Courses

• 2 Credits
• Fall & Spring Semesters
• Prerequisites: None
• Course Fee? Yes - contact Instructor for details

This course provides an introduction to adventure education through active participation in various adventure activities and self-reflection. Students can use this course as an entry point to employment with Venture Outdoor Leadership and to the Outdoor Adventure Leadership minor. A special fee is assessed.

• 2 credits
• Fall Semester
• Prerequisites: None
• Course Fee Assessed? Yes - Contact instructor for details

This course will introduce you to backpacking, camping, and wilderness travel. We will use an experiential learning model to help you grow your leadership skills.  The course goals are two-fold: 

1. To gain deeper understanding of yourself and relationships through participation in in-depth group experiences.
2. To gain the skills and knowledge necessary for conducting your own backpacking trips. 

The course includes at least 2 weekend backpacking trips in addition to lecture/ class time. A special fee will be charged to cover the costs of the trips.

• 2 credits
• Fall Semester and Spring Semester
• Prerequisites: None
• Course Fee Assessed: Yes - Contact Instructor for details

This course introduces students to the sport of rock climbing, including belaying and safety systems, climbing techniques, and the mental aspects of climbing. Students can expect a combination of lecture-style classroom sessions, time at our indoor climbing wall, and weekend trips to outdoor climbing sites. A special fee will be charged to cover the costs of the weekend trips

• 2 credits
• Fall Semester
• Prerequisites: None
• Course Fee Assessed?  No

Students will have a small group team experience using a wide variety of challenge course activities (i.e., ropes course, trust exercises, group initiatives). The focus of this course is on expanding students’ self knowledge and understanding of how to work effectively with and to lead others. 

• 2 credits
• Offered on a variable schedule
• Prerequisites: OAL Minor and/or Venture Student Leader/ Employee
• Course Fee Assessed?  Yes - See Instructor for details

This advanced course is designed for experienced students to learn the knowledge, skills, and abilities to guide rafting trips. Students must be comfortable being immersed in turbulent water. Special fee assessed to cover the cost of weekend trips. 

• 2 credits
• Every-other Fall Semester
• Prerequisites: Comfort in swift water
• Course Fee Assessed? Yes - See Instructor for details

This course is an introduction to whitewater kayaking with an emphasis on boat control, safety, the rolling/ self-rescue, river reading, and paddling strokes. Students must be comfortable being immersed in turbulent water. Special fee assessed to cover the cost of weekend trips. 

• 2 credits
• Spring Semester
• Prerequisites: Basic rock climbing skills; OAL Minor and/or Venture Student Leader Employee

This advanced course will introduce students to knowledge, skills, and abilities to manage top-rope climbing sites.  The course will emphasize setting anchors, managing a rock climbing site, safety systems and rescues, and climbing techniques. The course will include: lecture-style classroom instruction, use of our indoor climbing wall, and weekend trips to outdoor climbing sites. A special fee will be charged to cover the costs of the weekend trips.

• 3 credits
• Spring Semester
• Prerequisites: OAL Minor and/or Venture Student Leader Employee

This advanced course will help students develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities to lead backpacking trips for groups. The course will include: lecture-style classroom instruction and weekend trips.  A special fee will be charged to cover the costs of trips.

•  3 credits
• Fall Semester
• Prerequisites: OAL Minor and/or Venture Student Leader Employee
  • Exceptions may be made for students training for a job on a ropes course (e.g. summer camp or National Whitewater Center)
  • Contact the Instructor for more information on exceptions to the prereq's
• Course Fee Assessed?  No

This advanced course will focus on the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely and effectively facilitate team building groups, including on high and low challenge courses.  The course will include: lecture-style classroom instruction and weekend days at the Team Challenge Course and High Team Challenge Course.  Students will also observe actual Venture Outdoor Leadership team building programs in addition to classroom time. 

• 3 credits
• Spring Semester
• Prerequisites: OAL Minors and/ or Venture Student Leader Employees are given priority
  • Exceptions may be made for students studying education, those interested in experiential learning theory, or related subjects.
  • Contact the Instructor for details.
• Course Fee Assessed?  No

This course will explore the history, philosophical foundations, proposed outcomes, and operational theories common in outdoor adventure education. This course will include lecture-style classroom instruction and interactive outcome-based activities. 

• 2-4 credits
• Fall Semester and Spring Semester
• Prerequisites:  
  • OAL Minor and/or Venture Student Leader Employee
  • KNES 3236
  • One of the following: KNES 2237, KNES 2239, KNES 3230 or KNES 3235

This capstone course for the Outdoor Adventure Leadership Minor, provides an opportunity to take on a defined leadership role with Venture Outdoor Leadership or other outdoor programs.  The course may include field work, reflection/ journaling, and independent study. 

If you are completing the minor, you can earn all 18 credits by taking all Venture courses. 

Other approved electives can be found in various departments across campus including:

• Communications (e.g. COMM 3135 - Leadership, Communication and Group Dynamics)
• Environmental Science (e.g. ESCI 2010 - National Parks: Science Behind the Scenery)
• Psychology (e.g. PSYC3111 - Psychology of Learning)

Independent study is also available as elective credit when approved in advance.  For example, you can earn up to 3 credits for earning your Wilderness First Responder certification.

For a complete list of approved electives, refer to Banner Self-Service and DegreeWorks. 

For questions on elective coursework, contact David Sperry.