PRR 213, INTRODUCTION TO PARKS, RECREATION AND LEISURE
Spring Semester 2002
Department of Park, Recreation and Tourism
Michigan State University
CLASS:
Monday and Wednesday
3:00-4:20 p.m.
CLASSROOM:
223 Natural Resources
OFFICE HOURS: Monday
10-12 Noon
Or by appointment
INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE:
PHONE:
EMAIL:
WEB:
Dr. Richard Paulsen
Natural Resources Bldg., 131
517-353-5190 Ext. 114 (office)
paulsen@msu.edu
http://www.msu.edu/course/prr/213
INTRODUCTION
Our society has developed important social institutions which enable us to pursue personal fulfillment.
One of these institutions is loosely identified as leisure services. (This course is designed to orient students
majoring in Park, Recreation and Tourism Resources to the conceptual foundations, constellation of
services, and management issues associated with the profession. Primary focal points for this course
include: a) historical and philosophical foundations of the parks and recreation field, b) the demand for
resources and services, c) the types of resources and services and how they are managed, and d) career and
professional opportunities. Students will also have the opportunity to explore the significance of recreation
and leisure in their lives.)
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The course is designed to enable you to:
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explore the rudiments of historical and current views of recreation, leisure, play and work;
formulate personal working definitions for the above mentioned concepts and begin
developing a professional philosophy;
become aware of professional responsibilities and resources;
understand the basic motivations for recreation participation of and provision for various
consumer groups;
examine the spectrum of the recreation resource and delivery systems in the public and
private sectors;
investigate the various aspects of the field including tourism and commercial recreation,
natural resource management, visitor information services, programming, planning,
research, and therapeutic recreation;
interview a park and recreation professional to discuss park, recreation or tourism
resources on an individual basis.
WRITING SKILLS
Because effective writing skills are important to any profession, attention will be paid to the actual writing
components of your papers. All written work is to be professionally presented with attention paid to
elements such as structure, clarity, grammar and spelling. Due to its importance in all writing, you should
give yourself time and opportunities to revise your work.
REQUIRED TEXTS
Kraus, R. 2001. Recreation and Leisure in Modern Society 6th ed. Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
ASSIGNMENTS
ASSIGNMENT #1 (two sections) PERSONAL DEFINITION OF RECREATION - due: February
27 (100 points). 7-10 types pages not including title page or reference page. (100 points)
Goal:
To provide an opportunity for each student to initiate the process of formulating his/her views on
fundamental concepts.
State clearly your definition of recreation. Describe the elements of this definition and why you
believe that they are important. Present a definition of recreation from the literature and discuss
why you selected this particular definition. Compare and contrast your definition with the
definition from the literature. Explain how your definition of recreation relates to the concepts
Aleisure@, Aplay@, Atourism@ and Awork@ and provide a Aven diagram@ of this relationship.
Discuss how the following factors have affected your current participation in recreational
activities:
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current geographical location and one other place that you have lived;
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current age;
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current economic condition;
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current personal mobility (physical and mechanical);
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friends and family influence (and preferred social group);
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experiences, training, opportunities as a child; and
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other relevant factors (factors that have influenced your recreation behavior and are not
included in the list above);
* Note: you must relate elements of this discussion to readings and class discussion (provide
references which support this discussion).
ASSIGNMENT #2 MANAGEMENT OF LEISURE SERVICES (Group Paper) - Due April 15 (100
Points)
Goal:
To provide an opportunity for each student to develop insights into the management of recreation
services.
A group of 3 students is to select a recreation activity in which they participate or one in which they have a
strong interest and locate a recreation service organization that offers this activity. Make an appointment to
interview the organizational manager responsible for the activity of interest to you and gather the following
information:
A.
Describe the activity that you have selected and the history of each group members=
involvement with that activity (participant, spectator, provider).
B.
Choose a leisure service organization and discuss the management of the chosen activity.
