Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College · Courses
RPTM
93 courses with the subject RPTM, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
RPTM 100APGA Tournament Golf A3
/Maximum of 12 For students enrolled in the PGA Accredited Golf Management Option in RPTM This is a course that will be offered in the fall semester only for students pursuing Professional Golf Management which seeks to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to play golf at a high enough level to become a PGA Professional. The primary focus of the course will be on golf movement skills, on-course performance, and mental training for performance. At the completion of this course, students will be equipped to better evaluate each aspect of their golf game and design effective practice strategies that ultimately lead to his/her tournament performance. In addition, students will have the necessary knowledge of how to track his/her performance, and also how to most effectively implement proper practice and training programs that result in improved performance. There are a couple of other unique features of this course. The PGA requires this course to have an 8 to 1 student to PGA instructor ratio. Because of this, the students work with the faculty members and PGA Professionals from the Professional Golf Management Program and also the PGA Professionals from the Penn State Golf Courses. Additionally, students have regular access to the Golf Teaching and Research Center and the Penn State Golf Courses and their practice facilities, also a PGA accreditation requirement.
/Maximum of 12 For students enrolled in the PGA Accredited Golf Management Option in RPTM This is a course that will be offered in the spring semester only for students pursuing Professional Golf Management which seeks to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to play golf at a level high enough to become a PGA Professional. The primary focus of the course will be on golf movement skills, on-course performance, and mental training for performance. At the completion of this course, students will be equipped to better evaluate each aspect of their golf game and design effective practice strategies that ultimately lead to his/her tournament performance. In addition, students will have the necessary knowledge of how to track his/her performance, and also how to most effectively implement proper practice and training programs that result in improved performance. There are a couple of other unique features of this course. The PGA requires this course to have an 8 to 1 student to PGA instructor ratio. Because of this, the students work with the faculty members and PGA Professionals from the Professional Golf Management program and also the PGA Professionals from the Penn State Golf Courses. Additionally students have regular access to the Golf Teaching and Research Center and the Penn State Golf Courses and their practice facilities, also a PGA accreditation requirement.
First year seminar for students enrolled in the Professional Golf Management option of RPTM. RPTM 100S Introduction to Golf Management (2) This course is designed to provide 1st year students enrolled in RPTM - Professional Golf Management Option, an introduction to the University, to their major / option, and to the Professional Golfers' Association of America. The course objectives are to introduce students to active learning as a way to make the transition to a more demanding academic environment. Students in the class will participate in collaborative group projects, which should also provide opportunities for them to establish relationships with faculty and peers. Students will
Introduction to discipline and exploration of professional career models/ paths, historical development of profession, expectations and opportunities in recreation services. The primary objective of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the historical and contemporary perspectives of the recreation and park profession. In addition, the course will provide an exploration of careers in leisure, recreation and parks, or related services with emphasis on the various leisure delivery systems. Main topics typically include: understanding of the roles and significance of leisure and recreation in past and present societies; awareness of the factors contributing to the emergence of specific movements, delivery systems, and agencies within the recreation and parks movement; knowledge of the specific roles assumed by public, private, nonprofit, community and commercial agencies in providing resources and contributing to contemporary participation patterns and lifestyles; awareness of professional career models, expectations, and opportunities; and, an understanding of issues and trends currently affecting the delivery of leisure services. This is a required course for the Recreation, Park and Tourism Management major, usually taken during the freshman or sophomore year. Students in other majors who are exploring Recreation, Park and Tourism Management are encouraged to enroll.
/Maximum of 12 RPTM 102A is a course designed to take a deep look into the success of some of the world's best golf operations, including but not limited to facility design and management, business planning, customer experiences, sales and merchandising, tournament operations, and golf tourism. The travel component for this course takes place over the spring break week each year and provides students with the opportunity to experience the facilities, region, and cultures first-hand, while also meeting with the management and staff of each facility. The out-of-class travel option will give the students an opportunity to experience different cultures, and to apply what was learned in class.
