LEIS3130

Leisure, Tourism and Environmental Issues

10 Units 3000 Level Course

Not available in 2014

Previously offered in 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004

Critically interrogates some of the relationships between leisure practices such as recreation and tourism, and the physical environment. The environment is subject to a range of stresses created by a variety of leisure activities and students wishing to work as professionals in the leisure field need to have a sound understanding not only of the relationships between leisure and the environment, but also an ability to solve problems. The course also focuses on how our cultural understandings of nature are produced and reproduced through a variety of leisure practices.

Objectives 1. To develop a critical understanding of the complex relationships which exist between humanity and nature within the specific domain of leisure.

2. To refine the ability to identify and examine the positive and negative effects of leisure activities and developments on the physical environment.

3. To develop an understanding of the concept 'ecological sustainability' as it applies to recreation and tourism.

4. To understand the principles underpinning planning instruments and management strategies in the context of leisure-environment interaction.
Content 1. The sociology of nature.
2. Cross-cultural perspectives on nature.
3. Relationships between tourism, recreation and the environment.
4. Use of animals in recreation and tourism (zoos, circuses, pet keeping).
5. Gardens and gardening as examples of disciplining and taming nature.
6. Experiencing nature in national parks and wilderness areas.
7. Visitor impacts and their management in natural areas.
8. Environmental interpretation.
9. Ecological sustainability and leisure.
10. Ecotourism.
Replacing Course(s) n/a
Transition n/a
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge 60 units at 2000 level in LEIS or SOCA courses or equivalent.
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Field Study
Seminar
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments Portfolio 30%:1000 words This will comprise summaries and critiques of the designated readings as well as additional material relevant to the course such as book and film reviews, summaries and critiques of other literature; individual reflections on the course; field trip reports and the like.
Other: (please specify) Blackboard Discussion Board Participation, 10%, 500 word written equivalent.
Projects Major Project 60%: including 45% written component, 3000 words; oral presentation at student symposium 15%, written equivalent 500 words. This Project will be on a topic negotiated between individual students and the course coordinator, and is relevant to the aims and objectives of this course.
Contact Hours Seminar: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term