In your discussion, you are to include, but you are not limited to, the following topics:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
mission of the organization and management objectives for the activity,
structure of the organization (organizational chart)
discussion of whether the facilities and/or natural resource(s) that directly support
the activity are provided by the government and/or private sector and if this
provision is profit-oriented (if not profit-oriented, but fees are collected, where do
the fees go?);
policies which guide the operation of the activity of interest;
explanation of the annual operating budget for the activity, including salaries of
personnel at various levels (if possible), and allocation of budget directly in
support of your selected activity;
discussion of the number of personnel (full and part-time) assigned to operate the
activity, and their basic work responsibilities;
description (demographic profile) of the users/participants; and
overview of the visitor information system/promotional efforts/marketing
strategies used to reach clients/visitors/users of this activity.
C.
In addition, from your interview discuss two issues confronting the management of the
activity that you have selected.
D.
To conclude the paper each student is to describe his/her impressions of the organization
and how it is managed for the selected activity. This discussion is to reflect the student=s
knowledge of professional concepts and information gleaned from readings and class
discussion. Also, each student is to state specifically how this investigation has affected
his/her view of the activity of interest and recreation services in general (Minimum two
pages for each student). [Individual points for section D = 25 points].
E.
Appendix: Provide the written questions used during your interview and the full name,
title and address of the manager who was interviewed. Include a copy of the thank you
letter that you sent the manager for his/her assistance.
In this paper, document your knowledge through use of course notes and references to readings.
Length: 7-10 pages excluding title page, Section D, reference list, and appendix. (75 group
points and 25 individual points). [Individual points for Section D = 25].
GROUP PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS TO CLASS: Small group presentation - 25
points for each group member present.
Extra Credit: CURRENT EVENTS ARTICLE SUMMARY
Two points each (maximum of 10 articles per student or 20 points total for semester)
Bring in a Acurrent@ article pertaining to Issues of leisure to share with the class. Newspaper
clippings, news magazines, sports, recreation and health magazines and television news reports1
are good sources. Stapled the article to a one paragraph (double spaced with standard margins)
description of key points of the article and why it is relevant/important. Include your name and
date on the summary. (Only one article summary per week, per student will be accepted. The
articles must be turned in at the beginning of the class period). These articles are separate
from Assignment #2.
POLICY ON LATE ASSIGNMENTS AND MAKE-UP EXAMS
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Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the scheduled due date. Late
assignments will be deducted 5 points per day late.
Presentations which are due and scheduled to be presented during a specified class period
may not be made up.
No one will be excused from taking exams or handing in assignments at the times
scheduled without PRIOR permission of the instructor or a written doctor=s excuse. If
for some reason I am out of the office, be sure to leave a message (don=t forget to leave
your name and phone number) with a secretary. They answer the phones from 8:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. at 353-5190, Monday through Friday.
Individuals who miss lectures are expected to make arrangements with fellow students to
obtain the material presented. The instructor=s lecture notes will not be duplicated for
make-up purposes.
EVALUATION
Grades will be determined on the following basis:
Assignment
1.
Exam I (February 4)
2.
Exam II (February 25)
3.
Exam III (April 1)
4.
Exam IV (April 29)
5.
Assignment #1 (February 27)
6.
Assignment #2 (April 15)
Individual perspectives (Individual)
Small group presentation (Individual)
Points
100
100
100
100
100
75
25
25
625 Total Points
FINAL GRADE
Final grade is based on the following scale:
4.0 = 90% or more
3.5 = 85% -89%
1
program.
On televison program/report summaries include name of program, network affiliation and time of
3.0 = 80%-84%
2.5 = 75%-79%
2.0 = 70%-74%
1.5 = 65%-69%
1.0 = 60%-64%
0.0 = Below 60%
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
Note: At the beginning of each class meeting we will discuss current events on campus,
surrounding communities, Michigan, the United States, and the World related to leisure
behavior and leisure services management. Additionally, current professional information
from a variety of professional organizations which support the leisure services industry will
be shared.