Leadership Development in Snowsports develops students understanding and skills in becoming a Snowsports industry professional. The course focuses on integrating knowledge across core business areas in Snowsport area management. Students will learn to identify and understand content, proficiencies and skills relevant to Snowsport operations by drawing on multidisciplinary aspects from hospitality and guest experience to physiology and sports training principles. The course will provide students the opportunity to evaluate information and learn to guide decisions using critical analysis and problem solving skills based on students experiences. Case studies will be utilized to promote dialogue and develop reflective capacities. The course prepares students to work in the Snowsports industry and to understand the complexity of resort staffing and structures. Recommended Preparation: Experience or current in snowsports, consider RPTM 120 and/or RPTM 215 Snowsports Education
Leisure and Human Development introduces global concepts regarding leisure and health, from historical and contemporary perspectives, including forces shaping leisure behavior, and relationships among leisure, the environment, social institutions, and holistic well-being. Special attention is given to the role of leisure globally, in individual and societal health and wellness, with applied examples from a U.S. context as well as international perspective. Main topics include: the role of leisure in past and present societies; the ways in which leisure, recreation, and play relate to personal health and wellness, the economy, personal identity, work, religion, sexuality, race, class, socio-economic status, time use patterns, and education; leisure's contribution to human development throughout the life course; the role of leisure in one's life, specialization in leisure activities, leisure careers, serious forms of leisure, and leisure and addiction; and trends in the world economy and culture, technology, urbanization and suburbanization, governance, and demography and how they may influence leisure behavior. Student performance is evaluated through exams and concept maps undertaken in class. Students also
/Maximum of 6 To provide students with educational leadership skills and teaching opportunities working with children in an outdoor residential camp setting. RPTM 140 Outdoor School Field Experience (2 per semester/ maximum of 4) is cross listed as SCIED 140. The Outdoor School Field Experience course allows students to observe, learn, and apply leadership techniques and teaching methodologies in an experiential, residential education program that occurs off campus. This field-based experience provides students with numerous opportunities to practice and refine their leadership and teaching skills through active participation in one week of Outdoor School Field Experience. Students are provided with the opportunity to explore personal values related to the natural environment, sustainable practices, health and wellness and technology, and to practice behavioral changes as they role model those values to the residential campers. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: Students must apply for and be accepted into the Outdoor School Field Experience. Cross-listed with: SCIED 140 General Education: Health and Wellness (GHW) GenEd Learning Objective: Key Literacies GenEd Learning Objective: Soc Resp and Ethic Reason
RPTM 210Introduction to Commercial Recreation and Tourism3
Introduction to Commercial Recreation and Tourism is designed to introduce students to the historical and contemporary perspectives of the field of commercial recreation and tourism, and to serve as an introduction to the 'Commercial Recreation and Tourism' option within the Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management curriculum. The course will begin by offering a broad overview of this multifaceted field, highlighting the various roles that commercial recreation and tourism play locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. The course then shifts to focus on managerial considerations for practitioners in the field, preparing students to pursue a career in this expansive and exciting field.
Snowsports Education is designed to guide students to become a certified snowsports educator. The course introduces students to materials and experiences which help to prepare them to undertake the Level I certification in any discipline of the Professional Ski Instructors of America & American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA- AASI). The course is composed of three segments: 1) Introducing snowsports education, 2) Instructor certification process, and 3) Planning for continued professional development. The major topics of the first segment focus on the fundamentals of snowsports instruction, The Learning Connection Model, and on how to facilitate a learning experience for beginner and novice skiers and snowboarders. The second segment entails independent preparation for the PSIA-AASI Level I certification assessment and successful completion of the assessment. The final part of the course helps students interpret and reflect on their assessment feedback and prepare next steps as snowsports educators. Course activities include preparing written summaries and analyses of course topics, self-assessments and reflections of student's own instructing and professional experiences, and completing the PSIA-AASI Level I certification assessment. Students will need to join PSIA-AASI and pay for their level I assessment in addition to tuition fees. Membership with PSIA-AASI includes digital access to required course materials. Recommended Preparation: Experience or current employment in snowsports is recommended. Students may also wish to complete
We live in a world increasingly connected via global trade, political alliances and frameworks, transportation, vast and rapid digital, telecommunication, and traditional social and communication networks. Human health and well-being and ecological integrity face the challenging demands of exponential human growth that tax our our planet's finite environmental resources. These challenges, framed as "the great acceleration of the Anthropocene" that pushes on planetary boundaries, demands sustainability become more of an imperative each day. But what exactly is sustainability? How does it relate to a career in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management (RPTM) or to your studies in other departments at Penn State? How does sustainability play into this career in the United States, on different continents and in different cultures? This course is designed to provide students with strong foundational knowledge about sustainability and how it relates to their career in RPTM. To develop students' understanding of the concept of sustainability, the course explores how interconnected social, economic, and environmental systems have resulted in the contemporary sustainability challenges we face at multiple scales and in multiple contexts, from the local to the national to the global. Each week students are presented with the large-scale, global status of a particular issue related to sustainability before then exploring these challenges in increasingly local contexts, including African and Asian nation, the U.S. and Pennsylvania, and a career path in RPTM. In contemplating the broad scope of sustainability, students will become better informed about the many ways that their career in RPTM is influenced by this multiscalar context of challenges to social, environmental, and economic sustainability and partnerships among organizations that face sustainability challenges. In exploring how RPTM activities exert an influence on sustainability goals articulated through the targets and indicators of the United Nations Agenda 2030: The Sustainable Development Goals and other frameworks, students will be better equipped to address sustainability challenges within the organizations in which they work and the communities where they work, live, and play.
