Course

Therapeutic Recreation Foundations

Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Department
Therapeutic Recreation
Course code
THRT 1101
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
30
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
This course introduces the philosophical and theoretical concepts of therapeutic recreation. The theoretical concepts are examined and applied in the form of therapeutic recreation service models, which provide direction for the development and delivery of therapeutic recreation. Attitude development is explored while looking at sensitive terminology and empowerment of all individuals. The therapeutic recreation process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation is introduced and applied in examining a broad range of consumer services. The development of therapeutic recreation as a profession is also addressed.
Course content

The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course.  Course content will be guided by research, empirical knowledge, and best practice.  The following values and principles, consistent with professional standards, inform course content:

  • Exploring the philosophical and theoretical basis for therapeutic recreation service that provide practitioners with a foundation of practice including humanism, positive emotion, strengths-based practice, and a person-centred approach
  • Understanding how personal and societal attitudes influence behaviour choices and choice of terminology towards people who are often viewed as marginalized
  • Exploring self-awareness develops inquisitive and contemplative practitioners
  • Knowledge of a variety of therapeutic recreation service models that informs and recognizes different approaches to practice
  • The therapeutic recreation process is essential to delivering intentional needs-based leisure interventions intended to bring about changes in leisure related knowledge, behaviour, or skills leading to increased quality of life and health
  • Exploring the development of therapeutic recreation historically provides context for reviewing current experiences and future opportunities
  • Purposeful leisure provides opportunities of empowerment, dignity of risk, interdependence, valued social roles, choice, self-efficacy and increased quality of life and health.
Learning activities

In this course, students engage in a variety of learning activities such as lecture, discussion, group work, case studies, team-based exercises, and community experiences.

Means of assessment

Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course. This is a graded course.

Typical means of evaluation would include a combination of:

  • Testing
  • Written assignments
  • Presentations

Instructors may use a student’s record of attendance and/or level of active participation in a course as part of a student’s grade performance.  Where this occurs, expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation will be clearly defined in the instructor’s course outline and allowed for in the course curriculum guideline.

This course may have an assignment that has been identified as part of the TR Department Research Framework and therefore the assignment must be passed at a minimum of a C (60%) level in order for a student to achieve a C (60%) final grade in the course. Each course outline will clearly identify these research framework assignments if relevant.

Students in the TR program, both diploma and degree students, are required to attain a minimum of 60% (C letter grade) in all courses utilized for credit towards a diploma and/or degree in Therapeutic Recreation in order to progress in the program.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Explore the philosophical and theoretical basis for therapeutic recreation service
  2. Describe the inter-relationship between attitude development, intention, and behaviour
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of therapeutic recreation service models
  4. Describe the therapeutic recreation process
  5. Explain the development of therapeutic recreation as a profession
Textbook materials

Textbooks and materials are to be purchased by students.  A list of required textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of the semester.

Requisites

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Equivalencies

None

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer details for THRT 1101
Simon Fraser University (SFU) No credit
University of British Columbia - Okanagan (UBCO) UBCO HMKN_O 1st (3)
University of British Columbia - Vancouver (UBCV) UBCV KIN_V 1st (3)
University of Northern BC (UNBC) UNBC ORTM 1XX (3) or UNBC RRT 1XX (3)
University of Victoria (UVIC) UVIC EPHE 1XX (1.5)

Course Offerings

Fall 2025

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
30
Currently enrolled
0
Remaining seats:
30
On waitlist
0
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. A
Room
A2081
Times:
Start Time
10:30
-
End Time
12:20
Section notes

This course is restricted to TR students enrolled in the In Person TR Diploma or TR Degree program

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
30
Currently enrolled
0
Remaining seats:
30
On waitlist
0
Building
Online
Room
ONLINE
Times:
Start Time
18:30
-
End Time
21:20
Section notes

This course is restricted to TR students enrolled in the Online TR Diploma program. This course will include a combination of synchronous and asynchronous online activities. Students should plan to be available online at scheduled course times. The schedule will be provided on the first day of class