Recreation and Sports Studies

NOTE: See the beginning of Section H for abbreviations, course numbers and coding.

General Information

KIN 1001 is considered to be a prerequisite or co-requisite to all other Kinesiology (KIN) and Recreation (RSS) courses for students enrolled in one of the degree programs offered by the Faculty of Kinesiology.

Kinesiology (KIN) courses are grouped together and listed in their own section of this calendar.

Unless otherwise stated, prerequisite shall mean a D or better in the prerequisite course.

POLICY ON NON-FACULTY OF KINESIOLOGY STUDENTS TAKING KIN AND/ OR RSS COURSES

Due to the extensive number of KIN and RSS courses full with a waitlist, and to the highly competitive nature of upper-year admissions, the number of KIN and RSS credit hours that a student not registered in a degree program offered by the Faculty of Kinesiology may register for is limited. Students not registered in a degree program offered by the Faculty of Kinesiology, and wishing to register for KIN and/or RSS courses shall be governed by the following:

  1. A student not registered in a degree program offered by the Faculty of Kinesiology must have permission of the course instructor to register in any KIN and RSS course.
  2. Normally, all students must have successfully completed all required prerequisites to a KIN or RSS course prior to admission to KIN and RSS courses. Waiver of prerequisites is permissible only with consent of the instructor.
  3. In all KIN and RSS courses, students registered in a degree program offered by the Faculty of Kinesiology will be given priority.
  4. Normally, KIN 1001 shall be restricted to students in the degree programs offered by the Faculty of Kinesiology.
  5. Normally, KIN 1001 is the prerequisite to all 2000, 3000 and 4000 level KIN and RSS courses.
  6. Normally, students not registered in a degree program offered by the Faculty of Kinesiology shall be limited to twelve (12) credit hours of KIN/RSS courses.
RSS1042History of Sport and Recreation3 ch (3C) (W)

This course is designed as an introductory examination of the historical roots of sport, recreation and human movement in western civilization. Significant events and personalities will be highlighted to provide an overview of the sub-discipline of the history of human movement phenomena. 

Prerequisite: KIN 1001 or consent of the instructor. 

RSS1081Health and Wellness3 ch (3C)

An examination of health behaviours of individuals, encompassing social, physical, emotional, and intellectual aspects of health and wellness. The course will use health research to address health concerns, trends, risks, and repercussions associated with health decision-making. Credit cannot be received for both RSS 1081 and NURS 1225.

RSS1213Leisure, Recreation and Sport Concepts3 ch (3C)

This course will examine the meanings of and relationships among leisure, recreation, and sport in society. Ideas and philosophies that have shaped contemporary society related to time use, work, and associated concepts will be explored.

Prerequisite: KIN 1001

RSS2011Management of Sport, Recreation and Wellness Organizations3 ch (3C) (W)

Introduces the students to the concepts and skills required to successfully manage current and future sport, recreation and wellness organizations in a variety of settings in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. Includes both theoretical and practical perspectives to help the students understand not only the WHAT and HOW of management, but also the WHY. 

RSS2023Sociology of Sport, Leisure & Physical Activity 3 ch (3C)

Explores sport, physical activity, and leisure as social phenomena and important aspects of modern society. Examine many of the same sociological issues within the framework of sport, physical activity, and leisure that exist in society as a whole. More specifically, consider the cultural aspects of sport, physical activity and leisure; how they are related to social institutions (such as education, politics, and economics); and how they affect and are affected by social inequalities. 

Prerequisites: KIN 1001 or permission of the instructor.
RSS2032Recreation and Sport Programs and Events3 ch (3C) (W)

Provides students with an understanding of some theoretical concepts related to programming and the techniques and procedures used to develop and implement programs and events in the recreation and sport context. Deals with the underlying principles of planning recreation programs and events and the techniques and procedures used to develop and implement these, and relates these principles to a variety of recreation settings to meet the needs of different interest levels.

Prerequisite: RSS 1213 or permission of the instructor.

RSS2052Foundations of Tourism (A)3 ch (3C)

Presents both the conceptual and the operational aspects of the tourism industry from a number of points of view including motivations for travel, economic impact, product development, market analysis and future trends.

