Syllabus Fall 2008

Instructor: Dr. Susan R. Van Patten

Class: Mondays 3:00 - 6:00

Office: 141 Waldron Hall

Classroom: Davis 214

Office Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Phone: 831-7644 (direct)

E-mail: svanpatt@radford.edu

Phone: 831-7720 (department)


 

 

 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course prepares students for research and evaluation in recreation, parks and tourism. Computer skills and/or applicable technology will be used to conduct a research project during the semester. Instruction is related to applied research projects and how computer applications can be used to enhance assessment, management, evaluation, and program delivery. Two hours lecture, two hours laboratory (3 credits). Prerequisites: ITEC 100 or 106 (or equivalent), RCPT 210, 313, and STAT 200.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the completion of this course, students will be able to:
1.  Apply basic principles of research and data analysis related to recreation, parks and tourism (8.17).
2.  Apply current computer technology to professional practice (8.24).
3.  Apply current ethical principles in the conduct of research (8.07)
4.  Utilize the tools of professional communication

COURSE OUTLINE:
The course is divided into three areas: research principles, computer applications, and applied research.  Research principles are covered through readings, quizzes, and minimal lectures.  Computer applications are taught and practiced throughout the semester and include web design, video editing, digital photography, graphics, Internet/Intranet searches, and other specialized programs.  The research project culminates in a presentation and research report.

TEXTBOOK: Riddick, C. C., & Russell, R. V. (2008). Research in Recreation, Parks, Sport, and Tourism (2nd ed.). Champaign, IL: Sagamore.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Since this class meets only once a week, missing one class is like missing an entire week of another class. You have one personal leave day that can be used at your discretion. Use it wisely.  After one absence, one letter grade will be subtracted for each week you miss. 

ASSESSMENT MEASURES:

  1. Technology Assignments – Each computer program will have an assignment designed to help you practice what you have learned.  By the end of the semester, you should have a "technology portfolio" that will demonstrate your skills and knowledge. (Goal 8.24)
  2. Research Project – Groups of students will conduct a research project.  Projects will include survey development, data collection and analysis, a written report, and presentation of results. Students must practice ethical research principles as documented in RU Humans Subject Training -- see #5 below. (Goal 8.17 & Goal 8.07)
  3. Reading Assignments – You are responsible for reading and understanding all assigned material. There will be 11 quizzes over the readings with the lowest quiz score dropped. You will be able to take the quiz as an individual and a group. The two scores will be averaged together for 10 points each. Quizzes can only be made up with a valid excuse (i.e., illness or funeral).
  4. Group Evaluation – Teamwork is an important component of this class. Each student will be evaluated by their fellow group members on their work habits, dependability, initiative, and quality of work.
  5. Human Subjects Training – All students must complete the WebCT course, "RU Human Subjects Training." Follow these directions.  At the end of the course, you must pass a quiz with 70% or higher. Print off the grade screen after you take the quiz to document completion. (Goal 8.07)

 

  GRADING CRITERIA:

Technology Assignments

100 points

Grading Scale: A 90-100%; B 80-89%; C 70-79%; D 60-69%; F 59% or below 

Research Project

75 points

Quizzes

100 points

Group Evaluation

10 points
Human Subjects Training 15 points

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

Date
 
Topic
 
Research & Technology Application
 
Reading Assignment
 
Quizzes & Projects
 
Sep 1
 
Introduction: What is Research?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sep 8
 
Deciding on a Topic & Reviewing the Literature
 
Microsoft PowerPoint 2007
 
Step 1 & 2
 
Quiz # 1
 
Sep 15
 
Theory & Scope of Study
 
Design Techniques
 
Step 3, 4 & 5
 
Quiz # 2
 
Sep 22
 
Explaining the Study's Significance
 
 
 
Step 6
 
Quiz # 3
 
Sep 29
 
Sample & Design
 
Survey Methods
 
Step 7
 
Quiz #4
 
Oct 6
 
Optional Class -
Meet in Harvey Center Classroom
 
Endnote
 
 
 
Human Subjects Training Due before 6:00 p.m.
 
Oct 13
 
Measurement & Data Collection
 
Adobe Photoshop - Photo Editing
(Yumbarra  Gettysburg  Soldier  Dalmatians) 
Assignment
 
Step 8 & 9
 
Quiz #5
 
Oct 20
 
Research Ethics & Proposal Approval
 
Adobe Photoshop - Web Graphics
(Paintball 01  Paintball 02   Paintball 03)
In Class Activity
 
Step 10 & 11
 
Quiz # 6
 
Oct 27
 
Pilot Testing & Data Collection
 
Web Design
 
Step 12 & 13
 
Quiz # 7
 
Nov 3
 
Analyzing Qualitative & Quantitative Data
 
Online Surveys
(Example)   Assignment
 
Step 14A & 14B
 
Quiz # 8
 
Nov 10
 
Visual Aids
 
Microsoft Excel 2007
Assignment
 
Step 15
 
Quiz # 9
 
Nov 17
 
Written Reports
 
Microsoft Movie Maker 
(Bike Clips     Ropes Course)  
Assignment    Handout
 
 Step 16
 
Quiz # 10
 
Nov 24
 
THANKSGIVING
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dec 1
 
Oral Reports
 
Project Work Day
 
Step 17
 

Quiz # 11
 
Dec 8
 
Group Research Presentations
 
 
 
 
 
 

FINAL REPORT DUE: 12:30 p.m. Monday, December 15                                            Updated: 11/17/2008

Web Page: http://svanpatt.asp.radford.edu/research.htm