REC102 - Introduction to the Leisure Service Industry

Subject Title
Introduction to the Leisure Service Industry

Subject Description
 
This course provides an introductory framework to students so that they may develop a greater understanding of the many philosophical interpretations and theories of leisure, recreation, play and what impact the element of time has on the three concepts. As the title implies, leisure will be studied in the context of one?s lifestyle, i.e., what role does leisure play in your life? How does your response compare or contrast with those of your classmates? As an aspiring recreation professional this must be fully understood before you can begin to develop strategies for providing recreation and leisure services for others.

Although many leisure and recreation activities are seen as component parts of leading a healthy, balanced lifestyle for individuals throughout their life cycle, these activities are seen to benefit communities of people or entire societies. What are the benefits and how are they measured? There are also many leisure activities that are seen to be unhealthy and injurious to individuals and to communities. These activities will be examined as well as how individuals/communities deal with them.

The number and types of organizations, their methods of operation and the wide variety of services they provide make it increasingly difficult to determine what entry level positions are available in this industry. REC102 will allow you to know where you may place yourself within the industry and what it takes to navigate your way up or across this industry.

Credit Status
Required course in the Recreation and Leisure Services program

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Describe the concepts of play, recreation, and leisure, and the factors that influence these in the context of contemporary society.
2. Define the various forms of recreational activities as currently offered by recreation delivery systems
3. Develop a personal philosophy of leisure and the role of recreation within it.
4. Describe the social and psychological significance of leisure for all people, with appreciation of differences due to gender, life stage, disability, education, financial status, culture and other factors.
5. Identify how current social, economic, political, and environmental concerns are influencing recreation services in Canada.
6. Understand the historical development of the park and recreation profession and its relationship to the various levels of government in Canada.
7. Outline contemporary professional issues and how they impact the delivery of leisure services.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of the responsibility of the leisure service profession to make available opportunities for leisure experiences for all populations, including those with differing needs and abilities.
9. Develop the ability to promote, advocate, interpret, and articulate the concerns of leisure service systems for all populations and services.
10. Define barriers to leisure participation and strategies for their removal.
11. Utilize key terms used by the recreation profession.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.