2024-25 Academic Catalog
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Recreation, Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership Courses (RTNL)

Courses

RTNL 2020. Leadership in Leisure, Youth and Human Services — 3 hrs.

Theories, principles, and practices of leisure, youth and human services leadership; techniques and methods of working with individuals and groups. (Variable)

RTNL 2110. Foundations of Community Parks and Recreation — 3 hrs.

Conceptual foundations of community parks and recreation including historical and philosophical foundations of the parks and recreation field, demand for and organization of different types of resources and services, and career and professional opportunities. (Spring)

RTNL 2120. Foundations of Tourism — 3 hrs.

Investigation of many roles travel and tourism play in contemporary society. Overview of the travel and tourism industry, examination of definitions of travel/tourism, and exploration of the history and development of tourism. (Fall)

RTNL 2130. Foundations of the Nonprofit Sector — 3 hrs.

Overview of the nonprofit sector including history, philosophy, mission, management, activities, and trends. Special emphases on the affiliate agencies of the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. Students earning a "C" or better simultaneously earn a certificate from the Iowa Nonprofit Resource Center. (Fall)

RTNL 2140. Foundations of Outdoor Recreation — 3 hrs.

Overview of development, implementation, and evaluation of outdoor recreation programs. Examination of benefits and challenges of outdoor recreation, with focus on outdoor leadership competencies. (Spring)

RTNL 2150. Foundations of Youth Work — 3 hrs.

A survey and discussion of the practices associated with youth development from a historical and philosophical standpoint. An introduction of the various contexts and methods associated with youth development. (Spring)

RTNL 2160. Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation — 3 hrs.

In this course, you will learn about the field of therapeutic recreation/recreation therapy (TR/RT), study common disability conditions and the effect of these conditions on lifestyle and health, and explore the therapeutic use of recreation from a person-centered approach. In addition, you will gain volunteer experience in Special Olympic events. (Fall)

RTNL 2210. Nonprofit Leadership Practicum, Level I — 3 hrs.

Professional development forum for experiential education and practical application in recreation, tourism and community services. Activities and programming designed for students seeking a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential, as part of the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance program. May be repeated for maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite(s): consent of instructor. (Fall and Spring)

RTNL 3030. Inclusive Recreation and Diversity in RTNL — 3 hrs.

Overview of interaction of leisure services and the elements of diversity (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender, age, and ability/disability). (Variable)

RTNL 3110. Management and Human Resources in Recreation, Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership — 3 hrs.

An examination of the foundations associated with recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership management and human resources, including marketing, legal aspects, fiscal responsibilities, and risk management. Students will be introduced to technological innovations associated with marketing and promoting recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership management and human resources. (Fall and Spring)

RTNL 3120. Programming for Recreation, Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership — 3 hrs.

Introduction to methods and procedures for planning, budgeting, implementing, and evaluating recreation, tourism and community service programs. (Fall and Spring)

RTNL 3121. Philosophical Foundations of Recreation, Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership — 3 hrs.

Examination of historical and philosophical foundations of recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership, including leisure and play theory, leisure behavior and societal issues, leisure and the environment, and application of theories and behavioral concepts required to understand and manage services, activities, and environments. (Variable)

RTNL 3130. Marketing in Recreation, Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership — 3 hrs.

Core concepts of marketing in recreation, tourism and community services including promotion, management, planning, environment, research, consumer behavior, and market segmentation. Demand, supply and community based assets will be examined with a focus on marketing in Iowa and beyond. (Fall and Spring)

RTNL 3280. Readings in Recreation, Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership — 1-3 hrs.

Individual reading and literature review in recreation, tourism and nonprofit leaderships. Credit to be determined at time of registration based on student's proposal. Prerequisite(s): junior standing; consent of instructor. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

RTNL 3337. Human Resource Development for Recreation, Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership — 3 hrs.

Recruitment, hiring, management, performance evaluation, supervision and termination of staff, volunteers and board members. Emphasis on nonprofit and government personnel practices and procedures. (Variable)

RTNL 3338. Planning Strategies in Nonprofit and Youth Agencies — 3 hrs.