Learn leadership and teambuilding skills to facilitate group dynamics and adventure, team activities. RPTM 230 Teambuilding Facilitation (3)Through hands-on experience, discussion, and observation students will develop a sound background to the basics of teambuilding. This course will focus on the philosophy of team activities and experiential education, and the skills required to lead and facilitate teambuilding events. In addition to learning skills, the students will be asked to apply their knowledge of teambuilding to lead actual activities for their peers. Finally, students will be exposed to information about career opportunities in the field of teambuilding and adventure education. Main topics include: An introduction to teambuilding philosophy and its relation to the outdoor education field. General concepts to be covered include: challenge by choice, full value contracts, the experiential learning cycle and the adventure wave. Activity understanding to include icebreakers, problem solving activities and trust events; Programming and activity sequencing; Leadership skills and the role of the facilitator; Stages of group development; Debriefing activities, transfer of learning and metaphoric transfer; Activity safety: emotional and physical; Risk Management and the elements of good judgment; Group assessment and program creation; Program evaluation. This course is one of the selections for RPTM majors in the adventure-based programming emphasis of the Outdoor Recreation Option. Students in other majors are welcome after RPTM majors have scheduled.
RPTM 236Leadership and Group Dynamics in Recreation Services3
Supervision in recreation services, including theories, strategies, group dynamics, applied leadership and decision-making skills. RPTM 236 Leadership and Group Dynamics in Recreation Services (3)The primary objectives of RPTM 236 are for students to examine both leadership and group dynamics as a function of leisure and recreation services. Students in RPTM 236 will be given a variety of leadership opportunities, both in and out of class, to begin to develop leadership skills as well as observe others in recreation leadership positions. Information on leadership theory and group dynamics (group development, roles in groups, group decision making) will be provided through group exercises and hands on experiences. Main topics include: Leadership theory; Approaches to leadership; leadership styles; Definition of group including characteristics and effective group management; Group decision making and problem solving; Recreation leadership skills including behavior management, interpersonal skills and motivation; Teaching as a leadership skill; learning theory; Communication as a leadership skill; Teambuilding RPTM 236 is a required course for RPTM majors. Students in other majors are welcome. It is strongly suggested that RPTM 236 be taken prior to, not concurrent with RPTM 356.
RPTM 240Instruction and Leadership in Environmental Education3
Outdoor School is a residential outdoor environmental education program attended by upper elementary-aged school children from school districts throughout central Pennsylvania. While serving as Outdoor School Leaders, RPTM 240 provides students with experience in two main areas, leadership/mentorship as well as residential outdoor environmental education lesson planning and delivery. They are approached in the following manner: - Group management and leadership techniques will be examined regarding working with peers (students taking RPTM 140 who are serving as Outdoor School Counselors) and effectively guiding youth participants in an outdoor setting. Outdoor School Leaders will explore what effective mentorship looks like, working with the Counselors to help them work towards their personal developmental goals by the end of the week. Outdoor School Leaders will also explore the intricacies of teaching outdoors, using the environment to keep the group focused and engaged in the learning process. By stepping into this broader leadership role, students taking this course expand the breadth of their responsibilities compared to RPTM 140. - Students will enhance their residential outdoor environmental education skills by designing lesson plans on natural history topics and implementing these lesson plans in an outdoor setting. Class sessions and assignments are designed to develop skills prior to the immersive field experience of applying these
For students enrolled in the PGA Accredited Golf Management Option in RPTM The PGA of America promotes its members as experts in the game and business of golf. Based on our current PGA Accreditation,
RPTM 254 is the second course in the PGA of America's education program in the subjects of golf teaching and coaching. This is a required course for program accreditation. Upon successful completion of the course, students will understand how various types of feedback function and influence performance, the effects of various communication styles, design appropriate practice conditions including the use of various swing methodologies, assess physical capabilities of golfers, and make necessary basic golf equipment adjustments. Students will have the knowledge to proficiently teach the game of golf to a variety of populations, knowledge required of all Professional Golf Management Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4787 graduates. The final major topic, player development programs, teaches students how to identify the components of comprehensive player development programs and understand the needs and interests of diverse populations. This course continues to build upon the learning objectives of the PGA Teaching and Coaching 1 course (KINES 93), and is followed up by the PGA Teaching and Coaching 3 course (RPTM 354). Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: KINES 93 Recommended Preparation: For students enrolled in the PGA accredited Golf Management option in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
