All of my courses are offered on a workshop basis--and are held at varying places and times throughout the semester.  After registering for the class, be sure to write down a schedule of meeting dates and locations.  The normal ISU class schedule does not have enough room for all the important details.  To get those details--and I can't emphasize enough how important this is--call the Outdoor Program Office (236-3912), or better yet, check at the following website maintained by the Outdoor Program: outdoor class schedule.
 

Outdoor Education Minor

Idaho State University now offers a minor in Outdoor Education Minor.  For more information, including a  list of classes and descriptions, see Outdoor Education Minor. If desired, you are also welcome to view the proposal which developed prior to its approval. 
 

Summary of Classes

The following is a listing of my classes and additional sources of information:
 

Survey of Outdoor Literature PE 440 - 2 Credits Fall Semester Only

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Brief Description:  This is a course on outdoor literature. Outdoor literature, of course, is a broad topic and includes several different genres including writings in outdoor adventure, nature, the environment, and adventure travel writing.  To keep things manageable, the emphasis of this course is on outdoor adventure writing:  exploration, survival, sailing, mountaineering, whitewater boating, kayaking, etc.  But outdoor adventure writing can't be totally divorced from other related genres. There are a number of key works which--although not technically outdoor adventure--have had a profound influence in all outdoor writing.  One prime example is Thoreau's Walden.       In addition to covering important works which had an influence on outdoor adventure writing, it is also the purpose of this course to provide some sense of history.  Outdoor adventure activities such as mountaineering and river running have a rich history populated with fascinating men and women, and filled with triumphs and failures, and real-life mysteries.  Thus this class encompasses outdoor adventure, its history and the writings which influence outdoor adventure.   To provide variety, readings will be selected from a range of different outdoor activities.  Some of those activities include survival, mountaineering, horseback riding, river running, arctic exploration, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, desert hiking, and backpacking.  For More Information: Scheduling Information (Semesters Taught, Times, Meeting Places) Class Syllabus Other Information: Annotated List of Primary Works Used in the Class

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Methods of Teaching Outdoor Activities PE 445 - 3 Credits Spring Semester Only

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Brief Description:  This culminating course for outdoor education minors consists of two parts: a study of the objectives, programs and methods of teaching outdoor recreation activities followed by a practicum experience in which students assist in teaching and leading outdoor activities.  For more information: Scheduling Information (Semesters Taught, Times, Meeting Places) Class Syllabus

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Outdoor Leadership PE 386 - 2 Credits Spring  Semester Only

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Brief Description:  The Outdoor Leadership course, held in a seminar format, is designed to provide students with the knowledge to organize and lead outdoor activities. Topics covered include leadership styles, leadership theory, teaching methods, liability, program promotion, planning meeting, safety and environmental impact. During the course of the semester, students will help teach selected outdoor skills and organize and lead at least one trip.  For more information: Scheduling Information (Semesters Taught, Times, Meeting Places) Class Syllabus Knots Minimizing Impact Minimizing the Liability Exposure of Outdoor Recreation Programs A Model Theory of Outdoor Program Approaches

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Map & Compass Workshop PE 282 - 1 Credit (Fall Semester) (Also Available as PE 491 Summer Workshop)

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Brief Description: The use of map and compass is one of the most basic of outdoor skills.  This class is designed to provide enough information and practical experience that students will feel comfortable with land navigation techniques.  Topics covered include:  map symbols, contour line identification, Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinate System, township and range surveying system, latitude and longitude, map scales, declination, resection and map and field bearings.  During the class students go on three map and compass courses.  For more information: Scheduling Information (Semesters Taught, Times, Meeting Places) Class Syllabus Other Information: Teaching Map & Compass Courses. This not a required reading assignment for the course, but if you'd like some background on the class, it provides details on my philosophy of teaching map and compass, the teaching progression I use for the class, and reasons why I cover certain types of material.  I Have My Art. This is personal story about an incident in which a map, compass and art all played a role.

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Avalanche Safety Workshop PE 286 - 1 Credit Spring Semester Only

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Brief Description:  Avalanches are, by far, the most serious mountain hazard in the winter, and this course helps equip winter travelers with the knowledge and skills to minimize or avoid these hazards. Lecture topics include: snow crystal identification, snow pack metamorphism and factors influencing avalanche formation. Field sessions include: snow pit analysis, use of transceivers, rescue techniques and backcountry safety considerations.  For more information: Scheduling Information (Semesters Taught, Times, Meeting Places) Class Syllabus.  Avalanche Safety in the Backcountry. (Concise, general guidelines for winter travel.) Other Information: Teaching Avalanche Courses. This not a required paper for the course, but if you' like some background on the class, it provides details on my philosophy of teaching avalanche courses, the teaching progression I use for the class, and reasons why I cover certain types of material.

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Practical Outdoor Skills PE 281 - 1 Credit Fall & Spring Semesters

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NOTE: Practical Outdoor Skills is currently being taught by Justin Daly, Outdoor Activities Coordinator with the Outdoor Program.  He can be reached at 283-3912. Brief Description:  This class is a broad overview of outdoor education and outdoor adventure activities.  It is designed primarily for Physical Education majors, but anyone interested in an introductory course in outdoor education will find it informative. Students will have an opportunity to participate in several outdoor activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, canoeing, and outdoor navigation.      It also covers skills which are basic to any activity in the outdoors, including practical outdoor knots, water treatment, route finding with map and compass, sheltering strategies, outdoor emergencies and first aid, essential equipment and clothing, minimal impact techniques, and fire building under adverse conditions.  For more information: Scheduling Information (Semesters Taught, Times, Meeting Places) Class Syllabus. Knots Learned in Class Minimizing Impact The Ten Essentials Sample Of Outdoor Activity Lesson Plan Required for Class

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Canoe Workshop PE 491 - 1 Credit  (Summer Workshop)

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Brief Description:  The Canoe Workshop is held during the summer and consists of evening lectures, a day long practice session at a local lake, and an overnight canoe trip. Designed as a starter course in canoeing, this class encompasses both the American Red Cross and Indian canoeing styles, and covers paddling techniques, canoe design, equipment, clothing, route navigation, safety and rescue.  For more information: Scheduling Information (Semesters Taught, Times, Meeting Places) Class Syllabus

 
 

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