Recreation and Park Administration
RP 4XXX: REC/PARK TRANSFER ELECTIVE
Credit transfered from another institution and articulated for recreation and park administration upper division elective.
RP 3XXX: REC/PARK TRANSFER ELECTIVE
Credit transfered from another institution and articulated for recreation and park administration upper division elective.
RP 2XXX: REC/PARK TRANSFER ELECTIVE
Credit transfered from another institution and articulated for recreation and park administration lower division elective.
RP 1XXX: REC/PARK TRANSFER ELECTIVE
Credit transfered from another institution and articulated for recreation and park administration lower division elective.
RP 1001: Orientation to Recreation and Park Administration
Orientation to the university and recreation and park administration as a profession.
Exploration of successful student and career paths.
Note: This course may be taken in place of TECH 1001.
RP 1002: Backpacking
This course is an introduction to basic backpacking skills, equipment, food, and backcountry
travel. Day hikes and overnight hikes.
Note: Students will need to provide own personal equipment (backpack, sleeping bag,
etc.) and be willing to share tents, stoves, cooking gear, etc. with other students
in the course. Some students may need to borrow or purchase such gear depending on
the equipment owned by members of the class.
$50 course fee required.
This is an activity course. No more than four hours of activity credit may be counted
toward graduation. A student registering for an activities course in excess of these
limits receives no credit for the additional course and the grade is not included
in the computation of grade point.
RP 1011: Sport Hunting
An introduction to the fundamentals of sport hunting, materials, and personal skills.
Emphasis on state game laws, personal equipment and usage, game species and their
natural habitats, and firearm safety. Arkansas Hunter Safety certification awarded
with successful completion.
This is an activity course. No more than four hours of activity credit may be counted
toward graduation. A student registering for an activities course in excess of these
limits receives no credit for the additional course and the grade is not included
in the computation of grade point.
RP 1013: Principles of Recreation and Park Administration
A study of the history of the recreation and park profession and the basic sociological and ecological intermix of contemporary recreation and park services.
RP 1021: Boating Education
This course will take students through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Boating
Guide. Those who successfully complete the course will be awarded Boating Safety Certification.
A variety of audio visual presentations will be used, and participation in one weekend
day of actual boating experience is required. Certification is awarded upon completion.
This is an activity course. No more than four hours of activity credit may be counted
toward graduation. A student registering for an activities course in excess of these
limits receives no credit for the additional course and the grade is not included
in the computation of grade point.
RP 1031: Introduction to Cycling
Introduction to Cycling is designed to introduce the beginner biker to the basics
needed for lifelong enjoyment of this recreational activity and sport. Students will
be introduced to techniques of road cycling and off-road cycling. Emphasis on choosing
clothing and equipment, maintenance, and riding skills. Students will have riding
opportunities at area trails, as well as classroom instruction.
Note: Participants are expected to provide their own bikes and associated gear and
equipment.
$50 fee required to cover transportation to area trails.
This is an activity course. No more than four hours of activity credit may be counted
toward graduation. A student registering for an activities course in excess of these
limits receives no credit for the additional course and the grade is not included
in the computation of grade point.
RP 1041: Principles and Techniques of Fishing
This course provides an introduction to the sport of fishing. Students will learn
to identify species of freshwater fish, emphasizing fish inhabiting Arkansas streams
and lakes. Students will learn casting techniques, ethics, catch-and-release techniques,
knot tying, and lure and bait selection. Cleaning and cooking your catch of the day
will be covered.
Note: Arkansas fishing license required. Bring your own pole and tackle. Field trips
to area fishing holes.
$10 laboratory fee.
This is an activity course. No more than four hours of activity credit may be counted
toward graduation. A student registering for an activities course in excess of these
limits receives no credit for the additional course and the grade is not included
in the computation of grade point.
RP 1993: Basic Forest Firefighting
This class is taught jointly by the U.S. Forest Service and ATU using classroom theory and weekend field exercises which will enable successful candidates to obtain the "Red Card" recognized by most federal and many state firefighting agencies as a minimum requirement for wildland fire firefighting certification. This class consists of the following wildland fire training courses recognized by the National Wildland Coordinating Group (NWCG): S-130 Basic Firefighting; S-190 Introduction to Fire Behavior; S-110 Wildland Fire Suppression Orientation; I-100 Introduction to Incident Command System; and Standards for Survival. These courses will be taught together to provide a complete picture of the basics of forest firefighting. This training is required before any person can participate on a wildland fire suppression crew for the U.S. Forest Service, other federal agencies and most other state wildland fire agencies. Instruction will be by U.S. Forest Service certified instructors and RP faculty.
