Courses
Recreation and Leisure Services-2025/2026
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| WRIT-1094 | Reason & Writing 1 for Community Studies | 3 | ||
| This course will introduce Community Studies students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking. | ||||
| COMP-1546 | Computer Applications in Recreation | 3 | ||
| An introduction to computer fundamentals designed to increase digital literacy and expose students to a range of software packages currently in use in organizations to support information processing. Software packages covered include: word processing, spreadsheet and presentations package as well as Web 2.0 tools to create charts, simple databases, and multimedia presentations. Connections to Recreation and Leisure are explored by using projects related to the field. | ||||
| RECN-1058 | Recreation Industry-Intro | 3 | ||
| This course is intended to provide students with a greater understanding of what the Recreation and Leisure Services Industry consists of. It will introduce students to the characteristic roles, structures, funding and operation of a number of different recreation fields (ex. Municipal, Therapeutic and Outdoor Recreation) in an attempt to help students understand the diversity that exists in the Recreation and Leisure Services Industry in Canada. In addition to learning about the many benefits associated with recreation services, students will explore the history of organized recreation in Canada and the 3 service sectors (Public, Commercial and Not for Profit) with respect to their roles in providing programs and services aimed at creating healthy communities. This course is also designed to help students identify a field of recreation that aligns with their values, interests and skills as they look ahead to future placements and potential employment. | ||||
| RECN-1035 | Field Orientation 1 | 3 | ||
| The student will visit a variety of recreation and leisure service-related agencies, organizations, and facilities. These experiences are focused on developing knowledge and understanding regarding the scope of recreation and leisure services, and the role of professionals related to the delivery of these services in the community. | ||||
| RECN-1059 | Org & Admin of Quality Physical Rec | 3 | ||
| This course introduces students to the fundamentals of safe fitness activities and classes for all ages including fitness training principles to ensure healthy outcomes for all participants. Students will also learn to create quality and inclusive recreation activities via designing and presenting programs with their peers. Basic nutrition and wellness will also be explored as well as the basic principles of Health Child Development through quality recreation programs and services. | ||||
| PSYC-1014 | Psychology-Recreation & Leisure Services | 3 | ||
| This course is designed to help Recreation & Leisure students learn basic principles of psychology, major sub-fields and important research findings. Major topic areas include psychological research, biology and behaviour, sensation and perception, consciousness, developmental issues (emphasized), thinking and intelligence, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, personality theory and assessment, health and stress, psychological disorders / treatment and social psychology. | ||||
| RECN-1002 | Becoming an Effective Leader | 3 | ||
| Using experiential and academic methods this course will focus on the development of various leadership styles with a strong focus on personal development. Through examination of various leadership styles and theories, students will develop the ability to select and apply the most suitable style to meet the needs of a given situation. Students become aware of the impact of behaviour, personality, attitudes and values, as they apply to leadership in recreation settings. Students will develop leadership and communication skills through cooperative learning strategies. | ||||
| Level 2 | ||||
| Gen Ed - Take a 3 credit General Education elective course | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| RECN-1004 | Program Planning | 3 | ||
| Successful completion of this course will provide the student with knowledge about and appreciation of selected principles and methods of program planning in the field of recreation. In addition, the student will learn skills and techniques applicable to the program planning process. Students will learn to apply a Program Planning Template in order to develop the required skills necessary to design, organize, administer and evaluate quality and meaningful recreation and leisure activities. | ||||
| COMM-3082 | Communications for Community Studies | 3 | ||
| This course, designed for students who plan to work in the field of Community Studies, focuses on professional written and verbal communication skills. Students learn to prepare a variety of work-related documents. In addition, students learn about research methods and documentation formats. The principles of effective writing - organization, grammar, style, clarity, and tone - are reinforced throughout the course. The goal of the course is to prepare students for the communication tasks and considerations they will encounter in the Community Studies workplace in order to meet the needs of employers and/or the communities they will serve. | ||||
| RECN-1008 | Creating Effective Teams | 3 | ||
| Through experiential and academic methods, this course will assist the student in understanding and being part of effective teams. Emphasis will be on leading and trust, motivation theories, ethical power and politics, networking, team dynamics and leadership, problem-solving and decision making skills, the value of global diversity, organizational change and organizational culture through the perspective of professional 'teams'. The student will experience firsthand the evolution of a group, through hands-on group work and direct participation in a supportive team environment. | ||||
| RECN-1037 | Field Orientation 2 | 3 | ||
| Using experiential and academic methods, this course focuses on examining the breadth and diversity of recreation and leisure service organizations with a view to preparing students for the Level 3 Field Placement. Students will develop research and presentation skills through the creation of a multimedia project on an agency or organization from one of the various sectors and sub-genres of the Recreation and Leisure Services field. In-class theory and lecture will focus on aspects of the placement experience including interview techniques, the development and recognition of soft skills, goal-setting and methods of increasing visibility and employability in the field. | ||||
| RECN-1039 | Orientation to Therapeutic Recreation | 3 | ||
| This course will explore the role of Therapeutic Recreation in the overall scope of leisure services. The student will address the principles and practices of service delivery within the field of Therapeutic Recreation. | ||||
