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Academics

Courses

The following classes are offered through the Department of Kinesiology in partnership with Venture Outdoor Leadership. 

Reminder: All students are welcome to enroll in Outdoor Adventure classes as electives (space permitting) by emailing the appropriate instructor to obtain an authorization to register. However, those currently enrolled in the Kinesiology Outdoor Adventure Leadership minor receive priority registration.   

KNES 1231 – Introduction to Outdoor Adventure (IOA) (2 credits, Fall/Spring)
Prerequisites: Open to all, but requires authorization of instructor

This course provides an introduction to adventure education leadership through active participation in various adventure activities and reflection. Students can use this course as an entry point to the student leader program and to the Outdoor Adventure Leadership minor. A special fee is assessed.

KNES 2230 – Wilderness Experience (2 credits, Fall)
Prerequisites: Open to all, but requires authorization of instructor

This course provides students with a series or progressive challenges and reflection on these challenges. The course goals are two-fold: first, to gain deeper understanding of oneself and relationships through participation in in-depth group experiences; and, second, to gain the skills and knowledge necessary for conducting one’s own backpacking trips. The course includes 2 weekend backpacking trips in addition to lecture/ class time. A special fee will be charged to cover the costs of the trips.

KNES 2233 – Rock Climbing (2 credits, Fall/Spring)
Prerequisites: Open to all, but requires authorization of instructor

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.

KNES 2236 – Challenge Course Activities (2 credits, Fall)
Prerequisites: Open to all, but requires authorization of instructor

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. 

KNES 2237 – Raft Guiding (2 credits, Spring)
Prerequisites: KNES 1231. Must be a KOAL Minor and permission of instructor.

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. 

KNES 2238 – Whitewater Kayaking (2 credits, alternate Fall)
Prerequisites: Open to all, but requires authorization of instructor

This course is an introduction to 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. 

KNES 2239 – Rock Climbing Management (2 credits, Spring)
Prerequisites: KNES 1231. Must be a KOAL Minor and permission of instructor.

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.

KNES 3230 – Wilderness Trip Leading (3 credits, Spring)
Prerequisites: KNES 1231. Must be a KOAL Minor and permission of instructor.

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

KNES 3235 – Challenge Course Facilitation (3 credits, Fall)
Prerequisites: KNES 1231. Must be a KOAL Minor and permission of instructor.

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. 

KNES 3236 – Theory & Foundations of Adventure Education (3 credits, Spring)
Prerequisites: Must be a KOAL Minor or permission of instructor

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. 

KNES 4431 – Outdoor Adventure Leadership Practicum (2-4 credits, Fall/Spring)
Prerequisites: KNES 3236 AND 2237, 2239, 3230 or 3235, must be a KOAL Minor or permission of instructor

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, journaling, and independent study.