Academic Catalog

Recreation/Park Administration (RP)

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.) 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. 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.

Note: Students will need to provide own personal equipment (backpack, sleeping bag, etc.
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 Tourism  

This course provides an overview of the history of the tourism profession and insight into the nature, scope, and significance of the tourism industry.

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. 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.

Note: Participants are expected to provide their own bikes and associated gear and equipment.
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. Bring your own pole and tackle. Field trips to area fishing holes. 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.

Note: Arkansas fishing license required.
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  Events and Experience Management  

This course provides a basic understanding and application of event and experience management principles; design, planning, implementing, and evaluating events and organized experiences.

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.

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.

RP 2112  Introduction to Professional Practice  

This course introduces students to the tourism profession and the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences necessary to be successful in the tourism industry. Faculty will mentor and lead students in introductory experiences and situations through service learning and mentored research. Minimum of 45 clock hours of services learning is required.

RP 2113  Global Perspectives of Tourism  

This course explores tourism perspectives of various people, cultures, societies, nations, and movements across the world. Students will explore local to global tourism perceptions of development, support, access, and sustainability.

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.

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  Developing Professional Practices  
Prerequisite: Departmental Approval.

This course provides students the opportunity to develop professional knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences in the tourism industry. Students will take part in meaningful immersive work experiences and work situations. 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.

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  Talent Acquisition and Management  
Cross-listed: RP 3113.
Prerequisite: Junior standing and nine hours of RP or HA courses.

This course provides a strategic and tactical approach to staffing, recruiting, selection, placement, onboarding, and employee development within the tourism industry.

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  
Prerequisite: 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  
Prerequisite: 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  
Prerequisite: 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  Tourism Research  
Prerequisite: Twelve hours of RP courses.

The course provides opportunities for data analysis, information synthesis, and research theory in order for students to enhance decision making and understanding of trends and issues in order to improve professional practice in the tourism industry.

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. 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.
Prerequisite: 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.
Prerequisite: 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.

Must enroll in RP 4114 Internship I previous summer term. 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. 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.

Note: RP 4112 Internship II is a continuation of RP 4114.
RP 4116  Internship  
Prerequisite: 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.

RP 4119  Mastery in Professional Practice  
Prerequisite: 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.

This course provides a complementary source of learning and enhancement to the students' academic program and career objectives through experiential education; engaging the student in a unique three-way partnership between an approved industry partner, the university, and the student. There is a minimum of 400 hours of service learning required during 10 weeks of supervised experiential education.

RP 4173  Therapeutic Recreation Assessment and Documentation  
Prerequisite: 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  
Prerequisite: 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  
Prerequisite: 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.
Prerequisite: 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.

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.