RCPT 336 Syllabus Fall 2009

Instructor: Dr. Susan R. Van Patten

Class: Mondays 3:00 - 6:00

Office: 141 Waldron Hall

Classroom: Whitt 222

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: RCPT 210 and 313.

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: 

In the event of a H1N1 (Swine) Flu outbreak: If you exhibit symptoms of the swine flu (including cough and fever, shortness of breath, fatigue/weakness, chills, muscle soreness, vomiting, wheezing, diarrhea, etc.), DO NOT COME TO CLASS! Please isolate yourself as much as possible and wait 24 hours after your fever breaks before resuming normal activities. According to Radford University policy, you do not need medical documentation to make up work in the event of H1N1 illness. As soon as you miss class due to illness, send an email to svanpatt@radford.edu letting me know the situation. In most cases, I will post course notes and assignments on this website so you can stay caught up in the class. Other situations may require rescheduling assignments, activities, and/or quizzes. If I become ill, I will contact the class through email and make alternative arrangements. I reserve the right to send you home from class if I deem it in the best interest of the group. Additional information, including what you can do to help prevent the spread of the virus, is available on this website http://oep.asp.radford.edu/PrepGuideflu.htm. If you become ill please access the Student Health Web Site through the RU Portal for detailed information and guidance from the Student Health Center.

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. 

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

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 NIH Protecting Human Research Participants http://phrp.nihtraining.com/users/login.php.  This course consists of seven modules and four quizzes and will take approximately three hours to complete. Print off the certificate of completion and turn it in for credit. (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
 
Aug 31
 
Introduction: What is Research?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sep 7
 
Deciding on a Topic & Reviewing the Literature
 
Microsoft PowerPoint 2007
 
Step 1 & 2
 
Quiz # 1
 
Sep 14
 
VRPS Conference - NO CLASS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sep 21
 
Theory & Scope of Study
 
Adobe Acrobat Professional
 
Step 3, 4 & 5
 
Quiz # 2
 
Sep 28
 
Explaining the Study's Significance
 
Design Techniques
 
Step 6
 
Quiz # 3
 
Oct 5
 Sample & Design Survey Methods 
Step 7
 
Quiz #4
Human Subjects Training Due 
Oct 12
 
Measurement & Data Collection
 
Adobe Photoshop - Photo Editing
(Yumbarra  Gettysburg  Soldier  Dalmatians) 
Assignment
 
Step 8 & 9
 
Quiz #5
 
Oct 19
 
Research Ethics & Proposal Approval
 
Adobe Photoshop - Web Graphics
(Paintball 01  Paintball 02   Paintball 03)
In Class Activity
 
Step 10 & 11
 
Quiz # 6
 
Oct 26
 
Pilot Testing & Data Collection
 
Group Research Project
 
Step 12 & 13
 
Quiz # 7
 
Nov 1
 
Analyzing Qualitative & Quantitative Data
 
Online Surveys
(Example)   
Step 14A & 14B
 
Quiz # 8
 
Nov 9
 
Visual Aids
 
Microsoft Excel 2007
Assignment
 
Step 15
 
Quiz # 9
 
Nov 16
 
Written Reports
 
Microsoft Movie Maker 
(Bike Clips     Ropes Course)  
Assignment    Handout
 
 Step 16
 
Quiz # 10
 
Nov 23
 
THANKSGIVING
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nov 30
 
Oral Reports
 
Project Work Day
 
Step 17
 

Quiz # 11
 
Dec 7
 
Group Research Presentations
 
 
 
 
 
 

FINAL REPORT DUE: TBA                                            Updated: 10/26/2009

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