The course provides a review of leisure services and programs designed to be inclusive of individuals from underrepresented groups and an overview of professional, legal, and ethical issues. Students receive information about the history of social movements toward inclusive leisure services and acquire knowledge about people who experience oppression, marginalization, and are disenfranchised as well as strategies to enhance their leisure. The course highlights information about the psychological and sociological significance of discretionary time, recreation, and leisure for all people. In addition, the course provides details on social, psychological and physical circumstances that create barriers to leisure engagement. The course addresses current issues related to inclusive leisure services and ethical and professional behavior in the reduction of barriers and subsequent delivery of such services. The course focuses on increasing students' awareness of the needs and interests of diverse populations as well as promotes understanding of principles and procedures for effective social, cultural and environmental design of leisure services, areas, and facilities that facilitate inclusion. Students learn about legal foundations and responsibilities of leisure service providers in serving all people and develop an understanding of ways to comply with professional, legal, and regulatory standards. The course provides students with guidelines to follow so that they help people experience the psychological, social, and physical benefits of s leisure. Students receive information on ways to endorse people's culture, with culture used broadly to include characteristics such as ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and race. In this course, students explore various characteristics such as people's abilities, age, gender, economic resources, and family and the influence that these aspects of their lives have on their leisure and how to design community leisure services that address challenges in any of these areas. The course is based on ethical principles including the belief that everyone is deserving of respect and has right to be self-determined and that no one can be reduced to a single characteristic. Another cluster of ethical principles focus on the notion that inclusion is good and diversity enriches our world. Finally, since service providers have substantial power and responsibility, they are encouraged to have ethical beliefs drive their behaviors as they consider perspectives other than their own and engage in critical and constructive thinking to contribute to a more just society. Students are exposed to the historical background, development, and current configurations of various groups in our pluralistic American culture. Such exposure will promote an understanding of complex issues of inter-group relations and many kinds of cultural contributions that have shaped our nation. The course strives to increase students' understanding of contemporary United States society. United States Cultures (US) General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS) GenEd Learning Objective: Global Learning
Wilderness First Aid focuses on the basic skills of Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Imjuries, Environmental Emergencies, Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies. Successful completion of this course includes a certification in Wilderness First Aid by an outside, certifying organization. General Education: Health and Wellness (GHW) GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Soc Resp and Ethic Reason
/Maximum of 4 Introduction to various phases of golf operations in public, private, municipal, or military settings. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: 2.00 cumulative grade point average
/Maximum of 18 Creative projects, including research and design, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.
Examination of the impact of recreational sociocultural, governmental, economic, and physical environment on the leisure traveler within the tourism industry. RPTM 300 Tourism and Leisure Behavior (3) (IL)The objective of this course is to help students understand the tourism concept from a national and international perspective. The students will debate the motivations that lead people to engage in tourism and in hosting tourists. They will also examine the social, economic and ecological impacts that tourism development can bring to host communities and to tourists. The students will finally apply all the learned materials to conceptualize sustainable development strategies that aim at improving the quality of live of host communities, provide quality experiences to visitors, and protect the existing cultural and ecological resources of the destination. Main topics typically include:; History - How people engage in tourism throughout all periods of history and the influence of major historic events on modem tourism; Socio- cultural impacts - How host cultures are transformed through tourism; Economic impacts - Revenues and costs to host economies due to tourism; Ecological impacts - Ways in which tourism helps and hurts the environment; International terrorism and peace - Why tourism is called the peace industry and how it is affected by terrorism and political instability; Sex tourism - Why tourism can alleviate or aggravate the exploitation of vulnerable segments of society; Tourism planning and policy - How to plan and manage tourism in ways that it produces sustainable benefits to the host community This is a required course for RPTM majors in the Community and Commercial Recreation option. Students in other majors are welcome.
The Wilderness First Responder course focuses on the development of assessment and response skills to give students the ability and experience necessary to recognize and treat a variety of medical and environmental emergencies encountered in the backcountry. Topics of focus include musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries, trauma, heat and cold related injuries, allergic reactions, shock, survival skills, and more. Successful completion of this course includes a certification in Wilderness First Responder and CPR by an outside, certifying organization.
The Experience Design and Events Management course prepares students to practice strategic event management, project management, and program budgeting and develop a knowledge base in event technologies. Students will also focus on experience design, learning and applying human-centered design processes (e.g., elements of experience and experience mapping and creating personas) that lead to purposeful audience-centered experiences. Finally, students participate in a global and cultural engagement experience to explore these ideas in and outside the classroom. Using the latest communication and social media tools, students engage with event/programmed experiences in locations and with people who offer diverse perspectives on events and experiences.
