Austin Community College (Distance Learning)

RECT 1301: Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation

Course Overview

 

 

 

Course Description

This course will provide an introduction to the value, history, philosophy, terminology, process and outcomes of therapeutic recreation.  Emphasis will be on identification of client groups, leisure activities, application of therapeutic recreation in various human service settings, and professional development and career opportunities.

 

Required Textbook

Robertson, Terry and Long, Terry, Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation, Human Kinetics Publishing, 2008.

 

Instructional Methodology

This is an Internet based course, which is taught via the computer.  Students must have access to a personal computer with modem (PCM) with the most current web browser and the most current media player.  Students must also have a personal (not shared) e-mail address and must possess basic computer skills and Internet access/skills.  Students must complete an ONLINE orientation of the course prior to beginning coursework. 

 

Course Rationale

The course provides an overview for working with special populations in the Human Services field.  The course includes information on philosophies, models for treatment, information on various disabilities, current issues and trends and laws that are pertinent to the Therapeutic Recreation profession. 

 

Course Objectives

The student will demonstrate knowledge of:

1.      the value of recreation, leisure and therapeutic recreation, its history and concepts.

2.      therapeutic recreation settings, participants served, and types of activities offered.

3.      the therapeutic recreation process and models.

4.      the current trends and career opportunities in therapeutic recreation.

5.      planning, outlining and leading therapeutic recreation activities.

6.      therapeutic recreation services in the community.

 

Course Assignments

Lessons (Study Questions)     

Discussion Boards                                                                                     

Research Paper                                                                                                                                                       

Fieldwork (15 hours)

Final Exam (taken in person at an approved testing center)                

 

Course Policies

Students are responsible for knowing the policies and procedures of ACC and the instructor.  Most policies can be found in the Student Handbook, which can be found at a counseling office at any campus or online at http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/.

 

Attendance

Although distance learning students do not attend class, as in a traditional course, students must adhere to due dates for all assignments in order to keep with the online course.  Also, communication is vital and should be done via e-mail on a regular basis.

 

Withdrawal Policy

Students may withdraw from the course if they are not progressing satisfactorily or are not interested in completing the course.  Instructors may withdraw students who are not meeting course requirements, anytime during the semester.  Students who withdraw prior to the cutoff date will receive a “W” for the course.  After the cutoff date for withdrawals, students will receive a letter grade based on the coursework submitted.  It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from the college. 

 

Incomplete Grades

Incomplete grades are given only under unique or extreme circumstances.  Students must:

1) submit in writing a request for an Incomplete with a valid reason (validity will be determined by instructor),

2) complete and pass at least 50% of the coursework, prior to the last week of classes AND

3) complete final course work by the deadline established by the instructor.

If the coursework is not completed by the deadline, the Incomplete becomes a failing (“F”) grade.

 

Office of Students with Disabilities

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical and psychological disabilities.  Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes.