Brock University
Faculty of Applied Health Sciences
Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies
RECL 2P11 - The Social Psychology of Leisure and Recreation
Winter 2014
Instructor: Tina VanKuren, M.Ed
Phone: (905) 688-5550, ext 5013
Office: Academic South 349
E-Mail: tvankuren@brocku.ca
Lecture: Wednesday 1900-2200 (7-10 p.m.)
Location: AS 204
Office hours: Wednesdays 1700-1900 (5-7 p.m.)
Additional times may be available if needed.
Restriction: Open to RECL majors with a minimum of 4.0 overall credits.
Prerequisite: RECL 1F91 (1P91) or permission of the instructor.
I.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Course Description:
This class will explore dimensions of human behaviour during free time including lifestyle,
social habits, and motives for leisure and recreation through using a combination of lectures,
discussions, assignments, and self-assessment exercises. Social psychological principles and
theoretical perspectives in relation to leisure and recreation lifestyles will be explained
through course content.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Describe the major theories and models of recreation and leisure in a social
psychological context.
2. Identify the impacts of leisure experience over the life span.
3. Explain the impact of social systems and situational influences on leisure choices,
experiences, and behaviour.
II.
READING
Required Text:
Russell, R. V. (2013). Pastimes. The context of contemporary leisure (5th ed.). Urbana, IL:
Sagamore Publishing.
RECL 2P11
2 of 8
Winter 2014
III. COURSE EXPECTATIONS & POLICIES
1. Attendance: Students are expected to (1) attend all scheduled classes and to be in
class on time, (2) print *class notes from SAKAI and bring them to class, (3) be
actively involved in class discussion and activities, and (4) be aware of the information
covered in the lectures, discussions, class reports, handouts, and in-class
announcements. Your success in the course depends highly on your ability to integrate
reading and lecture material. Lecture material used by the instructor will not be
reproduced for students missing class. Further, make sure cell phones are off when in
the classroom.
* Every effort will be made to post class notes on Tuesdays by midnight. Notes posted
on SAKAI are designed as a guide to lectures and do not provide all the content. Course
failure is assured if lectures are poorly attended.
2. Assignment deadlines: All assignments are due at the beginning of class. Any
assignment submitted after class begins is considered late. If you cannot attend class on
a day when there is an assignment due, please make arrangements with me. You will
not be given an opportunity to make up any work you have missed unless you make
arrangements with me in advance. The departmental administrative staff will not be
responsible for accepting assignments on anyone’s behalf.
3. Exam policy: Unavoidable things can happen that might make it impossible for you to
take an exam at the scheduled time, but late exam restrictions are necessary to maintain
exam security and to minimize the amount of extra time the instructor spends in
providing the special service of preparing, administering, and grading late or makeup
exams. If you get approval from me before the exam time, you may take the regular
exam or possibly an alternative exam format within the next week. Acceptable reasons
for a late exam include documented illness, accident, or a death in your social network.
Unacceptable reasons include leaving early for vacations or weekends, forgetting that
there is an exam, poor time management, or having another exam on the same day.
In special unforeseeable circumstances where a student misses an exam, it is the
student’s responsibility to contact the course instructor with acceptable documentation
(e.g., *student medical certificate, copy of death certificate/obituary, police report) no
later than 48 hours after the scheduled date to make alternative arrangements.
Students without acceptable documentation or those who contact the instructor after
the 48-hour deadline will be given a mark of “0” for the exam.
4. Content & format of assignments: All assignments will be graded based on content
(i.e., thoroughness, creativity, accuracy) and format (i.e., clarity of writing, correct use
of grammar and spelling, professional presentation). All assignments/projects should be
completed with the use of a computer word processing program, and be on 8.5” x11”
paper with 1” margins, double spaced (unless otherwise noted). Assignments should be
typed using a 12 point type size, and please include page numbers. Any references must
utilize APA style (6th ed.). Visit http://www.apastyle.org/ for more information, or
RECL 2P11
3 of 8
Winter 2014
contact a librarian for help. Students are required to retain all work returned to them as
evidence of points awarded.
5. Computer problems: Make sure that your assignment is done and printed (make
multiple copies) at least 24 hours prior to the due date to avoid stress. Computer
glitches will never be an acceptable excuse for an extension.
6. Remarking: If a student feels that an exam/assignment has been marked incorrectly,
please submit in writing a one-page, single-spaced explanation of the error to me within
two weeks of receiving your mark. The explanation must refer only to the work, the
requirements and the marking and to nothing else. Students must make any enquiries
about the mark on a graded piece of work within one week of the return date of the
work. The final grade for the work may go up, go down, or remain the same.
7. Academic integrity: Academic integrity is a core value of the academic mission of
Brock University, defined as the pursuit of knowledge and scholarship through the
provision of academic programs and a learning environment of the highest quality. It is
in the interest of the University's academic mission that every student adheres to the
highest standards of scholarly integrity. As such, academic dishonesty is taken very
seriously and will not be tolerated.
