ADV57050

This course provides students with academic literacy in the field of adventure education. Through lecture, discussion, research, and experiential projects, this course explores the many facets comprising this unique discipline. Through examining historical influences relative to exploration and industrialization, as well as the changing views of the concepts of both leisure and nature, students see how and why adventure education emerged as a field and why it is now conceptualized under experiential education philosophy. Similarities and differences to related fields, such as outdoor education, recreation, environmental sciences, and adventure therapy are investigated. Students practice several modes of research and writing while critically examining current trends in adventure education. Upon course completion the successful student will have developed the ability to converse intelligently and with depth regarding the past, current, and future significance of adventure education as a field of study and career. All students will cultivate social and ecological considerations and literacies throughout the course during dialogue and written assignments about current critical issues in the field.

SPECIAL NOTES: Graduate students (including those approved for accelerated masters) are responsible for the same learning outcomes as undergrads, though they also will need a solid theoretical understanding of the foundational work and primary texts in adventure education and to demonstrate the complex level of thinking required at a graduate level.