Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration (RPTA)

How to Read Course Descriptions

RPTA 1.     Orientation to Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration. 1 Unit

Term Typically Offered: Spring, Summer

Introduction to the RPTA major with an emphasis on degree options, major advising, referrals to GE for general advising, information about the RPTA undergraduate student association, other local, statewide and national professional associations, scholarship opportunities, the 600-hour volunteer/paid placement prior to the internship, an overview of the internship process.

Credit/No Credit

RPTA 21.     First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person. 3 Units

General Education Area/Graduation Requirement: Understanding Personal Development (E)

Term Typically Offered: Fall only

A first-year seminar intended to provide students with an introduction to the meaning of higher education, resources of the University, and skills for lifelong learning. This course is designed to help students develop academic success strategies and to improve information literacy, intercultural competence,and integrative thinking. The seminar also provides students with the opportunity to interact with fellow students and seminar faculty to build a community of academic and personal support.

RPTA 22.     Happiness, Quality of Life, and Recreation Over the Lifespan. 3 Units

General Education Area/Graduation Requirement: Understanding Personal Development (E)

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course focuses on the interrelationship between happiness, positive leisure, recreation, one¿s personal growth and development, and quality of life. Emphasis is placed on the interplay between psychological, physical, and social factors that affect one¿s development and lifestyle choices. The course offers a survey of philosophical and scientific concepts linked to happiness and well-being as pertains to important components of the life experience ranging from conception to the end of life.

RPTA 30.     Recreation, Parks and Tourism in Contemporary Society. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Orientation to the nature, scope and significance of the recreation, park and tourism in today's world. Analyzes philosophical and related elements essential to the effective delivery of leisure services, including the role of affective, cognitive and social motivations and outcomes.

RPTA 32.     Leadership and Group Development. 3 Units

General Education Area/Graduation Requirement: Understanding Personal Development (E)

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

The purpose of this course is for students to develop an understanding of the theory and practice of leadership in various recreational organizational settings. The course will allow students the opportunity to develop leadership skills through lectures, self-assessments, experiential exercises, class discussions and case studies. Students are exposed to diverse theories and perspectives on leadership and are encouraged to apply critical thinking skills to develop their own working philosophy of the leadership that will serve them in their career contexts.

RPTA 33.     Race, Class Gender and Leisure. 3 Units

General Education Area/Graduation Requirement: GE AREA D

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Examination of the role of leisure in the social construction of markers of identity across gender, race, class, sexuality and disability; and leisure's role in the construction of institutional oppressions such as racism, sexism, homophobia and discrimination based on class and disability.

RPTA 34.     The Outdoor Recreation Experience. 3 Units

General Education Area/Graduation Requirement: Understanding Personal Development (E)

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Encourages the student to identify and demonstrate an understanding of the value, meaning and benefits of outdoor recreation experiences and to explore a variety of outdoor adventure experiences. Outing skills such as trip planning, meal preparation, camp selection and set-up, equipment and clothing, map and compass, hygiene and first aid will be discussed and practiced. Students will also develop an awareness of and appreciation for minimum impact wilderness travel techniques and environmental responsibility and ethics.

RPTA 42.     Recreation and Parks: Natural, Cultural, and Heritage Resources. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Examines the use of natural, cultural, and heritage resources for recreation, tourism and leisure purposes in a variety of settings and under the auspices of various agencies. Includes study of various protected areas and facilities, including parks, forests, museums, and cultural sites and how they are influenced by social trends, conflicting use demands, agency responsibilities, environmental considerations, and fiscal implications.

RPTA 50.     Introduction to Rock Climbing. 1 Unit

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Designed to provide students with the basic knowledge, skills, and techniques of modern rock climbing. Students will learn skills pertaining to indoor top-rope and lead climbing, indoor and outdoor bouldering, and outdoor sport climbing. Students will also learn and discuss outdoor ethics and environmental impact in relation to rock climbing.

RPTA 60.     Budgeting for Recreation Services. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA major and minors only, or instructor permission.

Term Typically Offered: Fall only

Introduces students to budget topics in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism, through the use of theoretical readings, case studies, and a series of professional speakers. Students will gain a broad understanding of the planning and implementation of the budget process for a leisure service agency, primarily those that are non-profit or tax-supported.

Note: Only one of RPTA 60 or RPTA 61 may be counted for credit

RPTA 61.     Cost Management for Hospitality. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA major and minors only, or instructor permission.

Term Typically Offered: Spring only

Introduces students to a broad range of topics related to cost management in hospitality, and teaches students to analyze numerical data for decision-making in hospitality operations. Considers systems, techniques, information types, and presentational forms commonly used by hospitality managers. Additional topics include, financial statements and ratio analysis, various pricing methods, types of costs in hospitality and service industries, cost-volume-profit techniques, and the application of standard cost controls used in hospitality.