Snowsports Education II is designed to guide students towards becoming an educator up to intermediate level and clinic leader for those aspiring to a level I certification. The course introduces students to materials and experiences which help to prepare them to undertake the Level II certification in any discipline of the Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA- AASI). The course is composed of three segments: 1) Introducing snowsports leadership, 2) PSIA-AASI Level II certification process, and 3) Planning for continued professional development. The major topics of the first segment focus on managing groups, taking responsibility for others, decision-making processes, and facilitating a learning experience for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The second segment entails independent preparation for the PSIA-AASI Level II certification assessment and completion of the assessment. The final part of the course helps students interpret and reflect on their assessment feedback/forward and prepare next steps as snowsports education managers. Students can expect to engage in learning via reading, watching educational videos, listening to podcasts, and reflecting upon work experiences. Course activities include preparing written summaries and analyses of course topics, self-assessments and reflections of student's own instructing and professional experiences and completing the PSIA-AASI Level II certification assessment. Students will need to join PSIA-AASI and pay for their level II assessment in addition to tuition fees. Membership with PSIA-AASI includes digital access to required course materials. Recommended Preparation: Current employment in snowsports, Completion of Professional Snowsports Education Level 1 Certificate. PSIA-AASI Level I certification or equivalent Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4789
Methods, techniques, resources to acquire knowledge of natural history. Field identification, projects of an applied nature, and seasonal application. RPTM 326 Natural History Interpretation (3)The primary
Methods, skills, and techniques necessary for the programming of historical sites and areas. RPTM 327 Cultural History Interpretation (3)The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the cultural resources within central Pennsylvania and to learn how to effectively interpret these resources through interactive programs and experiences. Building on the prerequisite course (RPTM 325: Principles of Environmental Interpretation), students continue to apply and practice principles that help create effective outdoor programming. Main topics typically include: *Demonstrating sound interpretive methods and techniques by conducting short presentations *Demonstrating a competency in program development by planning, researching, and presenting two different 1st Person Interpretation -living history programs in an outdoor setting to the general public and to school groups. *Participation, planning and presenting a Maple Sugaring Lesson at the community attended Maple Harvest Festival. *Engaging in research and writing of a Historical Character Paper. Learning how and where to conduct cultural history research in any community by utilizing historical societies, historical sites, libraries and personal interviews. *Observation of professional cultural history interpreters. This course is one of three selections for RPTM majors in the environmental interpretation emphasis of the Outdoor Recreation Option. It is included as part of the 'Discovery Semester' block of courses taught by faculty at the Shaver's Creek Environmental Center. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: RPTM 325
Both theoretical and experiential components are included as the role of the leader in adventure-based programs is examined. This course will focus on the philosophy, leadership techniques, ethics, and current practices in the area of adventure-based programming. Focus of instruction will be upon developing skills for facilitating personal growth and providing leadership for outdoor pursuits within a plethora of different outdoor pursuits. Main topics to be covered: outdoor leadership skills and behavioral styles and they pertain to leading groups, creating community through team building and debriefing activities, inderstanding the value of balancing technical with interpersonal and judgement skills, decision making, conflict management, and assessing and planning for risk in the field. A one-night retreat is included in the course curriculum. RPTM 330 is one of the selections for RPTM majors in the Adventure Recreation Pathway of the Outdoor Recreation Option. The course is open to students from all majors.
Recreation agencies in voluntary and semiprivate sectors will be investigated through membership strategies, fund raising, volunteer management, etc. case studies. RPTM 334 Non-Profit Recreation Agency Operations (3)The primary objective of this course is to expose students to the operational practices and missions of nonprofit recreation and tourism organizations. In particular, this course will allow students to investigate voluntary and semi-private sectors through membership strategies, fundraising and development roles, and volunteer management. Primary topics taught in this course will typically include the following: *The role of non-profit organizations in providing park, recreation and tourism opportunities *Missions, governance procedures, and societal roles associated with non-profit organizations *Program support functions and non-profit fundraising strategies *Skills and roles of professional staff in non-profit organizations This course is a requirement for RPTM majors in the park management emphasis of the Outdoor Recreation Option. This is also a supporting course (i.e., department list) for RPTM majors in the Commercial and Community Recreation Management Option. Students in other majors are welcome after all RPTM majors have been scheduled.
The purpose of the Outdoor Recreation Consortium is to provide students with hands-on exposure to outdoor recreation resources management in a National Park. It is designed to increase students' understanding and appreciation of outdoor recreation resources, the agencies managing those resources, the management strategies used, and the factors affecting management, including issues related to the nearby "gateway communities" and the park's broader environment. The course format is one which focuses on problem solving, encourages a high level of , interaction among participating students, faculty, managers, and gives participants an opportunity to connect with nature.