Academic dishonesty, defined as academic misconduct, consists of misrepresentation
by deception or by other fraudulent means and can result in serious consequences (e.g.,
lower grade or failure on the assignment or examination, failure in the course,
suspension from the University for a definite period, notation on the student’s official
transcript, or withholding or rescinding a Brock University degree or certificate).
It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic misconduct. For
information on the various kinds of academic dishonesty please refer to the 2013/2014
Brock University Undergraduate Calendar http://www.brocku.ca/webcal/2013/
undergrad/areg.html#sec68
The following illustrates only four examples of academic dishonesty:
i. Plagiarism; defined as presenting work done (in whole or part) by someone else
as if it were one’s own, or for which other credit has been obtained (e.g., using
direct quotations or large sections of paraphrased material without
acknowledgement).
ii. Improper collaboration (e.g., copying from another student, or making
information available to other students knowing that this is to be submitted as the
borrower’s own work).
iii. Impersonation, copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.
iv. Obtaining medical or other certificates under false pretenses
8. Communication: Success in this course is dependent on good communication among
all of us. Please always let me know if you’re confused or lost during class. Also, feel
free to call or e-mail me (e-mail is the best method to contact me) to make an
RECL 2P11
4 of 8
Winter 2014
appointment if you need extra help on certain topics. I will make an effort to respond to
your e-mail within 48 hours, though sometimes this may not be possible in every
instance. E-mails must be clearly identified with the name of the student. Anonymous,
unsigned or disrespectful email will be ignored. E-mail is a form of communication just
like any other, which means that it is governed by rules of decorum and respect so
please take that into consideration when writing your e-mails. It is often preferable and
more efficient to meet in person during my office hours.
I will only respond to e-mails from addresses that are part of the Brock University
Badger student email system.
9. Final grades: If you are not happy with your progress academically in the class, you
are encouraged to schedule meetings with me to discuss tips for success. Do NOT wait
until after you are unhappy with your final grade to approach me about your interest in
your grade.
IV.
COURSE EVALUATION METHODS
Assignments & Exams
Midterm Exam
Final Take-Home Exam
Definition Interviews
PowerPoint Slideshow
Application Paper
Weekly Question and Quotation
Submission
Due Date
February 12
Distributed and Posted on SAKAI
on April 2 and due on April 9
February 26
Grade
25%
25%
March 12
15%
Ongoing
10%
15%
In-class Exercises and Attendance
Ongoing
10%
Total
100%
Note: Friday, March 7 - Last date for withdrawal without academic penalty and last day to
change from credit to audit status for duration 3 courses. All students will receive notification of
15% of their final grade by February 28, 2014.
Exams
Midterm exam (Total 25 percent) will be written during class time on Wednesday, February 12,
2014. The final exam (Total 25 percent) will be distributed and posted on SAKAI on Wednesday,
April 2, 2014. The exams will comprise of multiple choice, true and false questions, short
answers, and will draw from all lectures and readings. Expectations for each exam will be
discussed with the class prior to the exam.
Grading Scale
As of May 2010, the following grades are awarded for undergraduate courses. Consult the
2013/2014 Brock university Undergraduate Calendar for further detailed information
(http://www.brocku.ca/webcal/2013/undergrad/).
RECL 2P11
5 of 8
Winter 2014
A - 90 to 100: Reserved for students where work is of outstanding quality that provides clear
evidence of a rare talent for the subject and of an original and/or incisive mind.
A - 80 to 89: Awarded for excellent, accurate work in which evidence of a certain flair for and
comprehension of the subject is clearly perceptible.
B - 70 to 79: Indicates competent work that shows a sound grasp of the course goals without
being distinguished.
C - 60 to 69: Represents work of adequate quality which suffers from incompleteness or
inaccuracy.
D - 50 to 59: Given where the minimum requirements of a course are barely satisfied.
F - 49 or lower: Means that minimum requirements have not been met and no credit has been
given for the course.
V.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
1. In-Class Exercises, Participation and Attendance (TOTAL 10 pts.) Ongoing
Students will participate in a variety of in-class activities and discussions and,
will be evaluated on the reports associated with those activities.
2. Weekly Question and Quotation Submission (TOTAL 10 pts.) DUE: Jan. 15;
Jan. 22; Jan. 29; Feb. 5; Feb. 26; Mar. 5; Mar. 12; Mar. 19, and Mar. 26
Students are required to write and submit 3 questions with accompanying
answers based on the weekly readings listed for the classes noted above. The 3
questions will consist of 1 multiple choice, 1 true/false, and 1 fill-in-the-blank.
In addition, students are expected to state 1 or 2 sentences from the assigned
Chapter (s) that he/she found particularly significant or illuminating or that
he/she feels best illustrates the major thesis of the chapter (s). These
assignments are to be sent to me via e-mail by 5 p.m. each Wednesday on the
dates noted above.
3. In-Class Mid-Term Examination Guidelines (TOTAL 25 pts.) DATE: Feb. 12
An in-class mid-term examination (3 hours) will be held on Wednesday,
February 12 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. (1900-2200) in AS 204. The exam will
consist of questions to be answered in examination booklets. Textbook, lecture
notes, readings, and assignments will not be permitted in completing this inclass mid-term examination.