RP 2003: Experience Programming
Experience program planning, supervising, and evaluating. This course examines the
theory, principles, and leadership techniques of programming for individuals and groups
in the community, institutions, and camps.
Note: May not be taken for credit after completion of RP 2002 and RP 2012.
RP 2013: Open Space Management
An introduction to management of various open spaces, landscapes, and trail systems. This course will address the environmental, human, and economical aspects for better management of open spaces.
RP 2023: Trail Planning and Management
An experiential learning course on planning and design process for the evolution of
trails.
$50 course fee.
RP 2033: Leadership in Experience Industries
A study of the processes, methods, and characteristics of leadership and supervision
in the experience industries. This course will help students further develop the vital
leadership skills needed in all experience industries.
$100 lab fee.
RP 2133: Introduction to Travel and Tourism
Cross-listed: HA 2133
The introduction to travel and tourism, its components and relationship to the recreation
and hospitality industry. The course will explore the current and future trends in
travel and tourism and the effects on the economy, as well as the social and political
impacts of travel and tourism.
RP 2881: Special Topics
Offered: On demand.
Investigative studies and special problems and topics related to parks, recreation,
and hospitality administration.
Note: May be repeated if content differs.
RP 2882: Special Topics
Offered: On demand.
Investigative studies and special problems and topics related to parks, recreation,
and hospitality administration.
Note: May be repeated if content differs.
RP 2883: Special Topics
Offered: On demand.
Investigative studies and special problems and topics related to parks, recreation,
and hospitality administration.
Note: May be repeated if content differs.
RP 2991: Special Problems
Offered: On demand.
Investigative studies and special problems and topics related to parks, recreation,
and hospitality administration.
Note: May be repeated if content differs.
RP 2992: Special Problems
Offered: On demand.
Investigative studies and special problems and topics related to parks, recreation,
and hospitality administration.
Note: May be repeated if content differs.
RP 2993: Special Problems
Offered: On demand.
Investigative studies and special problems and topics related to parks, recreation,
and hospitality administration.
Note: May be repeated if content differs.
RP 3013: Inclusive Recreation
This course introduces students to the concept of Inclusive Recreation, which is the planning, implementation and evaluation of recreation programs designed to include ALL persons, including those with disabilities.
RP 3023: Camp Administration
Theory and principles of camp administration, programming, leadership, and supervision
in public, private, and school camps. Field trips, school camp.
$100 lab fee.
RP 3033: Entrepreneurship in Experience Industries
An introduction to the spectrum of planning, delivery and assessment of goods and services in the commercial experience industries.
RP 3034: Master Planning for Parks and Tourism
Fundamentals of the site planning process and application to park and recreation development,
including consideration of factors both external (user preferences) and internal to
the site (function, organization and aesthetic treatment). Emphasis on resource capabilities
and potentials.
Lecture two hours, laboratory four hours.
RP 3043: Work Experience
Prerequisite: Departmental Approval
Supervised field application of class skills and knowledge in Parks and Recreation
work situations. Students are given the opportunity to take part in meaningful management
and work experiences in actual work situations under the supervision of both university
faculty and professionals in the field.
Minimum of 100 clock hours of work experience is required.
RP 3053: Natural Resource Management
Study of the economic, social, political, and physical factors of the natural environment and methods to guide, direct, and influence orderly growth and development.
RP 3063: Outdoor Education
An introduction to outdoor education foundations, methods, and practice. Preparation
and planning for teaching in, about and for the outdoors. Leadership of outdoor education
programs.
$100 transportation and supplies fee.
RP 3093: Interpretive Methods
An analysis of various interpretive techniques, interpretive planning, and utilization of interpretation to obtain management goals. Students will plan, design and implement interpretive programs using various media.
RP 3113: Human Resource Management in Parks, Recreation, and Hospitality Administration
Cross-listed: RP 3113
Prerequisites: Junior standing and nine hours of RP or HA courses.
An overview of personnel considerations in various Recreation and Park agencies and
the Hospitality industry. Laws, legal issues, structure, staffing, motivation, training,
conduct, policies, and other aspects of agency/industry human resource management
will be examined.
RP 3133: Tourism Planning
An examination of the tourism planning process and techniques. Topics include tourism as a system, levels of planning, environmental, cultural and economic components, attractions, transportation, infrastructure and marketing.
RP 3403: Experience Industry Finance Management
Prerequisites: Junior standing and Recreation and Park Administration major.
An introduction to recreation and park financial management including revenue and
expenditure management.