RPTM 336Accounting in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management3
This course provides the student with the core knowledge needed to understand the kinds of data generated by the financial systems of recreation operations, prepare budgets, perform forecasting and breakeven analysis, and provide control over the financial aspects of the recreation/park/tourism business. Main topics typically include: Introduction to managerial decision-making; Cost behavior analysis; Cost, volume and profit analysis; Pricing decisions; Preparation of operational budgets; Calculation and interpretation of cost and revenue variances; Preparation of cash budgets and control over cash; Preparation of the
/Maximum of 6 The purpose of the Guest Activities Practicum is to provide students with hands-on exposure to the guest experiences industry within commercial recreation settings. Students interact with faculty, other students and professionals from industry in the collaboration and sharing of ideas. The course is designed to increase students' understanding and appreciation of the guest experience, the issues related to delivering recreation services in commercial recreation settings, principles of tourism, management strategies, and the factors affecting guest services. The course format is one that focuses on problem solving, encourages a high level of interaction among participating students, faculty, industry partners, and gives participants an opportunity to actively engage with customers. The course includes an embedded travel component in which students and faculty visit a guest experiences focused commercial recreation such as a resort or cruise ship and then work with industry. partners on a designated project with student recommendations that might be implemented on site. The course includes course fees for travel. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: RPTM 120, Permission of program through application Recommended Preparation: Permission of program through application.
Snowsports Education III is designed to guide students towards becoming a leader in the snowsports industry at an advanced level. The course introduces students to materials and experiences which help to prepare them to undertake the Level III certification in any discipline of the Professional Ski Instructors of America & American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI). The course is composed of three segments: 1) Enhancing teaching and learning at the advanced levels in snowsports, 2) PSIA-AASI Level III certification process, and 3) Planning for continued professional development. The major topics of the first segment focus on demonstrating excellence in teaching in snowsports education and facilitating a learning experience for skiers and snowboarders through the advanced level. The second segment entails preparation for the PSIA-AASI Level III certification assessment and completion of the assessment. The final section of the course helps students interpret and reflect on their assessment feedback/ forward and prepare next steps as leaders in snowsports and the broader industry. Students can expect to engage in learning via reading, watching webinars, listening to podcasts, and reflecting upon their own experiences. Course activities include preparing written summaries and analyses of course topics, self-assessments and reflections of student's own instructing and professional experiences and completing the PSIA- AASI Level III certification assessment. Students will need to join PSIA- AASI and pay for their level III assessment in addition to tuition fees. Membership with PSIA-AASI includes digital access to required course materials. Recommended Preparations: PSIA-AASI Level II certification or equivalent
Based on our current PGA accreditation standards and criteria, RPTM 354 is the final course in the PGA of America's education program in the subject of golf instruction. This is a required course for program accreditation. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to explain how learning occurs in the process of golf skill development as well as the theories and factors that influence the transfer of learning. Students will be able to use a variety of techniques to measure performance levels of golfers and also understand the effects of golf club fitting on ball flight and golfer performance. The final major topic, player development programs, teaches students how player development programs contribute to facility operations and will be able to develop, market, and promote comprehensive player development programs. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: RPTM 254 Recommended Preparation: For students enrolled in the PGA Accredited Golf Management Option in RPTM
The course will focus on business planning, budgeting, inventory management, and financial controls within golf operations. RPTM 360 Golf Operations Management (3)The primary purpose of this course
RPTM 390Political and Legal Aspects of Recreation Services3
The primary objective of this course is to examine the governmental systems that influence the delivery of recreational services. The formal structure of government is considered along with the day-to-day political processes that determine public policy. All three levels of government- federal, state, and local'are studied. Particular attention is given to the judicial systems of these governments. The course also gives considerable attention to tort liability by examining case law as it relates to recreation facilities and services. The course also explores federal and state laws pertaining to employer/employee relations and administrative responsibilities. Main topics include: The Court Systems, legislative branches; planning and development: historical perspective, land use, zoning, mandatory dedication, easements, building codes; liability: elements of negligence, situations giving rise to law suit, product liability, defenses & risk management, review; personnel laws; Federal laws, State Human Relations Acts, Civil Service, Hatch Act, FLSA, finance, garnishment & bankruptcy; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Public Relations Law: copyright, photography, lotteries, libel, slander, privacy; Administrative Law: purchasing, entrepreneurship, Federal Tax laws. This is a required course for all students majoring in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management. It is open to students of other majors, providing they have met the pre-requisite. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: RPTM 120