RSS2061Recreation and Sport Delivery Systems3 ch (3C) (W)
This course will examine the structures, processes and issues that are associated with the delivery of recreation, leisure and sport services in the public, not-for-profit, and commercial sectors. Particular attention will be paid to identifying similarities and differences among the sectors and the relationships that exist among them.
RSS2062Psycho-Social Aspects of Leisure3 ch (3C)

This course will examine current social psychological theory about leisure behaviour and experience. In other words, how do people's personalities and social situations that they encounter during their daily lives shape their perceptions, experiences, and responses to leisure, and how does leisure influence personality and behaviour in other life domains. This course will examine the influence of psychological and sociological impact of leisure on the individual. Specifically, this course will examine, with regard to leisure, the following areas: gender, race, violence, disability, mass media, politics, attitudes, crowd effects, youth sport, coaching leadership, and student athletes.

Prerequisite: KIN 1001 or consent of the instructor. 

RSS2223Community Development3 ch (3C) (EL)

Examine the nature of community and the concept and practice of community development in relation to sport, tourism and recreation behaviour and services. Review differing interpretations and approaches to community development and investigate current initiatives and projects that encourage citizen engagement and community development. Identify potential problems and common strategies for addressing the challenges. 

Prerequisite: RSS 1213 or permission of the course instructor.
RSS3001Assessment and Evaluation in Recreation & Sport3 ch (3C) (EL)

This course focuses on the concepts and methods relevant to the collection and analysis of data needed to address criteria and make informed decisions about the worth or improvement of systems, services, programs and facilities. Topics include understanding context, community and stakeholders, measuring user satisfaction, determining needs, attitudes, opinions and interests. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are considered and applied to actual situations.

Prerequisite: Completion of 57 ch towards BRSS or BScKin degrees or with instructor’s permission.

RSS3042Physical Literacy and Education3 ch (3L)
This course is designed to introduce the key components of Physical Literacy that lead to building a foundation for life long participation in sport and activity at both a recreational and high performance level. Using Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) and Movement Education frameworks, students will gain skills and understanding on the most effective ways to develop a physically literate person. Upon completion of this course, students will be comfortable in leading and assessing FMS for people of all ages.
RSS3043Coaching Pedagogy and Teaching 3 ch (3L)

This course is designed to provide knowledge and experience in the instruction of physical education activities that are delivered in a variety of environments. Utilizing the foundational knowledge and experience students received in RSS 3042, students will engage in the planning, delivery, and assessment of a physical education program that encourages and develops skills for life long participation and enjoyment of physical activity and sport. Upon completion of this course, students will have a level of comfort in delivering skill and age appropriate activities for youth.

Prerequisite: RSS 3042, or permission of the instructor.

RSS3051Advanced Management of Sport and Recreation (A)3 ch (3C) (W)

This course takes a critical approach to understanding management in sport and recreation through examining trends and contemporary issues in the industry. An advanced perspective of management as a complex phenomenon is employed requiring students to challenge existing management practices and seek solutions to organizational problems that are ethical, equitable and effective considering multiple stakeholders.

Prerequisite: RSS 2011, or permission of the instructor.

RSS3052Recreation, Sport and the Law (A)3 ch (3C)

This course provides an introduction to the law of negligence with emphasis on professional liability and risk management, as well the course includes an introduction to criminal law and contracts. Studied through lecture, case law and selected readings all related to recreation and sport. 

Prerequisite: RSS 2011

RSS3100Professional Internship12 ch (W)

Complete a full-time, full-term unpaid placement in a professional position with a community agency. Relate theory to practice through hands-on professional career and field experiences that are reflected upon and linked with disciplinary knowledge developed in core prerequisite courses. Applied academic learning is captured and evaluated through written assignments and a presentation. 

Prerequisites include: KIN 1001KIN 2032, RSS 1042RSS 1081RSS 1213RSS 2011, RSS 2023RSS 2032, RSS 2061, RSS 2223RSS 3001, and KIN 3093.
Credit cannot be received for RSS 3103 and RSS 3100.

RSS3103Professional Internship3 ch (W)
Complete a full-time, full-term funded placement in a professional position with a community agency. Relate theory to practice through hands-on professional career and field experiences that are reflected upon and linked with disciplinary knowledge developed in core prerequisite courses. Applied academic learning is captured and evaluated through written assignments and a presentation.


Prerequisites: KIN 1001, KIN 2032, RSS 1042, RSS 1081, RSS 1213, RSS 2011, RSS 2023, RSS 2032, RSS 2061, RSS 2223, RSS 3001, KIN 3093.
Credit cannot be received for both RSS 3013 and RSS 3100.