RP 3503: Sports for Communities and Tourism
An overview of recreational sport and event management in various settings. Topics include informal, intramural, club, extramural, instructional sports, and sporting events programming; values of recreational sports; administration and operation of recreational sports and sporting events; terminology and career opportunities in various sport settings.
RP 3993: Wildland Fire Practices in Natural Resource Management
Prerequisites: RP 1993 or permission.
Advanced study of the organization, deployment, and techniques of fire suppression
applicable to wildfires affecting residences, outbuildings, and other human-structure
barriers in remote areas and outlying suburban locales. Particular emphasis on wildland
structure and urban interface fire suppression problems. This is a science-based course.
Emphasis is placed on: (1) uncontrolled wildland fire and the many positive and negative
impacts with which fire personnel must deal; (2) planning and implementing controlled
burn projects to attain desired future conditions and reduce fire hazards, and (3)
the dilemma of ever-expanding wildland/urban interface issues. The overall purpose
of this course is to provide the student with integral fire knowledge and skills necessary
to become an effective member of a fire/natural resource management team.
Note: Weekend field exercises required.
RP 4001: Internship Preparation
Prerequisites: PR major, senior standing, and completion of RP 3043 or permission
of department head.
Preparation for the internship experience. This course is graded Pass/Fail.
RP 4013: Experience Industry Administration
Prerequisite: Six hours of RP courses.
A study of the administrative process of planning, organizing, staffing, directing,
evaluating, budgeting, and coordinating of recreation and park agencies.
RP 4023: Research Methods
Prerequisite: Twelve hours of RP courses.
An introduction to the spirit and theory of research including the scientific method
and its application to the recreation and parks profession.
RP 4043: Field Seminar in Interpretive Methods
This off-campus course will be of one-week duration conducted at recreation and park
facilities in Arkansas and the nearby region. The course will center on discussion
of interpretive facilities, techniques, problems and innovations with leading professionals
on site.
A fee of $100 will be assessed to cover transportation, food and entry fees for some
sites. Lodging is usually provided by park agencies at the site free or at a very
low cost.
NOTE: May only be repeated for 6 hours of credit.
RP 4053: Water Resources Development
A study of water resources with emphasis on surface supply and small watershed and reservoir recreation. Supply and pollution in federal, state, local and private water use allocation will be considered.
RP 4063: Park Management
Basic principles, practices, and problems pertaining to the management of public park systems with emphasis on maintenance and operation schedules, construction and maintenance equipment, employee safety, office procedures, law enforcement, personnel management, and public relations.
RP 4073: Principles and Techniques of Therapeutic Recreation
Prerequisite: RP 3013 or permission of instructor.
A professional course which examines the foundation, theory, philosophy, and historical
significance of therapeutic recreation. Emphasis on the therapeutic recreation process
as it relates to program development and service delivery for individuals with illnesses
and/ or disabilities in various clinical and community settings.
RP 4093: Resort and Club Management
Cross-listed: HA 4093
Prerequisites: Junior standing and nine hours of RP or HA courses or by permission.
An in-depth study of resorts and clubs with respect to their planning, development,
organization, management, marketing, visitor characteristics, and environmental consequences.
RP 4103: Recreation Law and Policy
An examination of the relationship between recreation and the law. Specific topics include liability negligence, contracts, safety codes, law enforcement, insurance, and administration policy. Identification of legal decision making organizations and the court system, including the policy dimensions of land acquisition, personnel disputes, and current issues in land use.
RP 4112: Internship II
Offered: Fall semester only immediately following RP 4114. Must enroll in RP 4114
Internship I previous summer term.
Prerequisites: Recreation and Park Administration major in senior standing, current
certifications in CPR and Standard First Aid, consent of department head and completion
of all other courses applicable to degree. Placement in selected agency settings in
student intern status under professional guidance of both agency supervisor and faculty.
Emphasis will be placed on application of classroom theory to agency requirements
which fulfill student's individual career interests. No prior experience credit will
be granted. In RP 4112 a minimum of 160 clock hours during a minimum of 4 weeks of
supervised internship is required. Student cannot document more than 50 hours of work
experience per week.
Note: RP 4112 Internship II is a continuation of RP 4114. Students are encouraged
to obtain and read the syllabus and manual for RP 4112 and begin working on the requirements
for RP 4112 while enrolled in RP 4114.
RP 4114: Internship I
Prerequisites: Recreation and Park Administration major in senior standing, current
certifications in CPR and Standard First Aid, consent of department head and completion
of all other courses applicable to degree.
Placement in selected agency settings in student intern status under professional
guidance of both agency supervisor and faculty. Emphasis will be placed on application
of classroom theory to agency requirements which fulfill student's individual career
interests. No prior experience credit will be granted. In RP 4114 a minimum of 400
clock hours during a minimum of 10 weeks of supervised internship is required. Student
cannot document more than 50 hours of work experience per week.
