Recreation and Sports Studies

Explores sport, physical activity, and leisure as social phenomena and important aspects of modern society. Examine many of the same sociological issues within the framework of sport, physical activity, and leisure that exist in society as a whole. More specifically, consider the cultural aspects of sport, physical activity and leisure; how they are related to social institutions (such as education, politics, and economics); and how they affect and are affected by social inequalities. 

Provides students with an understanding of some theoretical concepts related to programming and the techniques and procedures used to develop and implement programs and events in the recreation and sport context. Deals with the underlying principles of planning recreation programs and events and the techniques and procedures used to develop and implement these, and relates these principles to a variety of recreation settings to meet the needs of different interest levels.

Presents both the conceptual and the operational aspects of the tourism industry from a number of points of view including motivations for travel, economic impact, product development, market analysis and future trends.

Examine the nature of community and the concept and practice of community development in relation to sport, tourism and recreation behaviour and services. Review differing interpretations and approaches to community development and investigate current initiatives and projects that encourage citizen engagement and community development. Identify potential problems and common strategies for addressing the challenges. 

This course focuses on the concepts and methods relevant to the collection and analysis of data needed to address criteria and make informed decisions about the worth or improvement of systems, services, programs and facilities. Topics include understanding context, community and stakeholders, measuring user satisfaction, determining needs, attitudes, opinions and interests. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are considered and applied to actual situations.

This course takes a critical approach to understanding management in sport and recreation through examining trends and contemporary issues in the industry. An advanced perspective of management as a complex phenomenon is employed, requiring students to challenge existing management practices and seek solutions to organizational problems that are ethical, equitable and effective considering multiple stakeholders.

This course provides an introduction to the law of negligence with emphasis on professional liability and risk management, as well the course includes an introduction to criminal law and contracts. Studied through lecture, case law and selected readings all related to recreation and sport. 

Complete a full-time, full-term unpaid placement in a professional position with a community agency. Relate theory to practice through hands-on professional career and field experiences that are reflected upon and linked with disciplinary knowledge developed in core prerequisite courses. Applied academic learning is captured and evaluated through written assignments and a presentation. 

This course is designed to introduce students to leisure education concepts, theories, and related facilitation techniques. Various leisure education models, assessment tools, and intervention strategies will be explored. Consideration will be given to different settings in which leisure education can be implemented.

Understanding developmental stages of youth and the impact of recreational and sport programs and services on character, identity, self-esteem, and personal growth. Focus is on facilitating positive youth development and changes in leisure behaviour.

Relates theory to practice through professional career and field experiences. Students should expect to participate in at least 40 hours of learning. Course deliverables and learning outcomes will be determined with the Faculty. Faculty approval is required prior to any service commitment or registration procedures.

Relates theory to practice through professional career and field experiences. Students should expect to participate in at least 80 hours of learning. Course deliverables and learning outcomes will be determined with the Faculty. Faculty approval is required prior to any service commitment or registration procedures.

Relates theory to practice through professional career and field experiences. Faculty approval is required prior to any service commitment or registration procedures.

Relates theory to practice through professional career and field experiences. Faculty approval is required prior to any service commitment or registration procedures. 

An examination of community and societal factors that influence health, including: income and social status, social support networks, education and literacy, employment and working conditions, social and physical environments, health services, gender, and culture. 

This course is intended as an integrating and culminating experience for senior students in Recreation and Sport Studies. It will involve class discussions, guest speakers, case studies, etc. that will enable students to draw on their knowledge and experience to critique current issues, trends and challenges in the field. Students will be responsible for helping to identify issues to be discussed and for preparing and presenting issues in class.

Guided by a faculty member, provides an opportunity for the advanced study of theoretical concepts in a focused area in Recreation and Sport Studies that is of interest, but for which no course is offered.  Faculty approval is required prior to registration. Title of the topic will appear on the student’s transcript.

Guided by a faculty member, provides an opportunity for the advanced study of theoretical concepts in a focused area in Recreation and Sport Studies that is of interest, but for which no course is offered.  Faculty approval is required prior to registration. Title of the topic will appear on the student’s transcript.

Guided by a faculty member, provides an opportunity for the advanced study of theoretical concepts in a focused area in Recreation and Sport Studies that is of interest, but for which no course is offered.  Faculty approval is required prior to registration. Title of the topic will appear on the student’s transcript.

BRSS Honours students must complete a research project under the supervision of a faculty member. The project can take the form of a thesis, report, or case study as determined by the faculty member. A presentation is required.

Continuation of RSS 3913 / RSS 3914.

This course is an examination of potential career paths for students looking to enter into the recreation and sport field. In addition, this course provides practical components regarding Human Resource Management.  Some of the topics covered include: recruitment and retention of volunteers, developing and implementing performance appraisals, understanding personalities and abilities, job design, interviewing applicants, creating reward systems, staffing, and human resource policies.