This course introduces the student to the history and philosophy of adventure education in contemporary society, with application to current trends and prospects for the future. Surveys of agencies, organizations, and programs in the leader service field rounds out this introductory course.

Learning Objectives-

• The student will trace the history of & philosophies inherent in outdoor education.
• The student will develop an understanding of factors affecting the motivation and development of adventure participants.
• The student will explore varying outdoor leadership skills & styles.
• The student will thoroughly survey existing adventure companies and organizations.

This course explores the planning and management of adventure tourism and its impacts on the natural environment, local communities and their economies.

Learning Objectives-

• The student will understand environmental impacts of adventure activities and how terms such as “eco-tourism” are applied.
• The student will explore economic and social changes that have contributed to the growth of outdoor recreation.
• The student will critically analyze the sustainability of adventure tourism in light of environmental, economic, and socio-cultural impacts.
• The student will identify planning and management theories and their practical relevance in the local and regional area.
• The student will appreciate the roles & responsibilities of an adventure tourist, tourist operators, local and national governments, and local residents in regards to adventure tourism.

OAL 375 - Advanced Techniques in Adventure Leadership (3 credits)

This course examines group dynamics, conflict and risk management & how they are thoroughly explored and applied to expedition planning, execution, and evaluation.

Learning Objectives-

• The student will understand and apply factors affecting the motivation and development of adventure participants.
• The student will understand the importance of effective trip planning.
• The student will examine risk management procedures utilized by adventure companies across a variety of activities.
• The student will explore effective group facilitation with feedback & assessment methods.
• The student will analyze varying outdoor leadership skills & styles and understand how this influences decision-making and problem solving.

HE 331 - Environmental Health (3 credits)

This course will provide a foundation for understanding the social, economic, and cultural factors that influence environmental health decisions and behaviors.

Learning Objectives-

• Expand knowledge of globalization and its connection to health.
• Critically analyze mainstream news and media and explore and utilize alternative media sources.
• Expand awareness of the connections between ecological, social, and economic systems.
• Examine different types of health care & health care systems & explore the role government plays in them.
• Explore the idea of “sustainability” and the relationship between ecosystems and human health.
• Explore what it means to be a “developed” nation versus a “developing” nation.
• Critically examine the effects that air, water, and soil quality and quantity have on global societies.
• Examine energy resources being used at the present and possible sources for the future.
• Develop your ability to think critically about the relationships between personal beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors and how they impact others and the earth.
• Explore altruism and its relevance to health in a dynamic and relative world. 

• Students must participate fully to receive credit for an activity. There are no opportunities to make up a missed activity, so it is wise for students to get plenty of rest and keep themselves healthy in order to succeed.
• A good portion of this class will be facilitated on line; thus announcements, readings, assignments, and projects will be administered and submitted via Blackboard.
• Students must submit a completed final paper/project to pass the class.
• Late assignments are worth 50% of earned credit. Deadline for late work is March 21.
• If a due date coincides with a time in which you will not have access to the Internet, you will either need to submit the assignment early or at the next destination.