Course Description

     This course introduces students to the general principles and practices in the recreation and leisure segment of the sport industry. Students will gain a general understanding and appreciation of career options that they will be prepared for as they complete the Sport and Leisure Studies major. The course will examine history, philosophy, theory, professional standards, basic management principles and concepts, industry trends and best practices.

Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Course Competencies

Satisfactory completion of the course will document that students have demonstrated the ability to:

1. Gain knowledge of the history of sport & leisure.
2. Gain knowledge of professional standards within the sport and leisure industry.
3. Gain knowledge of career and professional opportunities through the sport and leisure service field.  
4. Develop a professional philosophy for working in the field of sport and leisure studies.
5. Gain knowledge about trends and best practices used in the field of sport and leisure studies. 

Class Meeting Information

This course is a fully online course using MSUTexas Desire to Learn (D2L) platform. Students are expected to check in a minimum of three (3) days each week to be able to stay up to date on presentations, available material and assignments. Additionally YouTube, ZOOM and/or Flipgrid will be used in this course as well for some presentations/lectures/assignments. 

There are four (4) scheduled virtual class meetings via ZOOM that students are highly encouraged to attend. Dates for these ZOOM meetings are (links will be provided prior to the scheduled meeting on the news link in D2L) Wednesday, August 25 @ 1:00 PM, Wednesday, September 15 @ 10:30 AM, Wednesday, October 13 @ 7:00 PM, Wednesday, November 3 @ 9:00 AM. 

Required Course Materials 

Textbook: Tapps, T., & Wells. M. S. (2019) Introduction to recreation and leisure (3^rd Ed). Chicago, IL., Human Kinetics. 

Course Materials: Access to a personal computer with Microsoft Software, high speed Internet and the ability to access D2L (the MSUTexas Online Learning System, and Smart phone, I Pad or similar technology for Flipgrid assignments. 

Technology: All students must have internet access and be able to: send and receive e-mail, create, send and receive Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher or PowerPoint documents; use Google documents, sites & slides, use Desire 2 Learn portal through MSUTexas portal, download/use Flipgrid and ZOOM meeting platform for class assignments/meetings & presentations, post to discussion boards, appropriately use internet links and online websites such as Google Docs, Sites, Slides, etc. 

Grading/Assessment

Assignment Overview and Grading Criteria

Due dates will be shared in D2L or in class. All assignments unless otherwise stated in the individual instructions are required to be submitted as a Word document. Any submissions in a different format will be returned to the student and not graded until it is submitted in the correct format. This could cause the student to incur the 5 point deduction per day for late submissions. Any assignment can be submitted before the due date. Late assignments will have a minimum automatic 5 point deduction for each day late. Do not wait until the last minute on any of your work!! 

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception.

Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters.

We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student.

We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed.

Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, (940) 397-4140.

The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MSUTexas e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Obligation to Report Sex Discrimination under State and Federal Law

Midwestern State University is committed to providing and strengthening an educational, working, and living environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors are free from sex discrimination of any kind. State and federal law require University employees to report sex discrimination and sexual misconduct to the University’s Office of Title IX. As a faculty member, I am required to report to the Title IX Coordinator any allegations, personally observed behavior, or other direct or indirect knowledge of conduct that reasonably may constitute sex discrimination or sexual misconduct, which includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, or stalking, involving a student or employee. After a report is made, the office of Title IX will reach out to the affected student or employee in an effort to connect such person(s) with resources and options in addressing the allegations made in the report. You are also encouraged to report any incidents to the office of Title IX. You may do so by contacting:

Laura Hetrick

Title IX Coordinator
Sunwatcher Village Clubhouse
940-397-4213

laura.hetrick@msutexas.edu

You may also file an online report 24/7 at Maxient 

Should you wish to visit with someone about your experience in confidence, you may contact the MSU Counseling Center at 940-397-4618. For more information on the University’s policy on Title IX or sexual misconduct, please visit MSU Texas Title IX

Senate Bill 11 passed by the 84th Texas Legislature allows licensed handgun holders to carry concealed handguns on campus, effective August 1, 2016. Areas excluded from concealed carry are appropriately marked, in accordance with state law. For more information regarding campus carry, please refer to the University’s webpage at https://msutexas.edu/campus-carry/rules-policies.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact MSU Chief of Police at police@msutexas.edu.