2013-2014 Graduate Catalog Downloadable PDF (10.71MB)

550 Course Descriptions/Recreation, Park and Tourism SciencesDepartment of Recreation, Parkand Tourism Sciencesrpts.tamu.eduHead: G. D. Ellis; Graduate Advisor: J. F. PetrickGraduate course offerings in the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences are designedto generate and disseminate knowledge concerning the development, management and sustainableuse of recreation, park, community, and tourism resources and opportunities. The focus of theprogram is on the relationships between people, recreational, community and tourism developments,and the natural resource base. The curriculum has five main areas of emphasis: recreation and parkadministration; recreation and natural resources management; tourism; community development; andyouth development. The first emphasis deals primarily with the public sector, while the third deals primarilywith the private sector. Recreation and natural resource management, community development,and youth development involves both sectors.Graduate study in these areas is interdisciplinary. Cooperative relationships exist with a wide rangeof outstanding graduate-level programs in the University. This provides students with an opportunityto structure an individualized program of study in the field of their choice. Courses selected within thedepartment and in supporting fields are designed to serve the individual needs of students interestedin teaching, public service, research, and administration of recreation, park, community and tourismdevelopments.The Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences offers courses of study leading to theMaster of Recreation and Resources Development; Master of Natural Resources Development; Masterof Science (thesis and non-thesis) and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in recreation, park and tourismsciences. The MRRD is a professional degree with a major in Recreation and Resources Developmentfor those who are already working in or anticipate a career in professional service. The MNRD with amajor in Natural Resources Development is identical in intent and general requirements to those forthe MRRD; however, more emphasis is placed on undertaking an interdisciplinary mix of courseworkfrom other natural resources programs at Texas A&M University. The MS thesis degree prepares studentsfor advanced graduate study at the PhD level, which often leads to a career in university researchand teaching. The MS non-thesis degree emphasizes professional development. It includes additionalcourses in the student’s selected field instead of a thesis. Non-thesis MRRD, MNRD and MS studentsmay elect a professional internship.Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences(RPTS)601. Interrelationships of Recreation and Leisure Concepts. (3-0). Credit 3. History and philosophy ofthe field of recreation and parks; fundamentals of planning, development and management of resourcesallocated for recreation, parks and tourism purposes; development of the recreation movement withbroad treatment of the role of recreation and parks in contemporary society.602. Social Science Foundations of Recreation, Parks and Tourism. (3-0). Credit 3. Sociological andsocial psychological dimensions of leisure, recreation and related behavior; nature and function of leisurefor individuals and for society; implications for development and management of recreation resources.Prerequisite: RPTS 601 or previous academic background in recreation and parks.603. Financing and Marketing Park and Recreation Resources. (3-0). Credit 3. Positioning park andrecreation services; traditional and non-traditional sources of financing for developing services andfacilities; philosophy and techniques of marketing services and facilities.604. Principles of Community and Community Development. (3-0). Credit 3. Examines differenttheories about community development as well as the concept of community; explores measurementand other methodological issues in the conduct of basic and applied community research. Prerequisite:Graduate classification.605. Community Organization. (3-0). Credit 3. Examines how community organization and institutionsdiffer and result from diverse social, cultural and demographic factors; explores how these factors restructurecommunities over time and community responses to restructuring. Prerequisite: Graduateclassification.