Department of
Health Professions, Physical Education,
Recreation and Leisure Studies

Recreation and Leisure Studies
Course Descriptions

PERL 123 LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES IN RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES: 3.0 s.h.
Theory, principles, techniques, and processes of the different types of leadership styles in a variety of recreation programs and leisure services. Application of the different styles and techniques through the planning, delivery, and evaluation of appropriate activities.
PERL 124 INTRODUCTION TO RECREATION, TOURISM, HOSPITALITY AND LEISURE SERVICES: 3.0 s.h.
An orientation course to the broad spectrum of services which are provided to society by recreation, tourism, hospitality and leisure services practitioners. Professional awareness and career opportunities are examined.
PERL 208 LEISURE AND RECREATION IN SOCIETY: 3.0 s.h.
Analysis and interpretation of the concepts of leisure, its role in individual, community and national lifestyles, its social and economic significance. The role of recreation programs and services in meeting current and future needs of society. For non-recreation and leisure studies majors only. Meets the General Education Requirement-Contemporary Issues.
PERL 225 PROGRAM PLANNING IN RECREATION AND LEISURE: 3.0 s.h.
Theory, principles and practices of systematic program planning. Field observation and participation is required.
Prerequisite: PERL 123 and PERL 124
PERL 228 RECREATION AND HOSPITALITY FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS: 3.0 s.h.
Adaptation of recreation and leisure services for persons with special needs and limitations, role of institutions and community agencies, specialized leadership techniques, modification requirements for areas, facilities equipment, and supplies.
Prerequisite: PERL 225
PERL 271 CLINICAL EXPERIENCES IN THERAPEUTIC RECREATION: 1.0 s.h.
Individualized student placements in clinical settings provide opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of therapeutic recreation and prescriptive programming services. May be repeated for credit to a total of 3 semester hours.
Prerequisite: BIOL 240, 241.
PERL 285 FIELD EXPERIENCE IN RECREATIONS AND PARKS: 2.0 - 4.0 s.h.
Supervised on-site laboratory experience in an approved recreation or leisure service area. Seminar meetings and individual conferences required.
Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson.
PERL 299 SELECTED TOPICS - RECREATION AND PARK ADMINISTRATION: 1.0 - 3.0 s.h.
Professional inquiry into the study of a selected issue, problem or trend in recreation and park administration.
Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson.
PERL 311 SPECIAL EVENTS PLANNING AND PROMOTION: 3.0 s.h.
This course is a course in advanced recreation and functionally related services programming. It includes the analysis, planning and execution of special events and related activities involving large numbers of people and diverse publics. Topics include event philosophy and planning, technical and legal consideration, crowd management and promotion. Field trips required. Prerequisite: PERL 225.
PERL 312 BUDGET AND FINANCE IN RECREATION AND TOURISM: 3.0 s.h.
Study of the various sources and methods of financing, including exploration of the philosophy and mechanics of the budgetary process in recreation and park systems.
Prerequisite: PERL 225
PERL 322 HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF LEISURE, PLAY AND RECREATION: 3.0 s.h.
A study and analysis of the philosophical concepts concerning leisure, play and recreation, including the historical milieu that supports past theories, current thoughts and practices, and the philosophical directions for the future of recreation and leisure services.
PERL 334 RESEARCH METHODS IN LEISURE SERVICES: 4.0 s.h.
An introduction to the various techniques and methods used in research, the appropriate application of research methods, statistical methodology and other analytical tools for investigating problems in recreation and park professions.
Prerequisite: PERL 124, PERL 225
PERL 340 INTRODUCTION TO COMMERCIAL RECREATION AND TOURISM: 3.0 s.h.
Analysis of the commercial recreation and tourism industries. Includes a study of participant profiles, types of commercial and resort enterprises, national tourism studies. Employment opportunities trends and issues. Field visits required.
Prerequisite: PERL 124
PERL 341 INTRODUCTION TO THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY: 3.0 s.h.
The scope and nature of the industry. An orientation to career opportunities and education for the hotel and hospitality industry.
Prerequisite: PERL 124
PERL 342 DELIVERY OF RECREATION AND TOURISM SERVICES: 3.0 s.h.
