Course Syllabus

OLE 2750 River/Water Technical Leadership

Course Description

This course provides a combination of theoretical background and technical aspects of leading and managing groups in a water environment and will emphasize hands-on skill development such as equipment selection, care, and maintenance, equipment nomenclature, strokes, self and group rescues, reading and recognizing water features/hydrology, site management, risk management, and related emergency procedures. (Additional fee and field trips required.)

Justification

This course provides students the opportunity to develop and increase their water related skills and leadership abilities beyond the participant level. It is required for the OLE degree and certificates of proficiency. It helps prepare students to seek professional certifications.

General Education Outcomes

1. A student who completes the GE curriculum will have a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world, with particular emphasis on American institutions, the social and behavioral sciences, the physical and life sciences, the humanities, the fine arts and personal wellness.  Students will utilize a social science lens to study, understand, and apply theories, concepts, and phenomenon as it relates to outdoor leadership in a water (flat and moving) environment. Students will study historical and contemporary events and theories (including but not limited to decision-making, group development/teamwork, and communication). Additionally, case studies, individual and group projects, written assignments, discussion, and practical hands-on applications will be utilized.
2. A student who completes the GE curriculum can read, retrieve, evaluate, interpret, and deliver information using a variety of traditional and electronic media. Students are required to read, retrieve, and interpret a variety of data from charts, graphs, maps, online resources, and current print sources to complete assignments and activities. Retrieving, evaluating, and interpreting accurate data is essential for group effectiveness, efficiency, and safety. Students will be assessed through participation, and projects.
3. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason analytically, critically, and creatively about nature, culture, facts, values, ethics, and civic policy. Students will apply hands-on critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical reasoning while paddling flat and moving water. This will be assessed through discussion, practical application, and written assignments. They will also develop an appreciation and understanding of nature and culture, by researching and presenting one of the seven principles of Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics specific to water environments. Issues and ethics regarding water's value, cultural impact, and civic policy will be addressed.
4. A student who completes the GE curriculum can either (a) solve a problem using information and methodologies from more than one discipline; or (b) identify the College’s general education outcomes and explain ways in which they have achieved those outcomes.  A) Students will have opportunities to develop, utilize, and assess critical thinking and problem solving. They will apply knowledge from multiple disciplines (including math, science, and social science) to evaluate and address water/river dynamics and group management.

General Education Knowledge Area Outcomes

1. A) Students will apply teamwork, outdoor leadership
   and group management specific to water/river environments. Students will learn the skills and techniques necessary to safely conduct water based trips. They will rely on each other to efficiently paddle several objectives. Working effectively as a team will be assessed through discussion, written assessment, and practical assessment. A) Students will apply teamwork, outdoor leadership
   and group management specific to water/river environments. Students will learn the skills and techniques necessary to safely conduct water based trips. They will rely on each other to efficiently paddle several objectives. Working effectively as a team will be assessed through discussion, written assessment, and practical assessment.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate outdoor leadership and group management specific to river/water environments.
2. Demonstrate fundamental paddling strokes and display efficient boat handling techniques.
3. Display effective boating safety and appropriate methods for varied circumstances.
4. Recognize/identify water features and the river classification system.
5. Efficiently paddle flat and moving water.
6. Exhibit self and group rescue techniques.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of water-based camping principles and techniques.
8. Demonstrate appropriate Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics specific to river/water environments.

Course Content

Outdoor Leadership in a River/Water Environment: teamwork, communication, group dynamics etc.
Equipment: Apparel, PFD, Paddle, Boats/Boards
Safety
Transportation/Carrying
Basic Paddle Strokes: Forward/Reverse Power, Sweep, Draw, Pry, J, C, On-side/Off-side, Duffek, High brace, Low brace, Solo paddling
Flatwater Rescues
Moving Water, Reading Water Features, International Scale of River Difficulty
Moving Water Maneuvers
Moving Water Rescues
Water Craft Camping Techniques
River/Water specific Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics