About This Course

This course explores philosophical viewpoints, ethical issues, and pedagogical methods used in experiential and outdoor education. We begin our journey by asking two critical questions: (1) What constitutes an effective education? and (2) What is the role of experience (experiential education) in an effective education? To answer these questions, we will explore the philosophical roots of different methods in outdoor education, encouraging us to refine and reflect upon our own beliefs on how best to design educational experiences. The textbook for this course, Effective Leadership in Adventure Programming, introduces students to the depth and models for outdoor leaders working in adventure contexts.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course, you should be able to

1.             identify your personal assumptions and beliefs regarding ideal educational practices

2.             identify the philosophical origins and justifications for outdoor education

3.             identify and understand key definitions used in outdoor education

4.             understand the historical development of outdoor education

5.             understand key trends in the field of outdoor education

6.             understand the variety of outdoor education programs currently operating in the United States and around the world

7.             have a basic understanding of key pedagogical principles and methods used in outdoor education

8.             understand the use of risk as an educational tool in outdoor education

9.             understand typical ethical dilemmas faced in conducting outdoor education programs and how these dilemmas can be practically resolved

10.           identify and justify your philosophy of education.

11.           Understand how the value of experiential learning within personal leadership.

D2L Dropboxes

A drop box will be created for each assignment requiring submission.

Technology Skills

●              Must be able to send and receive email and must check email 4 to 5 times a week

●              Must be able to create, send and receive Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher or PowerPoint documents and log in to your Google Account to access Google Sites

●              Must be able to utilize MS use Google email system, which is your my.msutexas.edu email

●              Must be able to use Desire 2 Learn portal

●              Must be able to download and utilize Flip

●              Must be able to use internet links and websites appropriately

Taking an online class requires access to a computer (with Internet access) to complete and upload your assignments. You are responsible for having (or having access to) a working computer in this class. *Assignments are due by the due date, and personal computer technical difficulties will not be considered a reason for the instructor to allow students extra time to submit assignments, tests, or discussion postings. Computers are available on campus in various areas of the buildings and the Academic Success Center. Your computer being down is not an excuse for missing a deadline!! There are many places to access your class! Our online classes can be accessed from any computer in the world which is connected to the internet. Contact your instructor immediately upon having computer trouble. If you have technical difficulties in the course, a student helpdesk is available to you. The college cannot work directly on student computers due to liability and resource limitations; however, they can help you connect to our online services. For help, log into D2L.

Student Email Usage

Students are required to use their MSUTexas email address for all correspondence during this course. Check that your MSUTexas email address is listed in your D2l Personal Information. Using your MSUTexas address ensures your privacy. If you have a different email account, you can forward your MSUTexas email to that account, but I will only send and respond to emails within the D2L portal or from an MSUTexas address. Please make sure to include your name on any email that you send. You must check your MSUTexas email at least two (2) days per week.

When emailing, please include the class number and a detailed explanation of the purpose of the email. Also, do not email any assignments.

Communication Policies

●              Before emailing me, follow the “Three then Me” rule. The “Three then Me” rule says that you search for your answer regarding the course in at least three other places before emailing me.

●              For example, consult your syllabus, grading scale or rubric, or the assignment description on D2L if you have a question about an assignment.

●              Remember to check three sources before emailing me your question. You’ll likely find the answer and not need to email me. If you don’t find the answer or need clarification, email me.

●              During the week, I typically respond to your emails within 24-48 hours. Any emails received over the weekend will receive a response no later than Tuesday by noon.

All assignments will use APA formatting.

All references should be peer-reviewed. Located in the Library or Google Scholar.

No late work is accepted without prior authorization.

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.