$100 supervisor travel fee is required
Note: Must enroll in RP 4112 Internship II for fall semester immediately following
RP 4114 to complete an additional 160 hours of internship. Students are encouraged
to obtain and read the syllabus and manual for RP 4112 and begin working on the requirements
for RP 4112 while enrolled in RP 4114.
RP 4116: Internship
Prerequisites: Recreation and Park major; senior standing, current certifications
in CPR, Standard and Advanced First Aid, consent of department head and completion
of all other courses applicable to degree.
Placement in selected agency settings as a student intern under professional guidance
of both agency supervisor and faculty. Emphasis will be placed on application of classroom
theory to agency requirements which fulfill student's individual career interest.
No prior experience credit will be granted. Minimum of 560 clock hours during a minimum
of 14 weeks of supervised internship is required. Student cannot document more than
40 hours of work experience per week. A written report is required within two weeks
of internship completion.
$100 supervisor travel fee required.
RP 4173: Therapeutic Recreation Assessment and Documentation
Prerequisites: RP 4073 or permission of instructor.
This course is an examination of the various assessment tools, styles of documentation,
and methods of assessment and documentation utilized in therapeutic recreation services.
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the basic skills and knowledge
necessary to conduct therapeutic recreation assessments and to properly document health
care information.
RP 4273: Administration and Operation of Therapeutic Recreation Programs
Prerequisites: RP 3013 and 4073 or permission of instructor.
Program design and planning for effective administration of client centered services
for special populations. Management of therapeutic recreation services including standards
of practice, clinical supervision, reimbursement, marketing, budgeting, and writing
policies and procedures.
RP 4373: Interventions in Therapeutic Recreation
Prerequisites: RP 3013, RP 4073, or permission of instructor.
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the various interventions utilized
in therapeutic recreation services and to develop technical competencies necessary
for the provision of quality therapeutic recreation services. Emphasis will be placed
on the skillful application of various processes and techniques utilized to facilitate
therapeutic changes in the client.
RP 4473: Issues and Trends in Therapeutic Recreation
Offered: Spring of odd year
Prerequisites: RP 3013, RP 4073, RP 4173, and RP 4273 or permission of instructor.
This course provides an examination of current issues, trends, and professionalization
concerns in therapeutic recreation, including professional organizations, ethics,
current legislation, professional development, professional standards, credentialing,
accreditation standards, improving organizational performance, and current controversies.
RP 4573: Interventions in Therapeutic Recreation II
Offered: Spring of even years
Study of the concepts and intervention techniques used in the application and process
aspects of therapeutic recreation. Content includes evidence-based practice, planning
and leading interventions, instructional techniques, counseling theory and practice,
implementing groups, communication techniques, and facilitation techniques. A practical
learning component is included.
RP 4753: Sports Field Management
A survey of design and management practices for turfgrass sports fields. Personnel
and budgeting requirements for operations and maintenance.
$25 travel fee.
RP 4881: Advanced Special Topics
Offered: On demand.
Investigative studies and special problems and topics related to parks, recreation,
and hospitality administration.
Note: May be repeated if content differs.
RP 4882: Advanced Special Topics
Offered: On demand.
Investigative studies and special problems and topics related to parks, recreation,
and hospitality administration.
Note: May be repeated if content differs.
RP 4883: Advanced Special Topics
Offered: On demand.
Investigative studies and special problems and topics related to parks, recreation,
and hospitality administration.
Note: May be repeated if content differs.
RP 4951: Undergraduate Research in Recreation and Park Administration
Offered: On demand
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant
problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and
presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort
made.
RP 4952: Undergraduate Research in Recreation and Park Administration
Offered: On demand
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant
problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and
presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort
made.
RP 4953: Undergraduate Research in Recreation and Park Administration
Offered: On demand
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant
problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and
presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort
made.
RP 4954: Undergraduate Research in Recreation and Park Administration
Offered: On demand
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant
problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and
presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort
made.
RP 4991: Special Problems
Offered: On demand.
Investigative studies and special problems and topics related to parks, recreation,
and hospitality administration.
Note: May be repeated if content differs.
RP 4992: Special Problems
Offered: On demand.
Investigative studies and special problems and topics related to parks, recreation,
and hospitality administration.
Note: May be repeated if content differs.
RP 4993: Special Problems
Offered: On demand.
Investigative studies and special problems and topics related to parks, recreation,
and hospitality administration.
Note: May be repeated if content differs.