Course Syllabus

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Overview

This course is an introduction to the field of therapeutic recreation and clinical interventions for a diversity of populations. Students will participate in an in-depth exploration of different impairments and diagnoses and the application of therapeutic recreation. The course is required for students majoring and minoring in the field of therapeutic recreation and professionals who wish to work in fields such as health care and social services.

Unique Course Requirements:
Students are required to obtain a minimum of 15 practicum hours with applicable populations during the semester. Students may obtain the required practicum hours through an approval process. Students may not double count practicum hours except RM 366 L or RM 373, as these provide opportunities that will help students obtain the required practicum hours. Course modalities are offered on an alternating schedule. Consult with the department to plan according to the student’s preferred modality.

Therapeutic Recreation

Welcome to the field of therapeutic recreation. Studying this profession can bring wonderful skills and resources to you professionally and personally; this course is foundational to the field and the BYU-Idaho Therapeutic Recreation Program. Much of what you learn in this course will be included on the national exam to certify you as a Recreation Therapist through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). You will use everything you learn in this class in the remaining courses in the program.

Requirements

Prerequisites

RM 207: Inclusion and Disabilities in Therapeutic Recreation.

Required Resources

Read the information in the Textbook Information module to learn how to access your textbooks. 

Resource Title and Description
(such as books, software)		 Author or Provider Edition or Volume 13-Digit ISBN (if applicable)
Therapeutic Recreation: A Practical Approach Marcia Jean Carter & Glen E Van Andel 5th Ed 978-1478637-82-0
(Optional) Therapeutic Recreation: A Strengths Approach Lynn Anderson & Linda Heyne 2nd Ed 978-952815-22-5

Proctored Exams and Assessments 

This course will use an online proctoring software called Proctorio. This makes it possible for students to take assessments and exams without a human proctor. Proctored exams can be accessed like any other exam once the software has been installed. The final exam will be recorded by Proctorio and reviewed by the BYUI Testing Center. Any questionable exams will be forwarded to the instructor for further review.

For step-by-step instructions on Proctorio installation, please refer to Student Help: Proctorio in Canvas.

Structure

Course Outcomes

  1. Discuss the history, social psychological foundations, and value of therapeutic recreation services.
  2. Evaluate the theoretical implementation of the treatment plan based on hypothetical assessment for diverse populations.
  3. Examine the nature of disability, disease characteristics, and challenges of the populations encountered in a service-delivery setting. 
  4. Discuss advocacy within the field of therapeutic recreation.
  5. Examine the benefits of therapeutic recreation for the populations encountered in a service-delivery setting.

Major Assignments

The table below is meant to help you see the relevance of each major assignment as it pertains to the course outcomes.

Major Assignments Description Course Outcome #
Disability Research Paper APA formatted research paper about a specific disability. 3, 5
Diagnostic Protocol Assignments A summation of research-based needs and characteristics for a specific disability. 3, 4, 5
Final Treatment Plan A written plan utilizing the TR Process for an individual client.  2
Practicum Experience A 15-hour practicum experience with a diverse population.  3, 5
Digital Notebook  Select assignments compiled in a notebook.  2, 3, 4, 5
Final Exam Cumulative assessment of course content. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Weekly Patterns

The table below displays typical weekly activities, due dates, and activity descriptions. 

Due Date* Learning Model Activity Title Description
Beginning of the Week Prepare Introduction  Weekly overview
Midweek Prove Study Guide Quiz Quiz on topics from weekly reading
Midweek Prepare Group Meeting Preparation Prepare for the weekly group meeting assignment
End of Week Ponder Group Meeting Meet with your group to deepen and extend your learning
End of Week Prove Activity An assignment that reinforces weekly concepts

*Set your time zone within user preferences so the dates and times for course activities will display correctly for your time zone.

Learning Model

Students will complete a preparation assignment, teach one another through a weekly group meeting, and present a culminating weekly assignment in which they ponder and prove the weekly outcomes.

The Learning Model is based on true gospel principles and provides the foundation upon which all BYU-Idaho courses are created. The five principles of the learning model are to exercise faith, learn by the Holy Ghost, lay hold on the Word of God, act for yourself, and love, serve, and teach one another. These principles are woven into the three process steps to prepare, teach one another, and ponder/prove.

BYU-Idaho Learning Model: Prepare, Teach One Another, Ponder and Prove. The Process: These three steps are governed by five principles that can be applied in any class and in any situation. The Principles: 1. Exercise faith in Jesus Christ as a principle of action and power. Raise your hand in class and actively participate; take a course that challenges you; have confidence that the blessings of heaven will accompany your efforts. 2. Understand that the true teaching is done by and with the Holy Ghost. Obey the Honor Code; seek the gifts of the Spirit in your education; act immediately upon inspiration. 3. Lay hold upon the Word of God as found in the holy scriptures and in the words of prophets. Study the scriptures daily; use both reason and faith in your studies; prepare for and listen carefully to devotional. 4. Act for yourself and accept responsibility for learning and teaching. Prepare for class and develop questions for what you don't understand; do more than the bare minimum, pursue deeper answers and meaning; note and review what you have learned. 5. Love, serve, and teach one another. Get to know students in your classes; respect the comments and opinions of others; seek opportunities to teach others who might not understand.

Expectations

APA

The Therapeutic Recreation program requires the use of APA in all courses. This course will establish this as standardized writing and citation of research methods.

Feedback

You can expect to receive grades and feedback within seven days of the due date for all assignments.

Workload

Expect to have nine hours a week of work for this class (this includes practicum hours required for the course).

Group Work

You will be required to meet together in a group each week. You should plan for a 60-minute preparation assignment for this meeting, and you should plan to meet for 60 minutes weekly.

Teaching Assistant

This class will utilize a teaching assistant to assist the instructor in providing a learning experience that meets the Course Objectives. The TA will grade and provide feedback for some weekly assignments.

Late Work

Professionals are expected to submit work on time. Therefore, late work will not be accepted.

If you have an extenuating circumstance such as a birth or death in the family, hospitalization, major car accident, or other serious situation, please get in touch with your instructor to discuss options that might be available to you.

Extra Credit

The instructor may offer extra credit.

Grading Scale

Letter Grade Percent
A 100%–93%
A- 92%–90%
B+ 89%–87%
B 86%–83%
B- 82%–80%
C+ 79%–77%
C 76%–73%
C- 72%–70%
D+ 69%–67%
D 66%–63%
D- 62%–60%
F 59% and lower

Weighted Grading Categories

  • Protocols 25%
  • Assignments 25%
  • Treatment Plan 20%
  • Preparation 10%
  • Study Guide Quizzes 5%
  • Final Exam 5%
  • Group Meetings 10%

University Policies

Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office at 1–208–496–9210 or visit their website and follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by the Disability Services Office.

This course includes required synchronous meetings. If you are currently registered with the Disability Services Office and need an interpreter or transcriber for these meetings, please contact the deaf and hard of hearing coordinator at 1–208–496–9219.

Other University Policies

Student Honor and Other Policies

Please read through the document called University Policies. It gives important information about the following topics:

  • Student Honor
    • Academic Honesty
    • Student Conduct
      • Sexual Harassment
  • Students with Disabilities
  • Complaints and Grievances
  • Copyright Notice

Go to the Student Resources module to review further resources and information.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due