Note: Only one of RPTA 60 or RPTA 61 may be counted for credit

RPTA 62.     Introduction to Recreation Law. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA majors and minors only, or instructor permission.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Introduces students to legal topics and regulations in Recreation, Parks and Tourism industries. Students are given a practical knowledge of the law, operation of the legal system, contracts, and legal applications to agency management, human rights and personnel. Course uses text book readings, case law from actual published decisions in the field of Recreation law, courtroom visitations, and professional speakers.

RPTA 80.     Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall only

Hospitality and tourism are vitally important to California's image and economy, and these two related industries are among the world's top employment providers. This course provides an introductory overview of the broad hospitality and tourism industries, covering several topics, including growth and development, trends and current concerns, and professional employment sectors.

RPTA 82.     Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism Law. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course provides insight into the laws and regulations governing the hospitality and tourism industries with an emphasis on labor relations and human resources best practices. The course addresses the general concepts of tort, contracts, liability, risk management, employment practices, licensing, and insurance needs. The course also explores the legal issues that today's industry professionals face such as privacy, labor laws, the common law system for innkeepers and newer hospitality products in the shared economy such as AirBnB or VRBO. Field Trip(s).

Field trip(s) may be required.

RPTA 84.     Hotel and Lodging Operations. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course is designed to provide knowledge of hotel and lodging operations. Students will acquire an understanding of how a variety of lodging types, specifically hotels, operate by detailed examination of the departments common to most lodging properties, including the front office, sales and marketing, housekeeping, maintenance, and others. Additionally, topics relevant to operations like green initiatives and revenue optimization will be discussed in this course. Field Trip(s).

Field trip(s) may be required.

RPTA 100.     Recreation and Leisure Lifestyle Development. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Broad general overview of the recreation and leisure movement followed by a specific examination of changing leisure lifestyles and their impact on the individual's choice of recreation and leisure patterns. Also examine the impact that the choice of leisure lifestyles has on other aspects of the individual's life as well as the negative effects of restrictive or inadequate leisure involvement.

RPTA 101.     Senior Seminar. 1 Unit

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 1 and senior status

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Students will focus on identifying potential internships, refining resumes and writing cover letters for securing internships. Students will also complete the RPTA Department Exit Exam.

Credit/No Credit

RPTA 102.     Recreation Therapy Professional Practice. 1 Unit

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 1, RPTA 106, RPTA 115, RPTA 116, RPTA 117, RPTA 118 and senior level.

Corequisite(s): RPTA 115, RPTA 116, and/or RPTA 118 may be taken concurrently.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This senior level course is intended to build upon a student's previous coursework in recreation therapy, and link the theoretical foundation with day-today practical applications. Students will fine-tune skills and interests in recreation therapy, learn methods for effective networking, and develop interviewing techniques in order to identify appropriate internships and employment opportunities.

Credit/No Credit

RPTA 105.     Management in Recreation, Parks and Tourism. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 30 or instructor permission

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Analyzes the functions of managers including planning, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling. Also examines basic principles, techniques and tools associated with these functions. Consideration of internal and external environments which influence the managerial process and the manager's role in various areas of enterprise activity.

RPTA 106.     Introduction to Inclusive Recreation and Recreation Therapy. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA majors or minors or HLSC majors or minors only, or instructor permission.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Addresses the etiology and nature of common disabling conditions and examines issues of leisure participation and inclusion for underrepresented populations. Topics include: attitudinal barriers, advocacy, normalization, universal design, activity analysis and modification, and legislation. Emphasis on leadership, supervision and organizational development of inclusive and recreation therapy programs.

RPTA 110.     Research and Evaluation in Recreation, Parks and Tourism. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 1 and RPTA 30.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Provides students with tools to analyze leisure behavior, interests and the motivational basis of leisure as they apply to the field of recreation and leisure services. Emphasizes applied research techniques including qualitative, descriptive and analytical methods, and program evaluation.

RPTA 115.     Recreation Therapy Assessment and Documentation. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): CHDV 30, PSYC 168, RPTA 30, RPTA 106 and RPTA 117; or instructor permission.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Assessment procedures and instruments used to assure competence in assessment of client function in leisure. Documentation, assessment, regulations in different settings (i.e., community hospital, and clinical settings), protocols and development of individual treatment plans. Students are exposed to the Recreation Therapy process (APIE) in a variety of clinical and community settings.

RPTA 116.     Recreation Therapy Principles and Practices and the Recreation Therapy Process. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): CHDV 30, RPTA 30, RPTA 106 and RPTA 117; or instructor permission. RPTA 117 may be taken concurrently.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Philosophy and principles underlying the work performed by the recreation therapist are studied including assessment, individual program planning, interpersonal interaction skills, and working with families.

RPTA 117.     Recreation Therapy and Contemporary Aspects of Disability. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 106; RPTA 106 may be taken concurrently.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

In-depth exploration of a variety of disabilities and diseases, including physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, mental health, hearing and vision impairments, and disabilities related to aging. Content will focus on etiology, prognosis, symptomatic conditions, prescription drugs, and recreation therapy interventions. Medical terminology will be covered.