Plan and prepare for internship in Recreation Services. Analyze career opportunities, internship process, and associated requirements. For RPTM majors only. RPTM 394 Orientation to Internship (1) The primary objective of this course is to assist students with planning and preparing for their professional Practicum experience. The supporting objectives are: to provide awareness of the role and significance of the Practicum experience, including its relationship with professional practice; assist students in their understanding of the placement process, including prerequisites for placement; provide students with a working knowledge of their requirements while on Practicum, including contractual arrangements, on-site professional conduct, written assignments, evaluation procedures and evaluation criteria; and to provide the students with knowledge of post-practicum concerns, including resources for professional employment and professional certifications.Main topics typically include: � Introduction to the practicum experience and pre- requisite requirements � Personal and professional needs assessments and the importance of determining deficit skill and competency areas as related to the student's intended career. � Development of career and practicum goals and their relative importance to practicum site research and selection. � Preparation of a professional cover letter and resume. � Searching for and selecting possible practicum sites � Professional approaches to contacting, communicating and following- up with prospective practicum agencies. � Interviewing skills, including various interview formats, commonly asked questions, appropriate body language, and professionalism. � Practicum requirements, including assignments, communication with the university and agency supervisor, and academic and performance evaluation. � Post-practicum concerns, including graduation, employment, and professional certifications.This course is required of RPTM majors (except Golf Management Option), and is usually taken two semesters prior to the semester that a student plans to participate in RPTM 495A (Internship in Recreation Services). The course is not open to students from other majors.Students are evaluated by performance on written assignments and quizzes.This course is offered both spring and fall semesters with typical enrollments of 70-90 in the fall and 50-70 in the spring. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: 5th semester standing
Principles, practices, application of non-personal interpretive activities common to natural/cultural history, including exhibits, audio-visual and illustrative materials. RPTM 425 Principles of Interpretive Materials (3) The primary objective of this course is for students to follow the exhibit creation process from conceptualization through construction to completion. Along the way, students will present their works-in-progress to fellow students and instructors for modification and improvement. Their final products will be used in a practical environment in the exhibit room at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center and at various educational functions around the state - PA State Farm Show, Central PA Festival of the Arts, Penn State's Ag Progress Days, etc.Main topics to be covered: *Topics vs. Themes: narrowing the unifying concepts in exhibit design *Flow in an exhibit and museum space: how to guide logical progression of thought in both an exhibit and exhibition area *Color Schemes *Computer aided design techniques *Woodworking skills This course is one of the selections for RPTM majors in the environmental interpretation emphasis of the Outdoor Recreation option. Students from other majors may enroll in this course if they have met the pre-requisite (RPTM 325).
RPTM 430Environmental Education Methods and Materials3
Methods and materials for developing, implementing, and evaluating environmental education programs within formal and non-formal educational settings. RPTM (AEE) 430 Environmental Education Methods and Materials (3)The primary objective of this course is to provide students with an introduction to Environmental Education (EE) methods (pedagogy) and materials for both formal and non-formal settings. A second objective is to provide the student with an opportunity to apply specific methods and materials to practical situations at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center. These opportunities include Outdoor School, School Day Programs, Maple Harvest Festival, and Scout Programs. A third objective is to provide information about gaining access to EE materials through web-based, written, and personal contacts. Main topics typically include: Introduction to the history, definition, and philosophy of Environmental Education (EE); Differences between formal and non- formal EE settings; PDE Environment & Ecology Standards; Models of EE pedagogy; Place-based-education labs covering: The Land, Water Resources, Fauna, and Flora; Keystone Aquatic Resource Education; teacher resource workshop (or other national curricula- i.e. P WILD, PLT, Project WET, etc.); EE Resources available at SCEC, the web, and other EE centers. This course is one of the selections for RPTM majors in the environmental interpretation emphasis and adventure-based programming emphasis within the Outdoor Recreation option. Students from other majors may enroll in this course if they have met the pre- requisite (RPTM 325). Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: RPTM 325
RPTM 433Program Evaluation and Research Services (3)The goal of
this course is to provide students with the background necessary to understand and evaluate research reports and to conduct research projects of moderate complexity in the field of recreation, parks, and tourism management. The research focus of the class is on evaluation and assessment. Class topics include introductions to the philosophy of science, including the nature of theories, hypotheses, concepts and constructs, to measurement theory, to applied sampling techniques, and to methods of scale construction. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods are addressed. In-class activities include the conceptualization and execution of an applied evaluation project. This project involves practice in interviewing, in-class focus groups, survey questionnaire development, data collection, and data analysis. The course will provide students with a conceptual map of how research is conducted, the resources available to them, the vocabulary of research, and guidance in writing a research report. Additionally, this is a Writing Across the Curriculum class. Students will prepare several short writing projects, some based on interviews or observational studies that they have conducted, as well as a final report based on the evaluation research conducted by the entire class. The course material is divided into units of study with topical areas within each unit sequentially presented to parallel the research process itself. Students are expected to have read assigned materials and to attend class prepared to discuss them. Classes involve lectures, discussions, and in-class activities such as focus groups, survey questionnaire development and presentations of research results. This class is required of all undergraduate majors in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management. RPTM 356 and a 3-credit course in statistics are prerequisites for this course. Students from other majors are welcome in this course, providing they have met the pre- requisites. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: 5th semester standing Writing Across the Curriculum
RPTM 433WProgram Evaluation and Research in Recreation Services3
Systematic, structured problem-solving process for decision making in recreation and parks. Research techniques/evaluation procedures; quantitative, qualitative methodologies; deductive, inductive reasoning.
