and administration of recreation programs, program content, leadership methods, and evaluative procedures.
RECR5833 Recreation for Special Populations (Irregular) Skills, knowledge, and concepts within recreation which are appropriate to planning and implementing recreation programs and services for the handicapped.
RECR5843 Tourism (Even Years, Fa) Explores major concepts of tourism to discover what makes tourism work, how tourism is organized, and its social and economic effects.
RECR5853 The School and Community Recreation Program (Sp) Nature, background, significance, and trends in recreation in the school and community. Attention is given to departmental organization, administrative practices, program financing, personnel, safety, and legal aspects.
RECR5883 Recreation Services Promotion (Fa) Examines specific strategies for promoting recreation programs in the local community.
RECR5893 Field Work in Recreation (Sp, Su, Fa) Provides practical work experience in recreation programs and the opportunity to study special programs under the supervision of specialists.
RECR600V Master's Thesis (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-18)
RECR605V Independent Study (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-3) May be repeated for up to 3 hours of degree credit.
RECR612V Directed Reading in Recreation (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-3) Critical analysis of literature in the area of recreation.
RECR6533 Legal and Political Aspects (Sp) An overview of major legislation affecting HKRD professions; how to operate within these laws; and methods for influencing new legislation. Also discusses political aspects of professions both outside and inside government agencies.
RECR674V Internship (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-3) Students will learn diverse teaching techniques and implement them in an on-going undergraduate recreation class serving as the teaching laboratory. The 'what "when" and "how" relative to integrating various teaching techniques with specific content areas in the class will be explored by both the student and the instructor.
PEAC1131 Beginning Swimming (Irregular) Includes: essentials of water safety; basic strokes and techniques of swimming; and beginning diving.
PEAC1221 Beginning Jogging (Sp, Fa) Instruction and participation in jogging.
PEAC1231 Beginning Bowling (Sp, Fa) Instruction and participation in bowling.
PEAC1241 Beginning Volleyball (Irregular) Instruction and participation in volleyball.
PEAC1251 Beginning Racquetball (Sp, Fa) Instruction and participation in racquetball.
PEAC1351 Beginning Golf (Sp, Fa) Instruction and participation in golf.
PEAC1391 Fitness Walking (Sp, Fa) Instruction and participation in vigorous walking for cardiovascular development and improvement.
PEAC1401 Beginning Gymnastics for Men's Apparatus (Irregular) Instruction and participation in gymnastics and men's apparatus.
PEAC1411 Beginning Gymnastics for Women's Apparatus (Irregular) Instruction and participation in gymnastics with women's apparatus.
PEAC1431 Beginning Tennis (Sp, Fa) Instruction and participation in tennis.
PEAC1471 Beginning Badminton (Fa) Instruction and participation in badminton.
PEAC1481 Beginning Archery (Irregular) Instruction and participation in archery.
PEAC1621 Fitness Concepts (Sp, Fa) Acquaints students with a basic knowledge, understanding, and value of physical activity as related to optimal wellness.
PEAC1661 Weight Training (Sp, Fa) Instruction and participation in weight training.
PEAC1801 Aerobic Dance I (Irregular) The fundamentals of aerobic dance as a physical fitness program.
PEAC1831 Beginning Scuba Diving (Sp, Fa) Instruction and participation in scuba diving. Corequisite: Drill component.
PEAC1901 Special Topics (Irregular) Instruction and participation in specialized activity. May be repeated for up to 4 hours of degree credit.
PEAC2241 Intermediate Volleyball (Irregular) A continuation of the study and practice of volleyball fundamentals with emphasis on advanced skills and strategies. Prerequisite: PEAC 1241.
PEAC2421 Intermediate Tumbling (Irregular) The fundamentals of tumbling from basic rolls and balances to aerial movement and combinations. Prerequisite: PEAC 1401 and PEAC 1411.