RPTA 118.     Recreation Therapy Facilitation Techniques. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): CHDV 30, PSYC 168, RPTA 30, RPTA 106 and RPTA 117; or instructor permission.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Covers basic concepts, methods and techniques associated with the practice of recreation therapy. Students will understand and apply the recreation therapy process through intervention and facilitation methods that are critical to helping clients in health and human service settings. The goal is to assist students in developing the ability to use recreation, leisure and play in recreation therapy programs as interventions in the treatment process.

RPTA 119.     Recreation Therapy Management and Advancement of the Profession. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): BIO 25, CHDV 30, PSYC 168, RPTA105, RPTA 106, RPTA 115, RPTA 116, RPTA 117 and RPTA 118; or instructor permission.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Examination of existing recreation programs in clinical settings (acute care hospitals, rehabilitation centers, state hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, etc.); review of standards and regulations pertaining to recreation programs, development of recreation therapy programs, review of the roles of practitioners in related disciplines. Review of intervention techniques, program organization, management, and advancement of the profession and professional ethics.

RPTA 120.     Leisure Education. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 106.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

History, scope and process of leisure education. A survey of guidance theories and procedures, including assessment techniques, program development, implementation and evaluations. The role of leisure education in diverse leisure delivery systems and with diverse populations. Legal, ethical, and professional aspects of leisure education.

RPTA 121.     Innovations in Recreation for Health and Wellness. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course provides an introduction to the outcomes and benefits of engagement in recreation, parks, and tourism activities. Examines how play, recreation, and engagement in nature, travel, and social activities contribute to enhancing the health and wellness of individuals and society. Innovative trends and issues will be explored from a holistic health perspective looking at quality of life.

RPTA 122.     Perspectives On Leisure. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M or ENGL 109W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M or ENGL 109W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70 or 71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X.

General Education Area/Graduation Requirement: Understanding Personal Development (E), Writing Intensive Graduation Requirement (WI)

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Basic philosophical, historical, psychological and scientific foundations and developments in leisure and recreation theory; review of the cultural forces, institutions and theories that affect individuals and society.

RPTA 124.     The Science of Nature Engagement and Human Health & Wellbeing. 3 Units

General Education Area/Graduation Requirement: Further Studies in Area B (B5)

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

This course examines contemporary and emerging research evidence on human health and wellbeing impacts from nature engagement. It is anecdotally understood that spending leisure time outdoors is beneficial, but public understanding of the science behind this phenomenon is lacking. Areas of scientific literature covered include relevant scientific theories, validity of evidence-based forms of nature engagement, and mechanistic pathways of benefits. Analyzes the scientific research methodologies utilized globally and impacts on equity issues for different population groups¿ access to nature-based activities.

RPTA 125.     Leisure, the Individual, and Contemporary Society. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Students must have passed the WPE or Eng 109W/E prior to enrollment in RPTA 125

General Education Area/Graduation Requirement: GE AREA D, Writing Intensive Graduation Requirement (WI)

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Provides an understanding of the social science of leisure in contemporary society by examining the philosophical, socio-cultural, ethical, economic, behavioral, political and historical dimensions of leisure; exploration of the interrelationship between individuals, groups, and society in the context of leisure. Course also examines beliefs, values, and social structures, and compares and contrasts them with individual and social influences such as race, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexuality, age, economic status and ability.

RPTA 126.     The Science of Play. 3 Units

General Education Area/Graduation Requirement: Upper Division Further Studies in Area B5

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Play is a basic biological drive as integral to our health as eating or sleeping. While we learn to ¿play¿ as children, it is scientifically proven to be valuable beyond that. When we engage in play, it changes us physiologically, psychologically, emotionally, and increases our health and wellbeing. The course investigates competing scientific literature and analyzes research methodologies, including theories, consequences of mediated play for children and adults, and the impacts of access, equity, and diversity for different populations.

Note: The course will be a lecture format.

RPTA 128.     Recreation Services for Diverse, Underserved and Underrepresented Populations. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Spring only

Examines how recreation service providers work with diverse segments of the community. Class will examine a variety of populations that have been underserved and that may be at risk. Examines the impact of factors such as racism, sexism, classism, ageism, ableism and heterosexism that affect access to programs and services for diverse populations.

RPTA 129.     Youth Development in Recreation, Parks & Tourism. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course will focus on examining contemporary issues and trends related to young people and youth development in recreation, parks and tourism. Students will learn about youth development frameworks and how to apply those frameworks to recreation-based settings. Students will learn about the importance of engaging youth in the process of program planning and development.

RPTA 130.     Community Sport Programming. 3 Units

This course emphasizes sport as a program component of community-based recreation services in both public and private settings. Students will develop skills related to successful sport program development, implementation and evaluation, through in-class lecture, site visits, and student developed projects. Additional topics will include promotion, funding, staffing, purchasing, and maintenance as related to managing sport programs.