Methods and procedures for organizing and implementing commercial recreation and tourism enterprises. Includes an in-depth analysis of delivery systems, economic and marketing trends and promotion. A class research project is part of the course requirements. Field visits required.
Prerequisite: PERL 340
PERL 343 DELIVERY OF HOTEL/RESORT RELATED SERVICES: 3.0 s.h.
The analysis and examination of selected business operations which are of importance to the overall success of hotels/resorts, including travel agencies, tour companies, gift shops, restaurants, and recreational facilities.
Prerequisite: PERL 341
PERL 346 TOURISM AND RECREATION PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND ANALYSIS: 3.0 s.h.
Skills and techniques used in the planning, development, and analysis of tourism and commercial recreation facilities. Students will be required to complete a major research project.
Prerequisite: PERL 340 or PERL 360, and PERL 334
PERL 349 SEASONAL SPORT RESORT MANAGEMENT: 3.0 s.h.
A topical course in resort and selected sports management activities. Contents include management and marketing of lodging, retailing, rental, recreational programs, and other year round resort services. Additionally, the selection and operation of seasonal commercialized sports will be included. The course is only offered off-campus at a selected field site.
PERL 350 DESIGN, MAINTENANCE AND UTILIZATION OF RECREATION, TOURISM AND PARK FACILITIES: 3.0 s.h.
This course familiarizes the student with the design, planning, maintenance and utilization of recreation, tourism and park facilities. An exploration of the preservation of open space and its relationship to recreation is also included. Field trips are required.
PERL 354 MARKETING HOTELS, RESORTS AND RELATED SERVICES: 3.0 s.h.
Analysis of advertising, sales promotion, personal selling, and the application of marketing research to hotels, resorts and related operations.
Prerequisite: PERL 225, PERL 311, PERL 334, PERL 341.
PERL 355 DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF HOTELS/RESORTS: 3.0 s.h.
Comprehensive information about the development and management of and the specific skills necessary in the operation of hotels/resorts.
PERL 370 INTRODUCTION TO THERAPEUTIC RECREATION: 3.0 s.h.
An introduction to therapeutic recreation as a profession and service in clinical and community settings. The course includes an analysis of current issues and trends in the field, employment opportunities, and the concept of professionalism.
PERL 372 RECREATION AND REHABILITATION SERVICES: 3.0 s.h.
Study of roles and interrelationships of professional personnel in the rehabilitation services in medical, correctional, and community settings. The team approach to rehabilitation services will be emphasized. Field visits required.
Prerequisite: PERL 228
PERL 377 PROGRAMMING AND SUPERVISION IN THERAPEUTIC RECREATION: 3.0 s.h.
This course includes assessment, planning and implementation of appropriate services and department programs and evaluation strategies. The course addresses basic program and personnel supervision of therapeutic recreation.
Prerequisite: BIOL 241 and PERL 228
PERL 381 COOPERATIVE EDUCATION IN RECREATION AND PARKS: 4.0 - 8.0 s.h.
Integration of academic study with supervised employment outside the formal classroom environment. The cooperative education experience is supervised by a faculty member and an agency/organization supervisor.
Prerequisite: PERL 225, department chairperson's approval.
PERL 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN RECREATION, PARKS AND LEISURE: 1.0 - 3.0 s.h.
Independent study in area of student need and/or interest pertinent to recreation, parks and leisure. Interested students must present detailed written proposal to the department chairperson for approval and determination of credit allocation. Sophomore, junior, senior standing.
PERL 430 MANAGEMENT OF RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES: 4.0 s.h.
Managerial techniques and methods pertaining to the delivery of recreation and leisure services. Topics include leadership and problem solving skills, organizational structure, personnel management and legal issues.
Prerequisite: PERL 225, majors only.
PERL 437 SENIOR SEMINAR: 2.0 s.h.
Examination and analysis of student preparation for field work and entry into the recreation and park profession. Formal application and placement of field work students. Prerequisites: Majors only, minimum 2.45 cumulative grade point average at MSU.
PERL 489 INTERNSHIP: 12.0 s.h.
Directed full-time professional supervisory experiences in an approved recreation, parks or leisure delivery system. Emphasis on individual development in program planning, conduct and evaluation, budget and finance, legal aspects, community and public relations. For Recreation and Leisure Studies majors only.
Prerequisite: 2.45 GPA at MSU, PERL 437, and department chairperson's approval.

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