Examination and evaluation of various planning models used in nonprofit and youth agencies to meet the needs of participants. Emphasis on matching developmental needs to planning strategies and models. Prerequisite(s): junior standing or consent of instructor. (Variable)

RTNL 3340. Prevention & Intervention Programs in Youth Work — 3 hrs.

An exploration and discussion of the design, implementation and evaluation associated with prevention and intervention programs for youth in a variety of contexts. An introduction of the various types of programs that may aid in supporting youth during their developmental years. (Fall)

RTNL 3774. Conferences, Expositions and Conventions in Tourism — 3 hrs.

Exploration of the field of conferences, expositions, and conventions and their niche in the tourism industry. Study of organizational logistics, program development, economic impact, meeting technology, legal issues, employment opportunities, and topics of current interest related to the field. Prerequisite(s): RTNL 2770 or consent of instructor. (Variable)

RTNL 3777/5777. Special Events Management — 3 hrs.

Planning and management of special events including research, coordination, marketing, and evaluation. Theories and practices relevant to successful event planning for host community residents and tourists. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Odd Springs)

RTNL 3778/5778. Community Based Tourism — 3 hrs.

Promotes student competencies that will enable them to assist small communities in tourism development through an organized planning process. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Even Springs)

RTNL 3991/5991. Philosophical Ideologies of Therapeutic Recreation — 3 hrs.

This course is a continuation of RTNL 2160 Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation and is designed to further develop the student's knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles and practices. The major emphasis of this course is for students to be familiar with the similarities and differences of common historical and philosophical foundations, including therapeutic recreation programming models of the profession. This course also includes the student developing an understanding of primary medical terminology used by therapeutic recreations specialists and other collaborating professionals in health and human services. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Odd Springs)

RTNL 4210/5210. Nonprofit Leadership Practicum, Level II — 3 hrs.

Leadership development forum embracing experiential education and practical application for activities in recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership. Activities and programming designed for students seeking a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential, as part of the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance program. May be repeated for maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite(s): RTNL 2210; junior standing; consent of instructor. (Fall and Spring)

RTNL 4290/5290. Recreation, Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership Field Experience — 1-12 hrs.

Supervised observation and leadership experience in recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership. May be repeated with consent of department. Offered on credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

RTNL 4310/5310. Areas and Facilities in Recreation, Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership — 3 hrs.

An introduction to the principles and procedures for planning, designing, managing, and evaluating recreation, tourism, park, and community service settings, areas and facilities. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Fall and Spring)

RTNL 4320. Financial Resource Management in Recreation, Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership — 3 hrs.

Theory and practice of budget development, fundraising, financial control, and grant seeking in programs within recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Fall and Spring)

RTNL 4330/5330. Research and Evaluation in Recreation, Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership — 3 hrs.

Introduction to research, evaluation, needs assessment concepts, procedures, and analyses in recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Fall and Spring)

RTNL 4340. Seminar in Recreation, Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership — 3 hrs.

Prepares students for internship and future employment in recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership organizations. Focus on development of professional documentation (portfolio, resume, etc.), skills, and internship placement. Prerequisite(s): senior standing; consent of instructor. (Fall and Spring)

RTNL 4510. Internship in Recreation, Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership — 1-12 hrs.

Comprehensive practical experience in recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership. RTNL majors must register for 9 hours. Offered on credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite(s): senior standing; consent of Internship Coordinator. Corequisite(s): for Leisure, Youth and Human Services majors only: RTNL 4520. (Spring and Summer)

RTNL 4520. Senior Project in Recreation, Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership — 3 hrs.

Programming, resource, or research project to be completed during internship. Written report and oral presentation required after the completion of internship. Prerequisite(s): senior standing; consent of Internship Coordinator. Corequisite(s): RTNL 4510. (Spring and Summer)

RTNL 4552/5552. Theory and Practice of Outdoor Education — 3 hrs.

Principles and practices of outdoor education and interpretation for teaching in schools, communities, nature centers, camps and parks. Focus on application in environmental education/adventure settings. Field trip(s)required. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Spring)

RTNL 4553/5553. Trends and Issues in Outdoor Recreation — 3 hrs.