| MGMT-1232 | Business Management in Recreation-Intro | 3 | ||
| This course teaches introductory business management theory and its application in the Recreation and Leisure industry. This includes curriculum related to the marketing, human resources, social corporate responsibility, and technology in business. | ||||
| Level 3 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| PLAN-3011 | Special Event Mgmt & Board Governance | 3 | ||
| Leaders in recreation need to know how to work in committee groups, as well as how to recruit, motivate and manage volunteers. During this course, student committee groups will explore the planning and execution of an event in the community, and fulfill the role of volunteers in a recreation setting. This course will prepare students to implement effective strategies for meaningful volunteer involvement and allow a clearer understanding of the relationship between a Board of Directors and staff. | ||||
| FLDP-3002 | Field Practicum 1 | 5.2 | ||
| The student will have an opportunity for an immersive hands-on experience at a selected recreation agency in the community. The student will apply the theories and concepts discussed in class in a practical and meaningful way. | ||||
| FINA-3049 | Business Finance in Recreation | 3 | ||
| This course is an introduction to financial operation concepts. Students will examine the various forms of business ownership; learn about the time value of money, how to create a budget and read basic financial statements. Students will be introduced to alternative sources of revenue including fundraising, sponsorships, partnership, and grant proposals. | ||||
| RECN-3024 | Outdoor Rec & Experiential Education | 3 | ||
| An exploration of the historical and philosophical concepts governing experiential education and people's recreational use of natural outdoor settings. Students will develop a conceptual foundation of the relevant issues, trends, and approaches that inform the delivery of outdoor recreational and educational activities in Canada. Emphasis will be placed on the unique psychological and social benefits of outdoor recreation, managing risk, and the stewardship of outdoor educational environments. | ||||
| RECN-3015 | Therapeutic & Inclusive Rec Practices | 3 | ||
| This course will assist the student in developing an awareness of and a sensitivity to individual rights and cultural diversity. The class will focus on the adaptation of recreation programs and services that reflect the needs of the client. The students will develop a philosophy related to inclusive recreation practices within the field. The course will further address the trends and skills required for those focusing on a career in Therapeutic Recreation. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the ageing process, symptoms of various health conditions and the therapeutic role that meaningful recreation and leisure can play in the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals into communities. | ||||
| RECN-3022 | Community Rec, Benefits & Outcomes | 3 | ||
| When a recreation professional is committed to providing high quality recreation programming, the participants and community s/he serves can receive powerful benefits. Since recreation occurs within a variety of communities, it is essential that students be able to identify which approach to use with the particular community they are serving. Students must also understand the unique role of a community developer. Since a big part of community development is the creation of partnerships, successful partnerships will be explored. This course will examine methods aimed at measuring the quality of recreation programs and activities. Students will also learn how to communicate the benefits of recreation to the general public, in order to ensure that recreation remains an essential service in any community. | ||||
| Level 4 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| RECN-3023 | Ethics & Professional Issues in Rec | 2 | ||
| Using academic and discussion methods this course will focus on heightening the awareness of acceptable ethics and codes of conduct related to the role of the recreation and leisure professional. Through group discussion and extensive case studies, students will become familiar with the theory and application of solutions to ethical and moral dilemmas in the field of Recreation and Leisure. Students will become aware of the impact of their personal and professionally held values systems as they apply to ethics and ethical decision-making in recreation and leisure settings. | ||||
| RECN-3010 | Field Practicum 2 | 5.6 | ||
| The student will be exposed to an intensive hands on experience at a selected recreation agency in the community. The student will apply the theories and concepts discussed in class in a practical and meaningful way. | ||||
| RSCH-1006 | Research in Recreation | 3 | ||
| This course will provide an opportunity for students to establish their understanding of research through a critical exploration of a subfield of recreation and leisure services. Utilizing research methods, consultation and professional association certification opportunities, the student will create a peer reviewed presentation relevant to their chosen field or area of interest. | ||||
| RECN-3012 | Career Planning in Leisure Services | 2 | ||
| Finding the best job in the recreation field is the goal of most graduates of the Recreation and Leisure Services program. This course will prepare students for the demanding job-search process as they apply current and practical job-search strategies. Students will develop an ePortfolio and contacts list pulled from their primary and secondary networks. This course will assist students in making sound programming and job-search decisions by understanding the current demographic, social, and economic trends impacting the field of Recreation and Leisure. | ||||
| RECN-3014 | Parks & Recreation Facility Operations | 3 | ||
| This course is designed to increase awareness of the requirements associated with the operation of public recreation facilities. The course covers such topics as Community Arenas, Public Swimming Pools, and Children's Commercial Play Equipment. It will also explore our Provincial and National Parks system and specifically the park management strategies utilized to meet recreational demands in an environmentally sustainable manner. This course will also examine some Risk Management issues associated with recreation facilities and practical steps to take as an operator in creating a Facility Safety Plan for any recreation facility. | ||||
| Gen Ed - Elective | ||||
| Take 3 General Education Credits - Normally taken in Level 2 | ||||
| Program Residency | ||||
| Students Must Complete a Minimum of 20 credits in this program at Fanshawe College to meet the Program Residency requirement and graduate from this program | ||||