RPTA 131.     Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR): Military Recreation Services. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Students develop an understanding of the administration and programming of Morale, Welfare and Recreation Services for individuals serving in the military and their families. Recreation facilities and programs for all branches of the military, including the US Army, US Navy, US Marines, US Air Force and US Coast Guard, are covered. The course utilizes lectures, experiential exercises, class discussions and onsite visits to military installations.

RPTA 132.     Campus Recreation. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course introduces students to campus recreation programs. Students will be introduced to theories of student development in these recreational settings; the organizational context and history of recreational programs within a college setting; and the range of programming, facilities, and managerial duties within campus and base recreation. This will provide a great starting point for students preparing for a profession on campus, institutional and/or military recreation, or students wanting to broaden their knowledge in the overall field.

RPTA 136.     Program and Event Planning in Recreation, Parks and Tourism. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 32.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

The program/event planning process will be described and explained. Relevant principles and methods will be identified. Students will develop a program/event plan for a local organization. Field trips may be required.

Field trip(s) may be required.

RPTA 137.     Community Organization. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Study of institutions and leisure service systems within the community, and the dynamics of community organization practices and actions. The role of the recreation and leisure service practitioner in bringing about community changes. Defining and promoting citizen participation through advisory council membership, survey applications, and public hearing attendance.

RPTA 139.     Conference and Meeting Planning. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Restricted to declared RPTA majors and minors or instructor permission

Term Typically Offered: Fall only

Analyzes this varied, growth industry. Considers the range of conferences and meetings, from small corporate retreats to international conventions. Topics include: the scope of the industry, the role of convention centers, hotel and resort based meeting facilities, organizations that hold meetings and the nature of those meetings, meeting planning and the role of the professional planner and industry related careers. Field trips may be required.

Field trip(s) may be required.

RPTA 148.     Experiential Education in Outdoor Recreation Settings. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Spring only

Exposes the students to theoretical and philosophical concepts of experiential education and provides a means through which they can put theory into practice in outdoor recreation settings. Using methods such as demonstrations, observation, presentations, and discussions, the course will explore the history and current trends of experience-based learning.

RPTA 149.     Developing and Programming Adventure Experiences. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall only

Provides students with the working knowledge needed to produce enriching and fulfilling adventure leisure experiences. In order to most effectively aid and assist others in the process of maximizing their leisure experiences, the student of leisure must first know how to maximize these experiences for and within themselves. Therefore, students will be participating in leisure adventure experiences so they can be as effective as possible when developing and programming leisure adventure experience opportunities for others.

RPTA 150.     Ecology Of Resource Areas. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Study of the fundamentals of ecology, silvics, soil science and manipulations of an ecosystem with emphasis on the whole biota as it relates to outdoor recreation areas. Designed to provide an understanding of the scientific basis for and the operational rationale of manipulation of natural resources for a variety of recreation uses.

RPTA 151.     Visitor Management in Recreation Areas. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Visitor safety in recreation areas as it relates to the role and functions of management. Emphasis is given to principles and current legislation in hazard reduction, deviant behavior, liability, law enforcement, and other related topics.

RPTA 152.     Law Enforcement for Forest and Park Rangers. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Spring only

State, county and federal park rangers and wardens differ from other peace officers in that they are trained to protect visitors and cultural and natural resources on our public lands. This course offers a survey of topics related to the Peace Officer level of rangers across America's diverse public land systems, with an emphasis on career opportunities in park, forest, and wildlife management.

RPTA 153.     Environmental Interpretation. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Connecting visitors to natural, cultural, and historic resources is the primary focus of this course. Theories, principles and techniques are covered focusing on interpreting park and protected area values to people during their leisure. Personal and non-personal communication techniques will be practiced. Field sites in and around the Sacramento region will be visited to understand the diverse nature of the practice of interpretation. Designed for ranger naturalists, park interpretive staff, teachers, camp leaders, outdoor educators, and recreation program staff.

RPTA 154.     Management of Recreation Facilities. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall only

An introduction to aspects of recreation facility administration for several facility types, including campus recreation facilities, health clubs, community centers, park facilities and aquatic centers. Course topics include administration techniques related to staffing and outsourcing, the roles of the facility manager, analyzing financing sources, best practices in facility maintenance, and issues related to facility design. The course utilizes class discussions, guest speakers and facility site visitations on and off campus.

RPTA 163.     Grant Writing for Social, Community and Human Service Organizations. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Spring only

A detailed examination of grant writing as a means of augmenting agency revenues for social, community and human service organizations. Course focuses on techniques and strategies used for developing grant proposals, managing grants, and finding funders. Students will develop a full grant proposal including an evaluation and budget plan.

