Syllabus
Course: PE 181 Rock Climbing Basics
Semester fall 2007, 2nd 8 weeks
Course Credit
& Format: 1 hour credit, lecture/laboratory
Day/Time: Class- Tuesday / Thursday 9:30-10:45am
Day Trip- Optional outdoor climbing trip on Dec. 1st
Location: Indoor Rock Climbing Wall, Student Recreation Center
Instructor: Nathan Kile
Room 287, Coliseum
Phone- (304) 293-3295, ext. 5290
Email- Nathan.Kile@mix.wvu.edu
Office Hours- TBD
Prerequisites: None
Required Text: Luebben, Craig. (2004). Rock climbing: Mastering basic skills. Washington: The Mountaineers Books.
Required Equipment: None
Course Objectives:
The objective of this course is to provide the students with a comprehensive overview of the basic skills for the activity of rock climbing. Designed for novice climbers, this course will cover the basic equipment, skills, and knowledge necessary to begin safely participating in the activity of rock climbing. The class will consist of both hands-on experience and classroom instruction.
Expected Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
1. Identify their personal motivation/desire to climb.
2. Demonstrate basic climbing techniques for moving efficiently and effectively on the rock surface.
3. Identify and properly operate/utilize the necessary safety equipment for rock climbing including: harnesses, carabiners, belay devices, ropes, helmets, shoes, etc.
4. Tie some basic climbing knots, and explain their proper uses.
5. Define risk management and explain procedures to manage common rock climbing hazards.
6. Explain the different types of roped and non-roped climbing.
7. List the rules for climbing at the indoor wall.
8. Demonstrate correct use of the climbing commands and safety checks.
9. Belay, catch a fall, and lower a climbing partner on a top rope system.
10. Identify some of the ethical and environmental issues related to climbing.
11. Describe the mental and physical challenges of rock climbing.
Grade Assignment:
90% and above = A
80% to 89% = B
70% to 79% = C
60% to 69% = D
Below 60% = F
Grading Criteria:
Final grades will be dependent upon attendance, skill demonstrations, a written final exam, and participation in an overnight backcountry trip.
Attendance and Participation 30% (12 class sessions X 2.5 points each = 30 points)
Skill Demonstrations 50% (10 skill demonstrations X 5 points each = 50 points)
Final Exam 20% (1 exam X 20 points = 20 points)
Total 100%
Trip- *Students can earn 10 points in extra credit by participating in the optional climbing trip.
Attendance Policy
Attendance and participation in class sessions is required. Any absence in excess of one class period during the semester will result in a deduction of 2.5 points off the student’s attendance grade. Students are responsible for all course content taught during an absence. Exams, skill demonstrations, or other assignments may not be made up without prior approval from the instructor. Students who are marked absent for the first two class sessions of the course will be automatically dropped from the course unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor.
Please be on time and prepared for all class sessions. Excessive tardiness to class or early departure from class may result in an absence for that class period at the discretion of the instructor. Students who attend class but are unprepared to participate may be counted absent.
Skill Demonstrations
Over the course of the semester students will demonstrate competency in the various skills taught in the class. The skill demonstrations will be checked off by the instructor on the date listed on the tentative course schedule, unless changes are necessary due to inclement weather, school closure, etc.
Final Exam
There will be one exam for this course. This exam will take place on the final class date. The final exam will be comprehensive for the course and will consist of multiple choice, true/false and short answer questions. The final exam may not be made up without prior approval from the instructor.
Trip
Towards the end of the semester the class will be given the option to take an outdoor rock climbing trip. During this trip you will be given an opportunity to participate in an experiential learning session that utilizes your newly developed skills and knowledge in the activity of rock climbing in an outdoor setting. Climbing gear and trip leadership will be provided, however transportation and lunch are not included. Details will be discussed in class. (*Note- In the event of inclement weather, the outdoor trip may be cancelled)
Academic Integrity:
All students are expected to abide by the student conduct code regarding academic integrity. All violations will be reported to the Office of Judicial Affairs.
Open Door Policy
The School of Physical Education has an open door policy. Any student enrolled in this class who has any concerns about the course may take these concerns to the instructor, or the Basic Instruction Program director and Associate Dean, Dr. Lynn Housner. The concerns may be expressed in either verbal or written form. Dr. Lynn Housner is located in room 278 of the Coliseum. His telephone number is 293-3295 ext.5287 and his email is lhousner@mail.wvu.edu.
Social Justice Statement:
West Virginia University is committed to social justice. I concur with that commitment and expect to maintain a positive learning environment based upon open communication, mutual respect, and non-discrimination. Our University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veterans status, religion, sexual orientation, color or national origin. Any suggestions as to how to further such a positive and open environment in this class will be appreciated and given serious consideration.
Disability Statement:
If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to participate in this class, please advise me and make appropriate arrangements with Disability Services at 293-6700.
Assumption of Risk:
As with everything else in life, there are inherent risks involved with participation in this class. It is the responsibility of the student to decide whether or not to accept these risks. Please notify the instructor if concerns arise. All students are required to read, complete and sign the appropriate release/medical forms prior to participation in the off-campus trip.
Tentative Course Schedule:
Oct. 16th- Class Introduction/Syllabus Review; Philosophy; Mental and Physical Challenges of Climbing; Intro to Climbing Techniques and Skills
Oct. 18th- Moving on Rock- Climbing Techniques; Equipment- Shoes and Chalk (Skill Test # 1)
Oct. 23rd- Equipment- Ropes, Harnesses, Carabiners, Belay/Rappel Devices, Helmets, Webbing/Runners (Skill Test # 2); Types of Climbing; Intro to Top Rope Systems
Oct. 25th- Climbing Hazards; CW Rules and Safety Standards (Skill Test # 3); Knots for Climbing (Skill Test #4); Belay Set-up & Climbing Commands (Skill Tests # 5 & 6)
Oct. 30th- Belay Skills- Belaying, Catching Falls, Lowering- group 1
Nov. 1st- Belay Skills- Belaying, Catching Falls, Lowering- group 2
Nov. 6th- Review/Practice of Belay Skills- Belaying, Catching Falls, Lowering
Nov. 8th- Climbing Day- Practice/Test Skills Indoors (Skills Tests # 7, 8 & 9)
Nov. 13th- Climbing Day
Nov. 15th- Climbing Day; Discussion on Climbing Ethics (Skills Test #10)
Nov. 20th & 22nd Thanksgiving Break- No Classes
Nov. 27th- Climbing Day
Nov. 29th- Climbing Day; Details for Trip
Dec. 1st - Optional Trip- Outdoor Climbing at Cooper’s Rock State Forest
Dec. 4th- Climbing Day; Review for Final Exam
Dec. 6th- Final Exam