Date:
Monday
Topic:
Course overview
Readings:
Module One: Conceptual Foundations of Leisure, Recreation and Play
The fundamental concepts of leisure, recreation and play provide the foundation for the
provision of leisure services. To e effective, leisure services managers must incorporate these
concepts into their professional philosophy of service. Students will be provided opportunities
to develop an understanding of the conceptual foundations of leisure, recreation and play for all
populations and settings.
January 7
Date:
Topic:
Readings:
Wednesday
Definitions, Philosophies and Theories of Recreation
Text, Chap.: 1,2
January 9
Play and Work
Monday
January 14
Definitions, Philosophies & Theories of Recreation
and work (continued)
Readings:
Wednesday
Leisure and Recreation in World History
Readings:
Text, Chap.: 1,2
Module Two: Leisure, Recreation and Play: Historical Perspectives
Throughout the development of our culture, leisure and recreation has played a significant role in
the fabric of life and influenced social, political and economic institutions. In this module,
students will be provided an opportunity to develop an understanding of the psychological,
sociological and physiological significance of play, recreation and leisure from a historical
perspective of all populations and settings.
January 16
Text, Chap. 3 pp. 49-61
Date:
Monday
January 21
Topic:
Dr. Martin Luther King
Observance (NO CLASS)
Readings
Wednesday
January 23
Early History of Leisure and Recreation in the
United States
Text, Chap. 3 pp. 62-81
Date:
Monday
Topic:
Early History of Leisure and Recreation in the
Readings:
Module Three: Development of Leisure Services Profession
January 28
United States (continued)
Text, Chap. 3 pp. 82-121
The leisure services profession that exists today has evolved as a result of social, political and
economic pressures into a significant institution in our culture. Students will be provided an
opportunity to develop an understanding of the history and development of the leisure services
profession in the United States.
Date:
Wednesday
January 30
Topic:
Leisure and Recreation in the Modern United States
Monday
Examination 1
Readings:
Text, Chap. 4
Module Four: The Value of Leisure, Recreation and Play
Leisure, recreation and play are important activities in our culture. Leisure services managers must
appreciate and understand the importance of leisure within the context of human development if
they are to effectively organize programs and facilities to meet consumer demands. In this module,
students will be provided with an introduction to the significance of leisure, recreation and play
throughout the life cycle.
February 4
Date:
Wednesday
February 6
Topic:
Readings:
Benefits, Constraints and Negative Aspects of Leisure Text, Chap. 5 pp. 123-137
and Recreation
Monday
Demographic and Lifestyle Influences on
Text, Chap. 5 pp. 137-155
Module Five: International Perspectives
Leisure, recreation and play are important activities in our culture. Leisure services managers must
appreciate and understand the importance of leisure within the context of human development if
they are to effectively organize programs and facilities to meet consumer demands. In this module,
students will be provided with an introduction to the significance of leisure, recreation and play
throughout the life cycle.
February 11
Recreation Behavior
Chap. 6
Date:
Wednesday
February 13
Topic:
International Perspectives on Leisure
Readings:
Russell
Module Six: Professionalism in Leisure Services
Managing leisure services involves a variety of complex responsibilities. To enable leisure
services managers to maintain a high level of professionalism a variety of resources are available.
Students will be introduced to a number of important considerations associated with success in the
leisure services field; professional, professional organizations, professional ethics,
professionalism, professional development resources.
Date:
Monday
Topic:
Professionalism and Professional Organizations in
Readings:
Text, Chap. 11
Module Seven: The Experience: Leisure Recreation and Play
Leisure services are developed, in part, to provide experiences to consumers. A variety of
resources are employed to create meaningful experiences in an effective manner. Students will be
provided an opportunity to understand the use of diverse community, institutional, natural and
human service resources to promote and enhance the leisure experience.