Note: Students may not take both RPTA 163 and RPTA 263 for credit Paired Course

RPTA 164.     Leadership and Fundraising for Non-profit Organizations. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Spring only

Introduces students to principles and concepts of nonprofit leadership. This course will explore and provide an understanding of historical and philosophical foundations of nonprofit organizations; board/committee development and operation; and volunteer management. Students will also learn about fundraising methods and strategies. The course will consist of lecture, readings, discussion, guest speakers, nonprofit agency visitations, active learning exercises, and a community-learning component.

RPTA 165.     Volunteer Management in Nonprofit, Service, or Community Organizations. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall only

This course will focus on examining issues and trends related to volunteer management for nonprofit, service, or community organizations. Students will begin to understand the role of volunteerism and develop the skills necessary for effective volunteer management through: assessing program needs for volunteers, screening, orientation, training, placement, supervision, motivation, retention and celebration of volunteers.

RPTA 166.     Administration in Recreation, Parks and Tourism. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 105.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Designed to provide the student with various in-depth perspectives regarding the use of management/administrative process in recreation, parks and tourism.

RPTA 167.     Professional Organization Leadership. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 30, RPTA 32, and RPTA 105, or instructor permission

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course is designed to introduce students to the historical and philosophical foundations of professionalism, and provide the necessary conceptual and technical competencies to organize and lead a successful professional organization/association. Political, legal and ethical issues will be discussed as well as the functions and roles of professional organizations/associations. The relationship between professionalism and advocacy will be examined.

RPTA 169.     Traumatology: An Introduction to Posttraumatic Growth. 3 Units

General Education Area/Graduation Requirement: Upper Division Further Studies in Area B5

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Traumatic and challenging life events occur. Although there are levels and degrees of significance and damage, when these events happen, individual survivors, families, friends, health care professionals and communities are affected. This life science course uses critical experiences and observations, pre-existing assumptions, trauma informed care, neuroscience, genetics and contemporary research to analyze and compare ideas and practices involving current rehabilitation models in an effort to guide survivors toward personal resilience, grit and posttraumatic growth (PTG).

RPTA 178.     Human Resources Management in the Hospitality Industry. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 80 or Instructor Permission.

Term Typically Offered: Spring only

Comprehensive study of personnel management in today's hospitality profession, familiarizing students with many of the functions related to recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, and retaining outstanding lodging industry staff. Additionally, the course familiarizes students with the effects of rising labor costs, increasing competition for quality staff, changing employees attitudes, evolving guest expectations, and a proliferation of new laws that impact human resources policies and activities.

RPTA 179.     Profit and Revenue Management for Hospitality. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 61 or Instructor Permission.

Term Typically Offered: Spring only

Revenue management is critical to the hospitality industry due to the perishable nature of a service based product. This course introduces students to topics related to revenue management in hospitality and teaches students techniques to manage revenue in a dynamic hospitality environment ¿ all with the goal of managing profits for the company. Capacity management, demand and revenue forecasting, discounting, overbooking practices, channel management, and pricing execution for the hospitality operations are discussed.

RPTA 180.     Foundations of Commercial Recreation. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall only

Overview of the historical and philosophical foundations of the commercial recreation field. Identification of providers of commercial recreation goods and services. Analyzes current functions and trends in the operation of commercial leisure enterprises.

RPTA 182.     Travel And Tourism. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall only

Examination of the history, significance and nature of travel and tourism in the world with emphasis on the U.S. Analyzes economic, cultural and social factors underlying development and growth of travel and tourism and a review of related research. Identification and description of travel and tourism service providers including their organization, financing and management practices. Prerquisite: Declared RPTA majors and minors only or instructor permission

RPTA 183.     Marketing Recreation Services. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 30 or instructor permission

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Fields of recreation (including therapeutic, commercial, municipal, etc.), tourism and hospitality, while diverse, all offer products that are primarily intangible. The management and marketing of such service products can differ profoundly from those of goods products (often the focus of traditional business programs). Addresses the nature of the service product and services marketing in the people intensive, experiential world of recreation.

RPTA 184.     Hospitality Administration. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Restricted to declared RPTA major and minors or instructor permission

Term Typically Offered: Spring only

Introduces students to resorts and hotels and their position within the tourism and hospitality industries. The scope of the hospitality industry and various issues concerning the successful development of a hospitality product will be discussed. Prepares students to engage in an internship or employment in this or a related industry, including restaurants and retail. It also helps these and other students to reinforce concepts and skills learned elsewhere by providing concrete, real-world examples of marketing and management methods.

RPTA 185.     Advanced Seminar in Commercial Recreation Administration. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 180, RPTA 105 and RPTA 183; RPTA 183 may be taken concurrently; or instructor permission.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

In-depth analysis of the management of recreational business on a for-profit basis. Focuses on advanced topics, analytical skills, and problem solving in the management arena.

RPTA 187.     Food Tourism. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 80 or Instructor Permission.