Theory and practical application of current issues, concerns, and trends as they relate to the field of outdoor recreation. Covers some of the historical roots of the American wilderness movement, some of the philosophers who influenced that movement, and some of the major philosophical schools of thoughts that have influenced the way we consider wilderness. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Fall)

RTNL 4554/5554. Managing Recreation Impacts on the Natural Environment — 3 hrs.

Basic concepts and techniques used in planning, managing, and sustaining natural settings for human activities and experiences to ensure that negative impacts are minimized and opportunities for recreation are enhanced and sustainable. Psycho-social concepts of how parks and green spaces can have a positive effect on human health and well-being if properly designed and managed will also be explored. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Fall)

RTNL 4556/5556. History of Outdoor Recreation — 3 hrs.

Explores the history of outdoor recreation in the United States and its role in defining American identity by tracing its global roots, its production and management from the local to the federal level, and by examining controversies surrounding various recreational forms. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Same as HIST 4556/5556) (Fall)

RTNL 4621/5621. Camp Staff Development — 2-8 hrs.

Staff development and program planning principles, methods, and procedures used in the development of camp services. Lecture and lab. Offered on credit/no credit basis only. May be repeated for maximum of 8 hours. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Spring)

RTNL 4623/5623. Field Experience in Camp Counseling — 1-12 hrs.

Supervised counseling experience in an organized camp. May be repeated with consent of department. Offered on credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

RTNL 4625/5625. Camp Management Systems — 1-12 hrs.

Actual administration of a camp program. Includes personnel supervision, program implementation, and evaluation of camp system. Lecture and lab. May be repeated with consent of department. Offered on credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

RTNL 4776/5776. Eco, Adventure and Sport Tourism — 3 hrs.

Study of special tourism such as eco, adventure and sport tourism. Dynamics of responsible tourist travel that conserves natural environments and sustains the well-being of local people. Definitions, objectives, and profiles of programs involved in eco, adventure, and sport tourism. Field trips required. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Odd Falls)

RTNL 4779/5779. Community Planning Workshop — 3-6 hrs.

Project-based community planning and research course. Provides applied research and communication skills to function creatively and competently in professional settings. Design and execution of planning projects that address recreation and tourism issues. May be repeated for maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Even Falls)

RTNL 4995/5995. Assessment, Programming and Evaluation in Therapeutic Recreation — 3 hrs.

Assessment, programming, and evaluation methods/techniques used in providing therapeutic recreation to persons with disabilities. In particular, this course is designed to develop the student's knowledge and application of current TR/RT and intra-professional assessment instruments, interpretation and documentation of assessment results, creating individualized intervention plans with goals and measurable behavioral objective, and current TR/RT evaluation strategies. Prerequisite(s): verified First Aid and CPR certification; junior standing. Corequisite(s): RTNL 4996/5996. (Even Springs)

RTNL 4996/5996. Intervention Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation — 3 hrs.

The study of intervention techniques for therapeutic recreation settings. In particular, this course is designed to develop the student's knowledge and application of theories of human behavior and principles of behavioral change, principles of group dynamics and leadership, contributions of play, recreation, and leisure to health and well-being, models of TR/RT service delivery and different modalities/interventions, facilitation approaches, and intervention techniques. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): RTNL 4995/5995. (Even Springs)

RTNL 4997/5997. Administrative Practices in Therapeutic Recreation — 3 hrs.

Knowledge and techniques for management of therapeutic recreation services. In particular, this course is designed to develop the student's knowledge and application of TR/RT organizational service plan of operation, quality improvements, personnel, intern, and volunteer management, budgeting and fiscal management, and public relations, promotion, and marketing. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Odd Springs)

RTNL 4998/5998. Technology, Cross-Cultural, and Evidence-based Practices in Therapeutic Recreation — 3 hrs.

This class is broken into three modules related to knowledge of evidence-based practices, cross-cultural competencies, and digital technology in therapeutic recreation. In particular, this course is designed to develop the student's knowledge and application of digital technology, cultural competency, and clinical reasoning culminating in the selection of evidence based practice for specific diagnoses and conditions. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Odd Falls)

RTNL 6200. Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Recreation, Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership — 3 hrs.