RSS3213Leisure Education and Facilitation Techniques (A) 3 ch (3C)

This course is designed to introduce students to leisure education concepts, theories, and related facilitation techniques. Various leisure education models, assessment tools, and intervention strategies will be explored. Consideration will be given to different settings in which leisure education can be implemented.

Prerequisite: RSS 2032 or permission of instructor. 

RSS3223Youth Development through Recreation and Sport3 ch (3C)

Understanding developmental stages of youth and the impact of recreational and sport programs and services on character, identity, self-esteem, and personal growth. Focus is on facilitating positive youth development and changes in leisure behaviour.

Prerequisite: RSS 2032 or RSS 3213 or permission of the instructor.

RSS3911Practicum 11 ch (1C/L) (EL)

Relates theory to practice through professional career and field experiences. Students should expect to participate in at least 40 hours of learning. Course deliverables and learning outcomes will be determined with the Faculty. Faculty approval is required prior to any service commitment or registration procedures.

Prerequisites: Must have completed 48 ch and have an AGPA of at least 2.5.

RSS3912Practicum 22 ch (2C/L) (EL)

Relates theory to practice through professional career and field experiences. Students should expect to participate in at least 80 hours of learning. Course deliverables and learning outcomes will be determined with the Faculty. Faculty approval is required prior to any service commitment or registration procedures.

Prerequisites: Must have completed 48 ch and have an AGPA of at least 2.5.

RSS3913Practicum I3 ch (3L) (EL)

Relates theory to practice through professional career and field experiences. Faculty approval is required prior to any service commitment or registration procedures.

Prerequisites: Must have completed 48 ch and have an AGPA of at least 2.5.

RSS3914Practicum II3 ch (3L) (EL)

Relates theory to practice through professional career and field experiences. Faculty approval is required prior to any service commitment or registration procedures. 

Prerequisites: Must have completed 48 ch and have a GPA of at least 2.5.

RSS4012Recreation and Sport Facility Operations3 ch (3C)

This course provides an overview of the organization, regulations, policies and procedures necessary to operate recreation and sport facilities in the public, private and not -for -profit sectors. It introduces options and important components of facilities from a macroscopic perspective including different levels of management, integration of operations, risk management and application of technology. This course enhances facility management skills and knowledge to support individuals working within the sport and recreation field. Students will visit a variety of facilities and experience their operations first hand. 

RSS4023Critical Perspectives on Sports/Media3 ch (3C)

This course takes a critical media studies approach to the production and consumption of sports media. It examines the construction of narratives within and through sport in various forms of mass media, including television, radio, newspapers, the internet and film, and attempts to consider the personal, social and cultural implications of such narratives. The analysis of the sport and the media will be grounded in the context of the working world of sports journalism, consumer engagement with the sports media, and wider sociological processes such as nationalism, globalization and corporate involvement in sport. 

Prerequisite: RSS 2023 or RSS 1042

RSS4024Canadian History of Pucks, Parks and Playgrounds3 ch (3C)

This course examines sport, recreation and physical cultures throughout the Canadian history, with particular focus on the period from the 19th Century onwards. Students will gain an understanding of the development and connections of sport and recreation in Canada, through diverse topics such as the playground movement, amateur and professional sport systems, the development of national and provincial parks, the institutionalization of specific sports, and the historical trajectory of physical education and fitness activities. 

PrerequisiteRSS 2023 or RSS 1042

RSS4025Modern Olympic Studies3 ch (3C)
In this course, the modern Olympic movement is considered in light of historical and sociological approaches. Students will study and debate major issues such as competitiveness, politics, nationalism, and commercialization, and assess the influence of significant individuals and events, both inside and outside of the Olympic movement, on the shape of the Olympic Games.
RSS4032Event Management3 ch (3C)

Provides senior students with a facilitated experiential learning opportunity to plan, implement and evaluate programs and events in the recreation and sport context. This course is designed to build on the foundations from prior experiences and courses. A variety of content delivery methods will be used in addition to an applied experience.

Prerequisite: RSS 2032 or permission of the instructor. 

RSS4053Financial Management of Recreation, Sport and Wellness Organizations3 ch (3C)
This course will provide students with an in-depth examination of the financial issues and challenges facing public and not-for-profit recreation sport and wellness organizations.
RSS4063Strategies for Health Promotion3 ch (3C)

This course examines strategies that enable people to increase control over and improve their health at the individual, community, organizational, and policy levels. It addresses health promotion principles and the change process, including needs identification, planning, and evaluation.

Prerequisites: RSS 1081, RSS 4083, or permission of the instructor. 