February 18
Park, Recreation and Tourism
Date:
Wednesday
February 20
Topic:
Understanding the Leisure Experience
Monday
Module Eight: Leisure Service Delivery
February 25
Examination 2
Readings:
Chubb & Chubb
The leisure services infrastructure in our society is extensive and varied. This array of service
delivery models attempts to address the diverse needs of our society. Students will be provided an
opportunity to understand (1) the roles and interrelationships of diverse leisure service delivery
systems (2) the responsibilities of the leisure service profession to make available opportunities for
leisure experiences for all population segments in our society and (3) current issues facing leisure
managers in various organizations. Additionally, students will develop an understanding of the
role and content of leisure service programs within these delivery systems.
Date:
Monday
February 27
Topic:
Readings:
Public Recreation Services (Federal & State) Text, Chap. 8 pp. 209-227
Wednesday
March 3-8
SPRING BREAK
Monday
March 11
Public Recreation Services
(County & Municipal)
Text, Chap. 7
Wednesday
March 13
Recreation Services Provided by Not-for Profit
Organizations
Text, Chap. 8 pp. 227-238
Monday
March 18
Specialized Services: (Employee, Military,
Campus, Church)
Text, Chap. 9 pp. 258-284
Wednesday
March 20
Therapeutic Recreation Services
Services
Text, Chap. 9 pp. 249-257
Monday
March 25
Commercial Recreation Services
Text, Chap. 8 pp. 239-247
Wednesday
March 27
Travel and Tourism
Monday
April 1
Examination 3
Wednesday
April 3
Natural Resources Recreation Management
Monday
April 8
Interpretation and visitor Information Services
Wednesday
April 10
Planning and Design of Recreation Areas & Facilities
Monday
Recreation Program Management
Text, Chap. 10 pp. 296-311
Sharpe
Rossman
April 15
Wednesday
April 17
Leisure Management Research Presentations
Monday
April 22
Leisure Services Management: Roles and Responsibilities
Wednesday
April 24
Professional, Values & Philosophy Future of
Recreation Services, Course Summary
Monday
April 29
Examination 4
223 NR - 3-5 PM
Text, Chap. 12
PRR 213
ASSIGNMENT #1: PERSONAL DEFINITION AND RECREATION (100 POINTS)
(7-10 pages not including title page or reference page)
A.
Definition Discussion
Your Definition
Compare
Contrast
Text Definition
Relationship to Concepts (Leisure, Play, Tourism, Work)
Ven Diagram
50/
B.
Factors Affecting Your Recreation Participation
35/
Current Geographical Location
Another Geographical Location
Current Age
Current Economic Condition
Current Personal Mobility
Friends & Family Influence
Experiences, training, opportunities as a child, other relevant factors

Overall Quality

Mechanics
Total
100/
PRR 213
ASSIGNMENT #2: INTRODUCTION TO PARKS, RECREATION AND LEISURE
(100 Points)
Part A:
HISTORY OF INVOLVEMENT IN ACTIVITY
15/
Part B:
MANAGEMENT OF THE SITE
1.
Management Objectives (4)
2.
Nature of the Organization (public, private, non-profit) (4)
3.
Operational Policies (4)
4.
Annual Operating Budget (4)
5.
Funding Sources (4)
6.
Personal (4)
7.
User Profile (4)
8.
Overview of communication with visitors (visitor information
system, promotion, marketing) (4)
Part C:
DISCUSSIONS OF ISSUES
15/
Issue One (4)
Issue Two (4)
Part D:
VIEW OF ACTIVITY AND MANAGEMENT OF THE ORGANIZATION
AS A RESULT OF YOUR RESEARCH
25/
Part E:
Appendix (5)
5/
References
Interview Questions
Name and Address of Interviewee
LETTER THANKING INTERVIEWEE (5)
5/
OVERALL QUALITY
10/
MECHANICS
5/
TOTAL
/100
(75 group/25
individual)