Syllabus Fall 2008
	Instructor: Dr. Susan R. Van Patten Office: 141 Waldron Hall Phone: 831-7644 Email: svanpatt@radford.edu	Office Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays 10:00-11:30am or by appointment Class Time: M W F 9:00 - 9:50 a.m. Class Room: Whitt 204

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Focuses on various professional concerns relative to recreation delivery. Emphasis given to internship/employment preparation, concept of a profession and professional organization, ethical principles and professionalism, and trends and issues in recreation, parks and tourism. 3 credits.  Prerequisites: Must have completed 86 semester hours, have a minimum 2.1 cumulative G.P.A. and a minimum 2.5 major G.P.A.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. Critically analyze current issues and trends in the profession (8.06:03).

2. Understand and implement ethical principles and professionalism (8.07).

3. Understand the importance of maintaining professional competence and the available resources for professional development (8.08).

4. Utilize the tools of professional communication (8.23).

5. Document at least 100 hours of field experience in a recreation agency prior to internship (8.28).

5. Prepare a cover letter, goals, resume and portfolio appropriate for internship and employment opportunities.

6. Demonstrate interviewing skills relative to an internship.

COURSE OUTLINE:
This course is divided into two specific units.  The initial unit considers the preparation and selection of the internship (RCPT 470) which has direct carry-over to employment.  Major topics considered in this unit include developing goals for the internship, resume and cover letter, and interviewing skills.  In addition, the student will develop a portfolio appropriate for an interview, understand internship procedures, and investigate and select an internship site.  The second unit focuses on the concept and criteria of a profession as related to recreation, park resources and leisure services as well as examining the various recreation professional issues.  Associated with this unit is consideration of ethical principles as applied to professional practice, attitudes and behaviors in the delivery of recreation in various settings.

TEXTS:

Recreation, Parks and Tourism Student Manual (available online from the Department website)

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association Fifth Edition (recommended)

CLASS ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Read, understand, and obtain an 80% score on a quiz over internship policies, procedures, and requirements stipulated in the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism Student Handbook.  A letter grade (10%) will be deducted from your final score each time you re-take the quiz.
2. Develop acceptable goals, cover letter, and resume.  A grade will be given on the due date for each element but you will not be allowed to mail out your packet until it is approved by the 413 instructor(s).
3. Select, contact, and interview with at least two appropriate approved internship sites and write a summary of the experience.
4. Document at least 100 hours of recreation field experience (including required courses, work experience, and required community service) prior to internship. No more than fifty hours can be used from any one agency. These hours will be documented using the field experience form.
5. Confirm your internship by the deadline.  Failure to do so will require that you petition and meet with the Department Chair to proceed.  Additional consequences may include a one letter grade penalty and/or delay of your internship.
6. Take a comprehensive final examination.
7. Attend class and have meaningful participation.

SENIOR CAPSTONE PROJECTS:

Professional Portfolio: RCPT students are expected to produce a professional portfolio that depicts personal skills, experiences, and accomplishments. This body of work represents your knowledge base and skill sets as a new professional. The RCPT Department also uses this project to assess program quality and effectiveness as reflected by the caliber and diversity found in your work. The portfolio is a source of pride for the student and Department as it demonstrates your competencies as a recreation, parks, and tourism professional.

Senior Research Project (Goal 8.06:03): Students graduating with a degree in RCPT from Radford University are expected to think critically, solve problems, and professionally communicate in verbal and written situations. The senior research project provides a mechanism to assess these critical skills. Students select a current trend in the field and accomplish the following using APA format: 1) develop a comprehensive reference list; 2) develop a research abstract; 3) create a poster based on research findings; and 4) present findings during a formal poster session.  All four components must be of “C” quality or higher before credit will be given. However the original grade will stand.

EVALUATION:

Student Manual Quiz	20 points	Interview summaries	30 points
Goals and letterhead	10 points	Abstract	100 points
Cover letter	20 points	Poster	50 points
Resume	30 points	Final examination	50 points
Portfolio	40 points	Documented Field Experience	Required
TOTAL	350 points	A = 90% or above, B = 80-89%, C = 70-79%, D = 60-69%, F = Below 60%

Inadequate and/or unprofessional conduct in any aspect of this class is grounds for a failing grade even though the related weight for that portion of the class would not warrant a failing grade (Goal 8.07). This class is considered to be the final step prior to working in a professional environment; therefore, nothing less than ethical conduct and a professional product will be allowed or tolerated. You will be given a grade after the assignment is due; however, you will have to repeat the activity until you attain a satisfactory performance. For instance, you could receive a "D" grade on the activity but still have to meet the course standards for an acceptable product. You will be representing yourself, the Department, and the University. The standards for your performance will be no different than those applied to faculty and practitioners in the profession. When at all possible, internship interviews should be scheduled at times that do not conflict with this or any other class. Excessive absences and/or unprofessional behavior will jeopardize your internship placement and graduation.

Attendance Policy: 

Optional Fridays: Throughout the course of the semester, we have scheduled optional classes for most Fridays (see schedule).  These classes are designed to reward students who are attending class and performing well on assignments.  They are also structured to offer more assistance to students who may need it.  If you are absent or late on Monday or Wednesday of that week, you are required to attend class on Friday.  If you have received an unacceptable grade for an assignment that week, you are required to attend class on Friday.  Failure to attend a Friday session (if required) will result in a 10 point deduction from your final grade.  All other students are welcome to attend optional Fridays.

Mock Interviews and Poster Sessions: Attendance for all mock interviews and poster sessions is MANDATORY.  Failure to attend will result in a 10 point grade penalty for each class missed. You are allowed one absence due to illness or emergency. Professional dress is required when you interview and present your poster.

Inclement Weather Policy:  Class will be canceled in accord with the university policy for school closure.  Decisions about closings and delayed openings are made by 6:00 a.m. and are posted on the university website.  You may also call the University switchboard at 831-5000 for announcements.  In the event that class in canceled on an optional Friday, there will be no make up or grade penalty.  If class in canceled on Monday or Wednesday, class will be rescheduled for Friday if possible.

LATE POLICY:  Unless you have a family or health emergency, late assignments will receive an automatic 50% grade deduction. 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

Final Exam: Monday, December 15, 10:15 a.m. to noon                                    Last updated 11/17/2008

RECOMMENDED READINGS:
Ross, C. M., Beggs, B. A., & Young, S. J. (2006). Mastering the job search process in recreation and leisure services. Sudbury, MA:
    Jones and Bartlett.
Seagle, E. E., Smith, R. W., & Dalton, L. M. (1997). Internships in recreation and leisure services: A practical guide for students. State
    College, PA: Venture.
Kennedy, J. L. (1998). Resumes for dummies (2nd ed.). Foster City, CA: IDG Books Worldwide.