Term Typically Offered: Spring only

Tourists are increasingly motivated to travel for food and drink. Visiting the location and touring the production facilities is also important. This course provides an overview of the global culinary and gastronomic tourism industry, focusing on the ability of a destination to market itself (both people and place) through food. The various social and cultural contexts in which gastronomic tourism takes place are discussed as well as positive and negative impacts of global and local gastronomic tourism (food tourism).

RPTA 188.     Sacramento Region Craft Beer Industry Tourism. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Declared RPTA major or minor, or instructor permission.

Term Typically Offered: Fall only

Introduction to visitation and tourism related to California's craft beer industry, specifically in the Sacramento region. This course will provide students with a basic knowledge of craft beer as one of several local products that combine to create a unique agritourism selling proposition for Sacramento. Tourism-related products (beer festivals and contests, beer trails, beer bikes, and beer apps), hospitality (brewery tasting rooms and beer retail), as well as beer laws, and beer pairings will also be discussed.

Note: Must be 21 or over to enroll in the course. Field Trip(s).

Field trip(s) may be required.

RPTA 189.     California Wine and Agri-Tourism. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Restricted to declared RPTA majors and minors or instructor permission

Term Typically Offered: Spring only

Introduction to the wine tourism and agri-tourism industries, specifically in the region surrounding Sacramento. Emphasis on wine regions, wineries as event stages, wine mythology and wine in popular culture. Additionally, the course will cover the role of agricultural festivals, related agri-tourism products, slow-food, specialty crop tourism, winery and farm retail, culinary destinations, wine list creation, ag natural tourism products and the role of agri-tourism as part of Sacramento's cultural identity.

RPTA 191.     Service Learning Option for Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration Courses. 1 Unit

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Individual goals, activities, and academic requirements for community service work and the service-learning credit option are outlined in a Service Learning Option/Contract agreed upon and signed by the student, instructor, and agency sponsor. Enrolled students are required to attend mid-semester and final learning assessment workshops and to complete written evaluations. Credit for the course awarded only if contract and course requirements are completed.

Credit/No Credit

RPTA 195B.     Partial Internship: Recreation and Park Management. 4 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 1, RPTA 30, RPTA 32, RPTA 42, RPTA 101, RPTA 105, RPTA 106, RPTA 109, RPTA 110, RPTA 136 and approval of academic advisor and internship coordinator.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Supervised part-time or short-term internship in a recreation, park or tourism organization or business. Supervision is provided by faculty and also by personnel at the host site.

Note: Refer to the RPTA Internship Manual for procedures and requirements.

RPTA 195D.     Recreation Therapy Internship. 10 - 15 Units

Prerequisite(s): BIO 25, CHDV 30, PSYC 168, RPTA 1, RPTA 30, RPTA 102, RPTA 106, RPTA 110, RPTA 115, RPTA 116, RPTA 117, RPTA 118, RPTA 119, and RPTA 136; completion of required administrative paperwork in the semester prior to internship, approval of major advisor.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Supervised full-time therapeutic internship in a recreation, park or tourism organization or business. Supervision is provided by faculty and also by certified personnel at the host site. Meets the professional certification requirements at the national or state levels.

Note: Refer to the RPTA Internship Manual for procedures and requirements.

RPTA 195G.     Partial Internship: Hospitality and Tourism Management. 4 - 6 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 1, RPTA 30, RPTA 61, RPTA 80, RPTA 82, RPTA 101, RPTA 105, RPTA 106, RPTA 110, RPTA 183, and approval of academic advisor.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Supervised, part-time work experience in hospitality or tourism designed to give students an increased understanding of the nature and scope of industry operations. Supervision is provided by the faculty and the cooperating agencies.

Note: Refer to the HTM Internship Manual for procedures and requirements.

RPTA 195H.     Internship: Hospitality and Tourism Management. 10 - 15 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 1, RPTA 30, RPTA 61, RPTA 80, RPTA 82, RPTA 101, RPTA 105, RPTA 106, RPTA 110, RPTA 183, and approval of academic advisor.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Supervised, full-time work experience in hospitality or tourism designed to give students an increased understanding of the nature and scope of industry operations. Supervision is provided by the faculty and the cooperating agencies.

Note: Refer to the HTM Internship Manual for procedures and requirements.

RPTA 195Q.     Partial Internship: Recreation, Park and Nonprofit Management. 4 - 6 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 1, RPTA 30, RPTA 32, RPTA 42, RPTA 60, RPTA 62, RPTA 101, RPTA 105, RPTA 106, RPTA 110, RPTA 136 and approval of academic advisor and internship coordinator.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Supervised, part-time work experience in a recreation, park, or nonprofit agency designed to give students an increased understanding of the nature and scope of industry operations. Supervision is provided by the faculty and by the cooperating agencies.

