Degree Requirements
**The following represents the 08-09 major as redesigned by the faculty**
B.A. DEGREE in OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP
The Study of Outdoor Leadership
The program balances the theory of leadership and experiential learning with skills development and hands-on opportunities to lead. In doing so, this major prepares students for careers in outdoor education and to lead field trips and adventure trips within the leisure industry. The blending of experiences in science, business, sport and recreation management, and education is designed to enable students to find careers in a broad variety of fields. Some students may benefit from more science electives (i.e.: Marine Biology) while others may benefit from more business electives (i.e.: Principles of Marketing or Management Accounting). In consultation with their advisor, students might want to pursue a minor in Biology, Business, or Environmental Science.
Requirements to Major in Outdoor Leadership
Outdoor Leadership Core Courses
OL 1100 – Introduction to Outdoor Leadership
OL 1750 (PE 1750) – Team Building and Initiative Games (1 Cr)
OL 2430 – Wilderness First Aid (2 Cr)
OL 3610 (SM 3610) – Theory of Outdoor Leadership
OL 3710 – Experiential Learning from Dewey to Outward Bound
OL 4610 – Capstone Experience: Leading Trips & Career Exploration
OL 4910 – Internship (Variable Credit)
or OL 4920 – Practicum (Variable Credit)
Select Four Courses from the following list:
OL 1210 – Kayaking (1Cr)
OL 1220 – Backpacking/hiking (1Cr)
OL 1230 – Ropes Course Activities (1Cr)
OL 1240 – Rock Climbing (1 Cr)
OL 1250 – Biking Trips (1Cr)
OL 1260 – Orienteering (1Cr)
OL 1310 – Winter Camping (1Cr)
OL 1320 – X-C Skiing/Snow Shoeing (1Cr)
Related Courses Required for the Major
BI 2070 (ES 2070) - New England Natural History
BU 3610 – Leadership
ES 1110 – Environmental Science: A Global Concern
KI 2010 – Standard First Aid & Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (1 Cr)
PE 1750 – Team Building & Initiative Games (1 Cr)
SM 4710 (KI 4710) - Legal Issues in Sport and Recreation Management
Select one from the following list:
ES 2050 – Environmental Policy and Regulations
ES 2410 – Environmental Ethics
ES 4380 – Methods of Environmental Education
Outdoor leadership Course Descriptions
OL 1110 Introduction to Outdoor Leadership
This course introduces students to the field of outdoor leadership through the focus on philosophical and theoretical foundation of leadership and team building and through hands-on experiences. This course will discuss a variety of issues related to outdoor leadership, including group dynamics, instructional procedures, and programming through the use of natural environment.
OL 2430 Wilderness First Responder (2 Credit)
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to handle medical emergency situations found in remote locations. The course will place emphasis on preventative steps and decision making. The format for this course will include practical simulations.
OL 3610 Theory of Outdoor Leadership
This class examines the theoretical basis of experiential education and its educational, psychological, and historical underpinnings. Emphasis is given to the development of each student's philosophy of leadership and education; the philosophies of major outdoor programs and influential leaders in the field are discussed. Successful completion of this class prepares a student to design and lead experiential educational activities. No prerequisites, but not recommended for first-year students.
OL 3710 Experiential Learning from Dewey to Outward Bound
This course introduces students to the foundations of project-based, experiential learning in and out of classroom environments. Origins of experiential education including the work of theorists such as John Dewey and Paolo Frerre, the progressive movement in education, and experiential programs such as Outward Bound will be explored. Students will engage in active, outdoor learning with an emphasis on environmental education. Relationships between human beings, learning and the natural world are explored through organized learning activities and an expedition where students construct an integrated experiential project from start to finish.
OL 4610 Capstone Experience: Leading Trips & Career Exploration
This course is designed with two broad objectives: Providing students with the opportunity to plan, organize, and lead trips and prepare for initial career steps. During the semester, students will have to lead at least one weekend trip and provide several other outdoor activities consistent with the student’s interest. Emphasis will be placed on safety, logistics, group dynamics, and leadership activities associated with the trip/exercise. (Prerequisites: OL 3710 – Experiential Learning and Junior/Senior Status)
OL 4910 Internship in Outdoor Leadership
Students should develop an internship with the Outdoor Leadership advisor in outdoor leadership to gain hand-on experiences. Contract required. Variable credit, 1-15.
OL 4920 Practicum in Outdoor Leadership Skills
The Practicum is designed to offer insight and experiential learning in an area of the student’s interest. Permission of the instructor. Credits 1-15.
One Credit Outdoor Leadership Courses
OL 1210 Kayaking
This course will introduce the student to the techniques involved in flat water and white water kayaking.
OL 1220 Backpacking/hiking
This course will introduce the techniques related to hiking and backpacking, including safety, equipment selection, and no trace camping. During this course students will take weekend trip.
OL 1230 Ropes Course Activities
This course will demonstrate a variety of safe team building exercises using a ropes course. Students will learn about these exercises and will be asked to lead others through several team building exercises.
OL 1240 Rock Climbing
This course will introduce the student to the techniques associated with rock climbing, including equipment selection, safety, and fundamentals of rock climbing.