Historical and philosophical perspective for understanding leisure, leisure behavior, and professional practices in recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership. (Variable)

RTNL 6201. Social Policy and Issues in Recreation, Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership — 3 hrs.

Examination and analysis of current trends, issues, and social policy confronting practitioners in voluntary/not-for-profit, public, and commercial recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership agencies. (Variable)

RTNL 6202. Social Psychology of Leisure — 3 hrs.

Exploration of socio-psychological dimensions of leisure as they affect recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership practitioners and agencies, focusing on theories from sociology, psychology, and social psychology. (Spring)

RTNL 6203. Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development: An Overview — 3 hrs.

Introductory course to the Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development program designed to give broad coverage for professionals and an overview of studies in philanthropy and nonprofit development. Prerequisite(s): admission into the Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development graduate program or consent of instructor. (Variable)

RTNL 6285. Readings — 1-6 hrs.

May be repeated for credit. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

RTNL 6295. Internship — 1-12 hrs.

Practical experience in recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership with community agencies. May be repeated with consent of student's advisor. Prerequisite(s): consent of graduate committee. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

RTNL 6402. Strategic Program Management — 3 hrs.

Examination of concepts and theories of program management in recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership, focusing on analysis of specific programming strategies as they relate to community organization theory using a systems approach. (Fall)

RTNL 6404. Marketing the Youth/Human Service Agency — 3 hrs.

Marketing strategies in implementing the exchange relationship between nonprofit organizations and their constituents. (Variable)

RTNL 6406. Fundraising and Grant Seeking for Nonprofit Agencies — 3 hrs.

Comprehensive study of various funding sources and the methodology of nonprofit organizations to secure resources. (Fall)

RTNL 6408. Financial Decision Making for Youth/Human Service Agencies — 3 hrs.

Financial function of the nonprofit agency incorporating technical materials applicable to the decision-making role of the agency. (Variable)

RTNL 6410. Evaluation, Research and Accountability — 3 hrs.

Survey of advanced nonprofit organization research methods. Research in the area selected by student. Preparation and presentation of research proposal or major paper. Prerequisite(s): admission into the Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development graduate program or consent of instructor. (Variable)

RTNL 6412. Management Issues in Recreation, Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership — 3 hrs.

Study of management and administration issues in relation to recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership agencies. (Variable)

RTNL 6414. Models for Intervention With Youth — 3 hrs.

Develops understanding of the various models of intervention utilized by professionals who work with youth in youth-serving agencies. (Variable)

RTNL 6416. Youth Development in Nonprofit Organizations — 3 hrs.

Examination of concepts and theories of youth development, as related to the design of programs and services for positive role development in nonprofit youth organizations. (Variable)

RTNL 6418. Personnel Management and Supervision in Youth/Human Services — 3 hrs.

Elements, processes, and dynamics of personnel management and supervision as it is applied to youth/human services organizations, with an emphasis on nonprofit agencies. (Variable)

RTNL 6419. Psychology, Law, and Philanthropy — 2 hrs.

Students will learn about the psychology underlying giving including topics such as altruism and persuasion. Legal and ethical issues will be covered as they relate to philanthropy, including regulation/governance, tax law, and standards for professional conduct. Prerequisite(s): admission into the Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development graduate program. (Even Springs)

RTNL 6420. Critical Thinking in Philanthropic and Nonprofit Issues — 2 hrs.

Provides a forum for students to explore the latest trends in giving and nonprofit management as framework for analyzing the trends and issues in the field of philanthropy and nonprofit development is provided. A guide for critical thinking and asking the right questions is outlined giving students the tools to identify, analyze and summarize current trends and issues of the nonprofit sector. Prerequisite(s): admission into the Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development graduate program or consent of instructor. (Variable)

RTNL 6422. Applied Research Methods — 1 hr.

This course is designed to provide a framework for writing a research paper/applied project. Specifically, the literature review is outlined, identifying the purpose, steps, and guidelines important to the process of writing a research paper/identifying & implementing a project. Skills including performing literature searches, questionnaire development, data analysis, and interpretations and report writing will be taught. (Variable)