Note: Refer to the RPTA Internship Manual for procedures and requirements

RPTA 195R.     Internship: Recreation, Park and Nonprofit Management. 10 - 15 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 1, RPTA 30, RPTA 32, RPTA 42, RPTA 60, RPTA 62, RPTA 101, RPTA 105, RPTA 106, RPTA 110, RPTA 136 and approval of academic advisor and internship coordinator.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Supervised, full-time work experience in a recreation, park, or nonprofit agency designed to give students an increased understanding of the nature and scope of industry operations. Supervision is provided by the faculty and by the cooperating agencies.

Note: Refer to the RPTA Internship Manual for procedures and requirements.

RPTA 196U.     Advanced Leadership in Service Organizations. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 30 and RPTA 32, graduate student status, or instructor permission.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

To attain an overview of the leadership roles and responsibilities of the field of Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration. Gain a philosophical and contextual overview of leadership in the leisure services profession. Examination of various leadership techniques within the following recreation-based settings including Outdoor & Natural Resources, Community Recreation - Municipal and Non-Profit Organization, Hospitality and Tourism, and Recreational Therapy.

RPTA 198.     Co-Curricular Activities. 1 - 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Approval of an instructor and the Department chair.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Co-curricular activities related to the subject matter and professional concerns of Recreation and Leisure Studies. For example, students may earn credit by participating as a tutor or discussion leader for recreation and leisure studies classes or a teacher or leader in programs offered by community organizations.

Note: The course may be repeated three times for a maximum total of 3 units. Students can enroll for a class that counts as 1, 2 or 3 units. No more than 3 units of RPTA 198 may be used to meet the major requirements.

Credit/No Credit

RPTA 199.     Special Problems. 1 - 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Approval of an instructor and the Department chair.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Individual projects or directed reading.

Note: Open only to students who appear competent to carry on individual work. Can be repeated six times for a maximum total of 6 units. Students can enroll for a class that counts as 1, 2 or 3 units. No more than 6 units of RPTA 198 and RPTA 199 in combination may be used to meet major requirements.

Credit/No Credit

RPTA 200A.     Orientation to Graduate Studies in Recreation, Hospitality, Parks, and Nonprofit Organizations. 1 Unit

Prerequisite(s): Restricted to MS in Recreation, Hospitality, Parks, & Nonprofit Management students

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

This course covers several topics related to the M.S. degree program in Recreation, Hospitality, Parks, and Nonprofit Management. Topics include expectations of the graduate program and different options for the culminating experience. This course will review several other aspects important to graduate students¿ work in the RPTA department, including department and university deadlines and paperwork, library and campus resources, Office of Graduate Studies resources, scholarships, life-school balance, graduate school terminology, and financial aid and funding resources.

Credit/No Credit

RPTA 200B.     Culminating Experience Preparation in Recreation, Hospitality, Parks and Nonprofit Management. 2 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 200A

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

This course provides students with faculty and peer support for the process of developing their thesis, culminating project or comprehensive exam. This includes the clarification of expectations, familiarization with research resources, and support provided through feedback in a structured environment.

Credit/No Credit

RPTA 200C.     Foundations of Recreation, Hospitality, Parks, and Nonprofit Management. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

This course examines the foundation and role of recreation, hospitality, parks, and nonprofit management on the society. Discussions will address the historical, political, social and economic impact on the recreation, hospitality, parks and nonprofits industry. Students will identify evidence-based practice in the literature and identify theories associated in recreation, hospitality, parks, and nonprofit management.

RPTA 200D.     Advanced Leadership in Service Organizations. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 30 and RPTA 32, graduate student status, or instructor permission.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

To attain an overview of the leadership roles and responsibilities of the field of Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration. Gain a philosophical and contextual overview of leadership in the leisure services profession. Examination of various leadership techniques within the following recreation-based settings including Outdoor & Natural Resources, Community Recreation - Municipal and Non-Profit Organization, Hospitality and Tourism, and Recreational Therapy.

RPTA 201.     Advanced Studies in Leisure, Recreation, Parks and Tourism. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): RPTA 200

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

The purpose of this course is to move students beyond conceptual foundations of leisure, recreation, parks and tourism administration to more theoretically advanced aspects of the field. In this course, students will pursue an in-depth exploration of the theories and research related to leisure, recreation, parks and tourism.

RPTA 202.     Policies, Trends, and Issues in Recreation, Hospitality, Parks, and Nonprofit Organizations. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Major environmental and recreational issues and problems affecting the recreation, hospitality, parks, and nonprofit field are discussed, analyzed, and evaluated. Ramifications involving the policy-making and planning processes of major federal, state, and local agencies involved with recreation, hospitality, parks, and nonprofit delivery services are also covered.

RPTA 203.     Advanced Management in Recreation, Hospitality, Parks and Nonprofit Organizations. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Examination of contemporary resources, techniques, and tools available to managers in various types of RHPN organizations. Leadership and management are broad areas and a class such as this cannot realistically provide a full overview of all the skills necessary to effectively manage an organization in the 21st Century. What we can achieve is to identify and discuss some skills, techniques, tools, and issues that are particularly important to the management of organizations within the broad recreation field.