4. Definition Interviews PowerPoint/Slideshow (TOTAL 15 pts.) DUE: Feb. 26
Qualitative research task to discover the complexity of leisure meanings. Randomly ask
at least 20 friends and family members what leisure means to them. Ask them to give
you one-word definitions and record every definition you are given. Then, select 2
people you don’t know very well and who are different from your friends or family to
conduct more lengthy interviews. For example, you might choose someone from
RECL 2P11
6 of 8
Winter 2014
another country, a person quite a bit older or younger, or a person of a different culture
than you. Ask them about leisure in their lives. What do they like best and least about
leisure? How do they experience leisure? What does leisure mean to them? Also,
answer these questions for yourself. Organize your data and compare the results from
both the quick and extensive interviews. Provide a summary to discuss the multiple
meanings of leisure and their context. Represent all of the content, findings and
summary from your research visually in a powerpoint slideshow format to be submitted
to me as an e-mail attachment.
5. Application Paper (TOTAL 15 pts.).
DUE: Mar. 12
The basic purpose of this assignment is to give you an opportunity to develop your
expertise in theories of leisure behaviour from a social psychological perspective. By
completing this assignment, I will expect you to develop the ability to confidently
explain some aspects of leisure behaviour to others, and know how to apply your
knowledge to the leisure programming. Select one or more (if you want) topical area(s)
or theory(ies) we have discussed throughout the class. Then, identify your interest area
(e.g., therapeutic recreation, community recreation, outdoor recreation, tourism, sport &
fitness center, park planning, resource management, etc.). You will apply your learning
to develop a paper on a topic of interest to you. Review carefully what you have learned
so far. Based on your understanding and learning, think about the information in terms
of applying it to leisure/sport programming. In other words, as a future leisure
programmer, ask yourself the following question: how can I use (apply) this
information (learning) in my program? (e.g., TR practices, outdoor programs, YMCA,
summer camp, recreational tour)
*Writing format: Use underlined words as headings of your paper.
I.
Introduction: Introduce the general idea of your paper. Introduce briefly the setting
(your program) you are applying to.
II.
Selected Topic(s) of Interest: Explain your selected topical areas (or theory/ies) here.
(Can a lay person understand concepts I explained in my paper?). Discuss previous
literature supporting your topical areas.
III.
Application: Describe how you applied this information (learning) to your chosen
program/setting.
IV.
Summary: Summarize what you have written.
(Note: A maximum of 10 pages double-spaced).
6. Final Take Home Examination Distributed/Posted on SAKAI (TOTAL 25 pts.)
DATE: Apr. 2 DUE DATE: Apr. 9 via e-mail or completed hard copy to Tina at
Part-Time Instructor’s Office (Academic South 349) between 7 and 7:30 p.m.
The exam will encompass all course content, including lectures, textbook and any other
required readings.
RECL 2P11
7 of 8
Winter 2014
VI. TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
Jan. 8
Introduction to Class
The Meanings of Leisure
Understanding Leisure with Social Psychology
Text: Ch. 1
Jan. 15
The Value of Having Fun
Leisure Motivation
Text: Ch. 2
Weekly Question and Quotation Submission (Ch. 2)
Jan. 22
Explaining Leisure Behaviour
Leisure Experience
Text: Ch. 3
Weekly Question and Quotation Submission (Ch. 3)
Jan. 29
Leisure and Well-Being
Leisure’s Anthropology
Race, Ethnicity, Culture, and Leisure
Text: Ch. 4 & 5
Weekly Question and Quotation Submission (Ch. 4 & 5)
Feb. 5
Essay Writing Workshop in AS 204 (7-8 p.m.)
Leisure’s Geography
Text: Ch. 6
Mid-Term Exam Review
Weekly Question and Quotation Submission (Ch. 6)
Feb. 12
Mid-Term Exam
Feb. 19
Reading Week – NO CLASS
Feb. 26
Leisure and Technology
Text: Ch. 7
Definition Interviews PowerPoint/Slideshow Assignment Due by E-mail
Weekly Question and Quotation Submission (Ch. 7)
Mar. 5
Popular Culture
Social Influence in the Creation of Leisure
Text: Ch. 8
Weekly Question and Quotation Submission (Ch. 8)
RECL 2P11
8 of 8
Winter 2014
Mar. 12
Taboo Recreation
Text: Ch. 9
Application Paper Due
Weekly Question and Quotation Submission (Ch. 9)
Mar. 19
For and Against Productivity
Text: Ch. 10
Weekly Question and Quotation Submission (Ch. 10)
Mar. 26
The Freedom and Tyranny of Time
Text: Ch. 11
Weekly Question and Quotation Submission (Ch. 11)
Apr. 2
Is Leisure Fair?
Leisure Systems
Text: Ch. 12 & 13
Final Take Home Examination Distributed/Posted on SAKAI
DUE DATE: Apr. 9 via e-mail or completed hard copy to Tina at Part-Time
Instructor’s Office (Academic South 349) between 7 and 7:30 p.m. (E.S.T.)