Dr. Rolloff's RLS42 Course Syllabus

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RLS 42 syllabus

Class Meeting Time:  Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:30 – 2:45 p.m.

Class Meeting Location:  Solano 2000

Professor's Course Description:  This course is about natural resources that are used for outdoor recreation. We'll study places as close as the American River Parkway, as well as parks and wilderness areas that aren't so close, such as Yellowstone National Park. The course focuses on the protection and management of natural resources so that they are available for future generations. After the beginning of the course you will understand what is meant by the land ethic. You'll know the difference between national parks, state parks, wilderness areas, and county parks. We'll look at the government agencies responsible for the protection of these natural resources, as well as how environmental and political factors figure into the whole picture. Several managers from land management agencies will visit with the class. The course will also have a service learning component in the form of a field project outdoors.

Catalogue Description:  Examines strategies for the use of natural resources for recreation and leisure purposes in a variety of settings and under the auspices of various agencies and enterprises.  Includes study of various outdoor settings, conflicting use demands, agency responsibilities, environmental considerations and fiscal implications; and the integration of these elements into a functional program and/or recreation resource management.  3 units. 

Easy Print Version of Syllabus

Objectives :: Texts ::  Technology :: assignments/Exams :: Grading :: Attendance Policy :: Technology :: Writing Standards ::  Accommodations :: Meeting Format

Course Goals & Objectives

Attitudes & Values

• Articulate what is meant by the land ethic and how environmental values relate to recreation resource management

• Appreciate the importance of environmental conservation and resource values in the field of recreation

• Relate how social conflict and resource values affect recreation use demands, agency missions, environmental considerations, and political interests

• Appreciate the concept of environmental and community service as it relates to the care of outdoor recreation resources

• Express your own attitudes and values toward the environment and how this will (or will not) influence your work in the field of recreation 

Skills & Knowledge 

• Explain the overall aim of the field of recreation resource management, and how it relates to the broader professional field of recreation management

• Know the various agencies responsible for recreation resources

• Identify and explain basic management strategies and practices employed to facilitate and protect natural resources for outdoor recreation (ROS, LAC)

• Identify and explain approaches to visitor and maintenance management in resource areas

• Understand the nature of interest group politics and how they affect outdoor recreation and natural resource management

Texts and Materials

Required: The 2 primary texts for the course this semester are:

Dennis, S. 2001.  Natural Resources and the Informed Citizen.  Champaign, IL: Sagamore Publishing. 

Jubenville, A. and B.W. Twight.  1993.  Outdoor Recreation Management: Theory and application.  State College, PA:  Venture Publishing.

You can purchase books through the Hornet Bookstore. Check their Online Textbook Sales page at http://www.foundation.csus.edu/bookstore/textbooks/ for ordering information.

Other booksources can be found at Borders.com and Amazon.com. 

Other Required Materials:

Other important materials (articles, websites) will be assigned reading for the course and can be found through links on this page. 

You will need a copy of the software MS Word to view some files in these webpages.  Registered students can obtain this software at a very reasonable cost.  See the University Computing and Communications Services for more information on obtaining this software. 

Assignments and Exams

 Percentages are approximate because of rounding.  The following assignments are due on the dates indicated.

Track your grade by printing a copy of the form "How Am I Doing in RLS 42?"

Visit with Dr. Rolloff if you ever have concerns or questions

about your progress in the course (he likes to talk). 

Grades and Grading Policy

Grade	Description of accomplishment	Points	Percent
A	Outstanding achievement	451-500	90-100%
B	Excellent performance; clearly exceeds course requirements	401-450	80-89%
C	Average	351-400	70-79%
D	Passed, but not at average achievement standards	301-350	60-69%
F	Failure to meet class requirement	300 or less	< 60%
Incompletes: If a student finds her/himself unable to fulfill the requirements of RLS 42 and wishes to take an Incomplete (I) grade, the student must petition the RLS Department.  The student must be passing (have accumulated 301 or more points) in order to be eligible to apply for an incomplete grade within the RLS Department.  An "I" grade will not be given without the required departmental petition specifying the course requirements to be met for completion and the date by which such requirements are to be completed.  Reasons for requesting an incomplete grade must be stated on the petition and proof of extenuating circumstances may be required at the discretion of the instructor.  A "U" grade will be given if a student fails to complete course requirements or stops attending classes or does not qualify for or arrange for an incomplete (I) grade before the end of the 13th week of the semester.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance and participation are part of the course evaluation/grade, therefore attendance at all class sessions is required.  Students who come to class will be rewarded with points toward your final grade for each class session attended (totaling 10% of the course grade).  Absences will subtract from your grade point total.

Technology Requirements

Students are required to have a SacLink electronic mail account and computer access to the Web. 

All CSUS students enrolled in one or more units can create a SacLink account for electronic mail and Internet services.   Although a home computer with a high speed modem running Netscape or Internet Explorer would be beneficial, students can use the Web from one of the campus student labs.

Computing Recommendations

You should be comfortable using a computer and willing to browse the Web. This class requires online class participation on the Web assignments and electronic discussions.

You need:

• Macintosh compatible with System 10 (OS X) or higher or Windows compatible Pentium running Windows 98 or XP.
• 128 MB of RAM
• 56K modem or faster connection
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 or Netscape 6 (or higher)
• SacLink or other Internet Account
• Word processing skills

Writing Standards

Course Writing Standards:  Written work must follow the guidelines in Dr. Rolloff’s Writing Handout unless otherwise stated.   

No late papers will be accepted.                                                                                                      

Course Assistance & Accommodations

If you have a disability and are in need of accommodation or assistance in this course, please let me know privately how I can help you have a successful learning experience in RLS 42.  If you have special learning requirements I'll need to know during the 1st two weeks of class. 

You may also contact Teresa Mendick, Associate Director for Services to Students with Disabilities at 278-6955 or mendicktc@csus.edu. More information on CSUS’ Services for Students with Disabilities can be found at the website www.csus.edu/sswd/sswd.html.            

Class Meeting Format

Class Meeting Format: An interactive, discussion-oriented approach will characterize how we will meet as a group. Small group discussion, individual exercises, class conversation and storytelling will be utilized, as well as the more traditional lecture. Any discussion of the readings will expand on the readings, not review or repeat them. Your ability to actively participate will reflect your preparation.

Instructor Note: My First Year at CSUS

Because this is my first year at CSUS, I’m going to be figuring out what works and what doesn’t for RLS 42.  Some things will work well while others might not.  I welcome you to let me know of any ideas you might have to make this course more relevant to your interests and needs.  If you have concerns or problems with how the course is going, please let me know right away so I can make adjustments.  Undoubtedly there will be some schedule and project adjustments, so plan on being flexible.