RPTA 204.     Advanced Research Methods in Recreation, Hospitality, Parks, and Nonprofit Management. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Provides an analysis of major research methods used in recreation, hospitality, parks, & nonprofit organizations. Addresses basic and applied research orientations, research designs, research proposals, data collection tools and methods, data analysis, and reporting of research findings.

RPTA 206.     Liability and Risk Management in Recreation, Parks and Tourism. 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Graduate status or instructor permission.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

In-depth analysis of the principles of legal liability as they pertain to recreation, parks and tourism administration. An examination of the pervasive nature of risk as it pertains to the provision of recreation, parks and tourism programs and opportunities, and the concepts and methods of risk management. Includes field trips, mock trials or other related activities.

Field trip(s) may be required.

RPTA 206A.     Introduction to Inclusive Recreation & Recreation Therapy. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Addresses the etiology and nature of common disabling conditions and examines issues of leisure participation and inclusion for underrepresented populations. Topics include: attitudinal barriers, advocacy, normalization, universal design, activity analysis and modification, and legislation. Including an emphasis on leadership, supervision, and organizational development of inclusive and therapeutic recreation programs.

RPTA 208.     Liability and Risk Management in Recreation, Parks and Tourism. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

In-depth analysis of the principles of legal liability as they pertain to recreation, parks and tourism administration. An examination of the pervasive nature of risk as it pertains to the provision of recreation, parks and tourism programs and opportunities, and the concepts and methods of risk management. Includes field trips, mock trials or other related activities.

Field trip(s) may be required.

RPTA 209.     Seminar in Advanced Leisure Education. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Surveys current and historical perspectives of leisure education from a multicultural and life span viewpoint. Current modes of service delivery will be discussed as they relate to leisure theories. Methods of leisure education provision in diverse settings from school-park collaboratives, retirement and rehabilitation centers, to corporate wellness will be investigated. Development, implementation and management of viable leisure education services will be covered as well presentation, training and consultation skills.

RPTA 263.     Grant Writing for Social, Community, and Human Service Organizations. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

A detailed examination of grant writing as a means of augmenting agency revenues for social, community and human service organizations. Course focuses on techniques and strategies used for developing grant proposals, managing grants, and finding funders. Students will develop a full grant proposal including an evaluation and budget plan. Graduate students will conduct an in-depth comparison grant writing processes and budget analyses.

Note: Students may not take both RPTA 163 and RPTA 263 for credit.

RPTA 264.     Leadership and Fundraising for Nonprofit Organizations. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

The purpose of this course is to provide the principles and concepts of nonprofit leadership with an emphasis on youth and human service agencies. This course will explore and provide a historical and philosophical foundations of nonprofit organizations; board/committee development and operation; and the various roles of human service professionals as they relate to the nonprofit field. This course will consist of lectures, readings, discussion, guest speakers, nonprofit agency visitations, active learning exercises, and a community-learning component.

RPTA 284.     Hospitality Administration. 3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Introduces students to resorts and hotels and their position within the tourism and hospitality industries. The scope of the hospitality industry and various issues concerning the successful development of a hospitality product will be discussed. Prepares students to engage in an internship or employment in this or a related industry, including restaurants and retail. It also helps these and other students to reinforce concepts and skills learned elsewhere by providing concrete, real-world examples of marketing and management methods.

RPTA 295.     Practicum. 3 - 6 Units

Prerequisite(s): Approval of major advisor.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Graduate internship experiences in a practical setting.

Note: Open only to graduate students. Can be repeated two times for a maximum total of 6 units. Students can enroll for a class that counts as 3, 4, 5 or 6 units. No more than 6 units of RPTA 295 and RPTA 299 in combination may be used to meet degree requirements.

Credit/No Credit

RPTA 299.     Individual Study. 1 - 6 Units

Prerequisite(s): Approved petition filed in the department office.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Individual project, problem, practical study, survey, and/or directed reading on the graduate level.

Note: Can be repeated six times for a maximum total of 6 units. Students can enroll for a class that counts as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 units. No more than six units of RPTA 295 and RPTA 299 in combination may be used to meet major requirements.

Credit/No Credit

RPTA 500A.     Culminating Experience: Thesis. 1 - 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Advanced to candidacy and permission of graduate coordinator.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Successful completion of a thesis approved for the Master's degree. Student must have approval from first reader.

Credit/No Credit

RPTA 500B.     Culminating Experience: Project. 1 - 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Advanced to candidacy and permission of graduate coordinator.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Successful completion of a project approved for Master's degree. Student must have approval from the first reader.

Credit/No Credit

RPTA 500C.     Culminating Experience: Comprehensive Exam. 1 - 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Advanced to candidacy and permission of the graduate coordinator.

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Successful completion of a comprehensive examination approved for Master's degree.

Credit/No Credit