Syllabus
Course: PE 189 Outdoor Living Skills
Semester fall 2007
Course Credit
& Format: 1 hour credit, lecture/laboratory
Day/Time: Class- Tuesday / Thursday 1:00pm-2:15pm
Weekend Trip- September 21st-22nd or 22nd-23rd
Location: Coliseum room 279
Instructor: Nathan R. Kile
Room 240, Coliseum
Phone- (304) 293-3295, ext. 5290
Email- Nathan.Kile@mix.wvu.edu
Office Hours- Mon./Wed. 2:00-4:00, Tue./Thurs. 11:00-12:00, or by appointment
Prerequisites: None
Text: O’Bannon, M. & Clelland, M. (2001). Allen & Mike’s really cool backpackin’ book. Montana: Falcon Publishing.
Required Equipment: Some personal items will be needed for the trip portion of the course.
Other Details: This class requires an off-campus trip. Transportation is not provided.
Course Objectives:
The objective of this course is to provide a comprehensive overview of the activity of backpacking. This course will cover the basic equipment, skills, and knowledge necessary to safely travel and camp in the outdoors. The class will consist of both hands-on experience and classroom instruction. Following the scheduled class dates, class members will demonstrate their new skills and knowledge by participating in an off-campus backpacking trip with the class.
Expected Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
1. Explain their personal philosophy of backpacking as a leisure activity and describe why they are interested in the sport.
2. Explain how to properly dress for a variety of environmental and weather conditions.
3. Identify and physically demonstrate how to properly operate/utilize the necessary equipment for backpacking including: backpacks, stoves, sleeping bags/pads, water filters, etc.
4. Create a written trip plan for overnight outdoor excursions.
5. Define risk management and explain procedures to manage hazards present in an outdoor environment while backpacking.
6. Demonstrate the basic campcraft skills necessary to stay healthy and comfortable in the backcountry.
7. Develop a personal environmental ethic for outdoor living.
8. Participate in an overnight backpacking trip.
Grade Assignment:
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90% and above |
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A |
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80 to 89% |
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B |
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70 to 79% |
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C |
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65 to 69% |
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D |
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below 65% |
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F |
Grading Criteria:
Final grades will be dependent upon attendance, skill demonstrations, a written final exam, and participation on the overnight backcountry trip.
Attendance and Participation 20% (10 class sessions X 2 points each = 20 points)
Skill Demonstrations 40% (5 skill demonstrations X 8 points each = 40 points)
Final Exam 15% (1 exam X 15 points = 15 points)
Trip 25% (Trip participation = 25 points)
Total 100%
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 two points off the student’s attendance grade. Students are responsible for all course content taught during an absence. Exams 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 written 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.
Trip
After the final in-class date the class will go on a mandatory overnight backpacking trip. During this trip the students will participate in an experiential learning session that utilizes their newly developed skills and knowledge. Backpacking gear and trip leadership will be provided, however transportation and meals are not included. Details will be discussed in class.
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. 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 the final trip.
Tentative Course Schedule:
Aug. 21st- Class Introduction/Syllabus Review; Philosophy Talk
Aug. 23rd- Dressing for Success in the Outdoors; Backpacks, Sleeping Bags, Sleeping Pads, & Personal Gear ***SKILL DAY 1 (rolling pads and stuffing bags)
Aug. 28th- Shelter (tents and tarps) ***SKILL DAY 2 (tent/tarp pitching)
Aug. 30th- Cooking Systems (stoves, pots, pans, etc.); What to Eat in the Great Outdoors ***SKILL DAY 3 (safe stove use)
Sept. 4th- Water Issues & Purification; Trip Planning ***SKILL DAY 4 (trip planning assignment presented)
Sept. 6th- Avoiding Trail Miseries; Camp Hygiene; Navigation Skills (Trip plan due)
Sept. 11th- “A Walk in the Woods”; When Nature Calls; Leave No Trace; Trail Etiquette
Sept. 13th- Expedition Behavior; Risk Management and Outdoor Hazards; What to do when things go wrong?
Sept. 18th- Adjusting and Packing your Pack; Course Review / Q & A ***SKILL DAY 5 (pack sizing and adjustment)
Sept. 20th- Final Exam; Prep for Final Trip
Sept. 21st, 22nd, 23rd- Final Trips (Group #1- Meet at Coliseum at TBD on Friday, return by TBD on Saturday; Group #2- Meet at Coliseum at TBD on Saturday, return by TBD on Sunday)