RSS4081Marketing and Sponsorship in the Recreation and Sport Industry3 ch (3C) (W)

This course involves the application of marketing and sponsorship concepts, theories, and strategies with regards to sport and recreation in the private, commercial, voluntary and public sectors. Marketing and sponsorship policies, strategies and tactics in terms of product, price, place, promotion, and public relations will be explored.

Prerequisite: ADM 1313 or permission of instructor.

RSS4083Community Health and Wellness3 ch (3C) (EL)

An examination of community and societal factors that influence health, including: income and social status, social support networks, education and literacy, employment and working conditions, social and physical environments, health services, gender, and culture. 

Prerequisite: RSS 1081

RSS4092Senior Integrative Course3 ch (EL)

This course is intended as an integrating and culminating experience for senior students in Recreation and Sport Studies. It will involve class discussions, guest speakers, case studies, etc. that will enable students to draw on their knowledge and experience to critique current issues, trends and challenges in the field. Students will be responsible for helping to identify issues to be discussed and for preparing and presenting issues in class.

Prerequisites: 90 ch and a C or better in all required 1000 and 2000 level RSS/KIN courses. Completion of the 2-day Conference Requirement. 

RSS4093Directed Studies in Recreation and Sport Studies I3 ch

Guided by a faculty member, provides an opportunity for the advanced study of theoretical concepts in a focused area in Recreation and Sport Studies that is of interest, but for which no course is offered.  Faculty approval is required prior to registration. Title of the topic will appear on the student’s transcript.

Prerequisite: Completion of 57 ch towards BRSS degree.

RSS4094Directed Studies in Recreation and Sport Studies II3 ch

Guided by a faculty member, provides an opportunity for the advanced study of theoretical concepts in a focused area in Recreation and Sport Studies that is of interest, but for which no course is offered.  Faculty approval is required prior to registration. Title of the topic will appear on the student’s transcript.

Prerequisites: Completion of 57 ch towards BRSS degree.

RSS4096Selected Topics in Recreation and Sports Studies3 ch

Selected topics of special interest in the areas of recreation and sport are examined in detail. Special emphasis will be placed on current issues. Topics will be specified by the Faculty. Title of the topic chosen will appear on the student's transcript. Faculty approval is required prior to registration. Open only to students in third year and above.

RSS4097Selected Topics in Recreation and Sports Studies3 ch

Selected topics of special interest in the areas of recreation and sport are examined in detail. Special emphasis will be placed on current issues. Topics will be specified by the Faculty. Title of the topic chosen will appear on the student's transcript. Faculty approval is required prior to registration. Open only to students in third year and above. 

RSS4242Gender, Sport and Leisure3 ch (3C)

This course will focus on recent theoretical and empirical research on, and the relationship among gender, sport, and leisure. Topics to be covered include an analysis of men’s and women’s experiences, attitudes, constraints, challenges and behaviours related to leisure and sport. Emphasis will be placed on understanding ways in which gender relations and gender role expectations affect and are affected by sport and leisure. 

Prerequisite: Must have completed 57 ch.

RSS4800Directed Studies in Recreation and Sports Studies6 ch (6C)

Guided by a faculty member, provides an opportunity for the advanced study of theoretical concepts in a focused area in Recreation and Sport Studies that is of interest, but for which no course is offered.  Faculty approval is required prior to registration. Title of the topic will appear on the student’s transcript.

Prerequisites: Completion of 57 ch towards BRSS degree. 

RSS4900Honours Research Project6 ch (W) (EL)

BRSS Honours students must complete a research project under the supervision of a faculty member. The project can take the form of a thesis, report, or case study as determined by the faculty member. A presentation is required.

Prerequisites: Students must be accepted into the BRSS Honours program (see Honours program degree requirements).

RSS4910Advanced Practicum6 ch (6C/L) (EL)

Continuation of RSS 3913 / RSS 3914.

Prerequisites: Must have completed 48 ch and have an AGPA of at least 2.5.

RSS5071Careers and People Management in Recreation and Sport Organizations (A)3 ch (3C)

This course is an examination of potential career paths for students looking to enter into the recreation and sport field. In addition, this course provides practical components regarding Human Resource Management.  Some of the topics covered include: recruitment and retention of volunteers, developing and implementing performance appraisals, understanding personalities and abilities, job design, interviewing applicants, creating reward systems, staffing, and human resource policies.

Prerequisites: This course is primarily for grad students, but upper year undergraduate students with a 3.3 GPA or higher, and an interest in people management are encouraged to enrol.