RCPT 413 Syllabus
	Instructor: Dr. Mark Wagstaff Office: 139 Waldron Hall Phone: 831-7724 Email: mwagstaff@radford.edu Office Hours: 10-12 daily	Classroom: Waldron 227 Class Time:  9:00 - 9:50 A.M. Days:  M, W, F

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Focuses on various professional concerns relative to recreation delivery. Emphasis given to internship/employment preparation, concept of a profession and professional organization, ethical principles and professionalism, and trends and issues in recreation, parks and tourism. 3 credits.  Prerequisites: Must have completed 86 semester hours, have a minimum 2.1 cumulative G.P.A. and a minimum 2.5 major G.P.A.

COURSE OUTLINE:
This course is divided into two specific units.  The initial unit considers the preparation and selection of the internship (RCPT 470) which has direct carry-over to employment.  Major topics considered in this unit include developing goals for the internship, resume and cover letter, and interviewing skills.  In addition, the student will develop a portfolio appropriate for an interview, understand internship procedures, and investigate and select an internship site.  The second unit focuses on the concept and criteria of a profession as related to recreation, park resources and leisure services as well as examining the various recreation professional issues.  Associated with this unit is consideration of ethical principles as applied to professional practice, attitudes and behaviors in the delivery of recreation in various settings.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

At the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Articulate a sound professional philosophy to establish a professional identity (1.2.2)
2. Identify current professional trends and services within the leisure service industry (1.4.1)
3. Differentiate between professionalism and non-professionalism (1.4.2)
4. Identify ethical issues related to recreation, parks, and tourism (2.5.1)
5. Explain a professional code of ethics (2.5.2)
6. Prepare a cover letter, goals, resume and portfolio appropriate for internship and employment opportunities
7. Develop interviewing skills relative to an internship
8. Demonstrate an effective competency in written communications by researching and reporting on a current RCPT issue

TEXTS:

2011-12. Recreation, Parks and Tourism Student Manual (available online)

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association Sixth Edition (recommended)

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Read, understand, and obtain an 80% score on a quiz over internship policies, procedures, and requirements stipulated in the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism Student Handbook http://recparks.asp.radford.edu/RCPT%20student%20manual%202010-2011  Ten percent (10%) will be deducted from your final score for each time you have to re-take the quiz.

2. Develop acceptable goals, cover letter, and resume. (Satisfies objectives 6 & 3)

3. Create a portfolio that demonstrates your professional skills and experience which includes a professional philosophy statement. (Satisfies objectives 2 & 3)

4. Select, contact, and interview with at least one appropriate approved internship site. Write a summary for each interview conducted. (Satisfies objective 7)

5. Confirm your internship by the deadline.  Failure to do so will require that you petition and meet with the Department Chair to proceed.  Additional consequences may include a one letter grade penalty and/or delay of your internship.

6. Develop a report and present a professional issue related to recreation, parks, and tourism.  (Satisfies objectives 2 & 8) 

7. Indentify a code(s) of professional ethics related to your concentration and explain the purpose of professional ethics. (Satisfies objectives 4 & 5)

8. Take a comprehensive final examination.

9. Attend class and have meaningful participation.

EVALUATION:

Student Manual Quiz	20 points
Goals and letterhead	10 points
Cover letter	20 points
Resume	30 points
Portfolio	40 points
Interview summaries & 100 hours	30 points (15 each)
Abstract	100 points
Presentation	40 points
Professional ethics	10 points
Final examination	50 points
TOTAL	350 points
A = 90% or above, B = 80-89%, C = 70-79%, D = 60-69%, F = Below 60%

Inadequate and/or unprofessional conduct in any aspect of this class is grounds for a failing grade even though the related weight for that portion of the class would not warrant a failing grade.  This class is considered to be the final step prior to working in a professional environment; therefore, nothing less than professional conduct and a professional product will be allowed or tolerated.  You will be given a grade after the assignment is due; however, you will have to repeat the activity until you attain a satisfactory performance.  For instance, you could get a "D" for your grade on the activity, but still have to meet the course standards for an acceptable product.  You will be representing yourself, the Department, and the University.  The standards for your performance will be no different than those applied to faculty and practitioners in the profession.

Attendance Policy: 5 POINTS WILL BE ADDED TO FINAL GRADES IF A STUDENT MISSES NO MORE THAN 3 CLASSES

Missed Classes: Students seeking bonus points for attendance must miss no more than 3 classes.  There is no penalty for missed classes.  Students are urged to plan personal schedules accordingly to take advantage of this opportunity. There will be no excused absences. No exceptions!

Work Days: Throughout the course of the semester, we have scheduled informal classes for most Fridays (see syllabus).  These unstructured classes are designed to offer individual assistance.

Mock Interviews and Poster Sessions:  Professional dress is required when you interview and present your poster.

Inclement Weather Policy:  Class will be canceled in accord with the university policy for school closure.  Decisions about closings and delayed openings are made by 6:00 a.m. and are posted on the university website.  You may also call the University switchboard at 831-5000 for announcements.  In the event that class in canceled on an optional Friday, there will be no make up or grade penalty.  If class in canceled on Monday or Wednesday, class will be rescheduled for Friday if possible.

LATE POLICY:  Unless you have a family or health emergency, late assignments will receive an automatic 50% grade deduction. 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

Final Exam: TBA