Rec 1202: Outdoor Skills II
Spring Semester, 2004
2 credits

Ken's Home Overview: CLASS SCHEDULE Assignments: #1 #2 #3 Discussion Grades Readings: *Movin' On *Backpacks *Cold Injuries *Cold Feet *No Word for Luck *Winter Tips *WinterCooking *Winter Camping Skill List Equipment Lists: Winter Spring Midterm Answer Key

REC 1202 Instructor: Dr. Ken Gilbertson Course Syllabus     Rec 1202 Class meeting time: Tuesdays. 2-4:30 pm Class meeting location: SpHC 9; or as otherwise noted in schedule Assignments: Paper : Feb. 24th Midterm & 1st Activity Points: March 2nd 2nd Activity Points: April 20 Final exam: May 12th (Wed.) 4pm- 6pm Instructor: Ken Gilbertson Phone 726-6258 Email: kgilbert@d.umn.edu Office Hours: Arranged - sign up on my office door Office: SpHC 107 Course web url:  http://www.d.umn.edu/~kgilbert Course Goals: This course is designed to introduce you to non-competitive skills which will enable you to better understand the outdoor environment. You will learn basic skills pertaining to winter and spring in addition to becoming acquainted with outdoor recreational areas in northeastern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin. You will be introduced to equipment which will be centered around both winter camping and backpacking themes. Sound outdoor ethics/etiquette which will benefit the outdoors and those who use it will be discussed and practiced. Finally you will have the chance to go on two weekend outings to nearby outdoor recreation areas to practice the skills you will learn. Expectations: This course is intended to be the base-line for your physical skills' development in outdoor education. Some of this material will be very familiar to you, while other subject matter in this course may be brand new. I have never found where a student can not gain new information - or be able to share new information - from this course. So, in the spirit of optimal learning, I want you to come to class prepared in the following ways: I expect you to: Be prepared before class. Have your readings completed before your come to class. Be dressed to be outside - no matter what the weather conditions. You need to learn how to be comfortable in the outdoors under any conditions. Be open to new perspectives. Practice what you have learned between class periods. This course does not focus on technical proficiency, beyond our camping trips. Still, you can not become comfortable in the outdoors unless you practice. Arrive to class on time ready to learn and to share! Course Syllabus TEXTS: • Gorman, S. (1991). AMC Guide to Winter Camping: Winter Travel and Adventure in the Cold-Weather Months. Appalachian Mountain Club. Boston, MA • Curtis, R. (1998). The Backpacker's Field Manual. Three Rivers Press. New York. • Burns, Bob & Mike. (1999). Wilderness Navigation. The Mountaineers. Seattle, WA. • Roberts, Harry (1997). Movin' On. Stonewall Press. (Click on the book title in the sidebar to access electronically.) GRADES: Attendance is very important. You are responsible for all information given both indoors and outside. After two unexcused absences there will be one full drop in grade. The Points Given: Grading Based on % of Possible Points:  Topic Points Grade Scale  Paper  40 pts. 92% = A Mid-Term 40 pts. 90% = A- Final Exam 60 pts. 82% = B Activities (10 pts. each) 20 pts. 80% = B- Camp Trip 20 pts. 72% = C Additional Trip Points for both 10 pts. 70% = C-     62% = D COSTS: These figures are estimates of the extra costs involved: • Food for both of the trips - $30.00 • Rental of personal gear from the Kirby Games Room (variable, depending upon need) • Fishing license & trout stamp if you choose to fish during fishing outing. SCHEDULE: FINAL EXAM: Wednesday, May 14; 4- 6pm The final exam will be a combination of practical skills (show me that you know how to do something by doing it) and written questions. ASSIGNMENTS EXPLAINED #1: CAMP TRIPS - The 2 trips conducted during this semester are designed to give you a greater opportunity to experience the skills and outdoor areas of our region. Winter Camping Trip to Boulder Lake: February 14-15 This trip is designed to introduce you to winter trip preparation, planning, equipment, and actual participation. These dates are rigid! Please make your plans for the semester accordingly. Note: Use of alcohol or illegal drugs on camp-out will result in an immediate failure and expulsion from course. Backpacking Trip to Rainbow Lakes Wilderness Area: April 30 - May 2 This trip is designed to help you learn about overnight backpacking, wilderness areas, and spring natural history. These dates are rigid! Please make your plans for the semester accordingly. Note: Use of alcohol or illegal drugs on camp out will result in an immediate failure and expulsion from course. #2: Activity Participation (20 points) To expand your exposure to a variety of outdoor activities other than are offered through this course, you are required to attend at least 2 different outdoor events from the Outdoor Program Calendar or pre-approved off campus events. Note that there are many free outdoor calendar events, if you sign up early for them! Each is worth 10 points. These must be an activity (not a lecture) that is nature or outdoor education based. Click to print form to be handed in. #3: Paper Assignment (40 points) You are to select something related to nature (snow crystals, moose, chickadees, plant survival,...) and write about that subject so that you will better understand it when out on a camping trip. Categories of information may include: 1.) What is it? (Your topic MUST be something that can be seen in the area of the trip) 2.) Where is it typically found? 3.) What is unique about it? 4.) Other interesting or relevant information 5.) What is its "story"? (Natural history of the topic) 6.) How can you identify it and find it while out on the trail IN THE AREA WE WILL BE TRAVELLING. 7) References - these must be accurate and from professionally produced publications or media (written, video, CD). If you use a person, they must be recognized in the field as an expert. If you use the web, the site must be created through a professional organization (national organizations, universities, governmental). *Papers need to be 4- 6 pages in length, typed. *Must have at least 3 sources, no more than one may be web based. *References must be cited in APA format. Topics are due on January 27. Final copy is due February 24. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PRESENT YOUR INFORMATION TO YOUR SMALL GROUP WHILE ON THE CAMPING TRIP.