Course Descriptions
Master of Arts in Sustainable Leisure Management
SLM 600 (3) Foundations of Sustainable Leisure Management
This intensive course elaborates on the goals and objectives of the Masters degree program and details the linkages between learning outcomes, teamwork, program design, the expectations of work experiences, and the thesis requirement, through field-based learning, classroom-based discussions, simulations, readings, etc. as well as the experiential learning model. (20:0:0 —20 for 2 weeks)
Prerequisite: Admission to Master of Arts in Sustainable Leisure Management.
SLM 601 (3) Leisure and Sustainability: Principles and Paradigms
Principles, paradigms, and practices influencing leisure activities and service providers are examined. Learners will compare, contrast, and critique sustainability frameworks in the leisure services industry, with a worldview of environmental, social, and economic consequences inherent in the effort to plan, design, deliver, and monitor leisure services at all industry levels. (10:0:0 for 4 weeks)
Prerequisite: Admission to Master of Arts in Sustainable Leisure Management.
SLM 602 (3) Case Studies in Sustainability and Innovation
Learners will discuss, critique and apply core concepts, principles, and practices of sustainability to leisure industry case studies. The focus is on critical thinking and analysis of the mission and practices of public institutions, nonprofits and commercial enterprises and their effort to advance social, economic, and environmental policy and practices. (0:10:0 for 4 weeks)
Prerequisite: Admission to Master of Arts in Sustainable Leisure Management.
SLM 603 (3) Knowledge Creation and Mobilization I
How knowledge is created, interpreted and mobilized is examined from conceptualization of a research question to dissemination of results. Learners will discuss methodological issues by analyzing case studies. Students will begin work on their thesis by developing a research "concept proposal" which identifies literature, gaps, and potential research questions. (10:0:0 for 4 weeks)
Prerequisite: Admission to Master of Arts in Sustainable Leisure Management.
SLM 604 (3) Influencing Change Towards Sustainability
An overview of the practices, procedures and processes to influence change towards sustainability in communities, enterprises, and organizations. Learners will be exposed to theories on change, innovation, human behaviour, and collaboration. Strategies to influence change focus on community development, leadership, collaboration and partnerships, and strategic planning. (10:0:0 for 4 weeks)
Prerequisite: SLM 600, SLM 601, SLM 603, and SLM 606.
SLM 605 (3) Knowledge Creation and Mobilization II
Learners acquire analytical skills for analysis, interpretation and communication of knowledge within the leisure system. Emphasis will be placed on the development of a research proposal that will become a thesis. A framework to critique, improve and present the research proposal will be employed to strengthen literature, issues in design, and integration of ethics. (10:0:0 for 4 weeks)
Prerequisite: SLM 600, SLM 601, SLM 603, and SLM 606.
SLM 606 (9) Field Experience
Learners will apply the lens of sustainability or innovation concepts to a "real world" setting and engage in a project where they work with a set of identified stakeholders. Each student prepares a detailed study plan and sets out the strategy for dissemination and application of outcomes. (0:60:0 —240 for 4 weeks)
Prerequisite: SLM 600.
SLM 607 (9) Thesis Research
A continuation of the analytical and critical thinking skills, together with an in-depth understanding of specific sustainability issues, and application of the core knowledge creation and mobilization learning outcomes. The thesis requires demonstration of writing and oral defense of original research. (0:0:0 —80 for weeks)
Prerequisite: SLM 604 and SLM 605.