/Maximum of 6 This course aims to enhance students' individual leadership development by building on existing foundational knowledge to establish confidence and competence in mentoring situations. Students will develop unique methods for delivering content to aspiring students by integrating past leadership experiences from identified leadership courses with new instruction and insights. Students will fulfill the role of peer mentor by exploring effective strategies for facilitating and developing emerging student leaders through various applications both in and out of the classroom. This course requires students to be driven and self-motivated. Additionally, students will gain further leadership skills by mentoring peers, assisting them in understanding and applying course content, and working on group projects. Specifics of this work will be further outlined by the instructor. Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4795 Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: RPTM 330 or RPTM 456
Management of recreation and park services in public/non-profit settings; planning, budgeting fiscal development, resources allocation, decision- , making, computer applications. RPTM 470 Recreation and Park Management (3)The primary objective of this course is to provide advanced standing RPTM students with an understanding of management and administration procedures that are essential to operating and managing park facilities and recreation programs. Secondarily, students will be given an opportunity to be exposed to park and recreation governance processes and will be asked to synthesize the roles that key stakeholders play in the management of public- sector park and recreation organizations. Key topics covered in this course include: *A historical account of park and recreation operating environment as well as trends in park support and positioning of the field *Inter-organizational partnerships and collaborations in the park and recreation field *Financing, budgeting and fiscal control processes *Human resource management principles and policies *Creating effective working relationships with community stakeholders and park and recreation board members *Comprehensive recreation, park and open space planning This course is required for RPTM majors in the park management emphasis within the Outdoor Recreation Option. Students in other majors are welcome providing there are seats available after RPTM majors have been scheduled. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: RPTM 320
Advanced Arena Management develops advanced skills and understanding in arena and live entertainment management fields including operations, budgeting, marketing and staffing. Course is taught on site at a sports/ entertainment arena and also includes off- campus site visits to at least two (2) major live entertainment venues. Off campus travel with the class group is required for this course. Topics include; developing events from inception to delivery; booking, contract negotiation, scheduling, ticketing, food/beverage and alcohol service, safety and security, fan experience, risk management, and business management. Students are provided with management level exposure to a variety of departments throughout the arena and are given the opportunity to learn directly from department managers. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: RPTM 370
/Maximum of 12 Observation and participation under supervision in golf operations in public, private, municipal, or military settings. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: RPTM 395B and 2.00 cumulative grade point average
/Maximum of 4 Observation and participation under supervision in golf operations in public, private, municipal, or military settings. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: RPTM 495B or 2.00 cumulative grade point average
/Maximum of 4 Observation and participation under supervision in golf operations in public, private, municipal, or military settings. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: RPTM 495C or 2.00 cumulative grade point average
/Maximum of 6 A supervised experiential learning course designed to provide students with practical professional experience in the sport industry. Students complete a minimum number of hours at an approved sport organization and engage in applied learning across areas such as sport marketing, event and facility management, operations, communications, and organizational leadership. Emphasis is placed on professional development, critical reflection, and the integration of academic theory with industry practice.
/Maximum of 18 Creative projects, including research and design, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.
/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject which may be topical or of special interest. e RPTM 497P: **SPECIAL TOPICS** 3 Credits/Maximum of 9 RPTM Practicum Special Topics
RPTM 535Collection and Analysis of Qualitative Data3
In this course, students will be given an overview of and have the opportunity to apply many techniques employed by qualitative social science researchers. A particular emphasis will be on inductive, fieldwork- based research methods including participant observation and in- depth interviewing. During class meetings students will participate in seminar discussion of assigned reading material and the shared experiences associated with the preparation of course assignments. These assignments will develop methodological experience through activities conducted locally. Across the semester students will also develop a more elaborate funding proposal for research based on qualitative methodologies. The course will be of particular value to students preparing for thesis or dissertation research utilizing qualitativ methods. Though qualitative research is often associated with an interpretivist or humanistic research paradigm, participants espousing a scientific/positivist paradigm are also encouraged to enroll, as are students from outside of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management.
RPTM 540Public and Private Recreation Lands and Waters3
Public and private roles and interactions, allocation of resources, use policies, open space concepts, private enterprise developments, legal controls.
/Maximum of 9 Creative projects, including nonthesis research, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.
/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently; several different topics may be taught in one year or term.
