Character notes for "We Are What We Are"
Oct. 23rd, 2021 11:49 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ysabetwordsmithThese are the character notes for "We Are What We Are."
René Schrader -- He has fair skin, brown eyes, and light brown hair with a short mustache and beard. He is tall and slim with wiry muscles. His heritage is American; he speaks English and French. He is bisexual. He is 28 years old in 2016.
René earned a Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration (Comprehensive) with a double minor in Gender Studies and Religious Studies at Missouri State University in Springfield. He belonged to the clubs Bears Better Together interfaith organization, Green Student Alliance, the Kindness Commission, MSU Cycling Club, and Spectrum queer organization.
René lives in Bluehill, Missouri where he serves as the Law Enforcement / Bicycling Liaison. He runs the bike registry at the police station and ensures that local regulations are bike-friendly. He is not actually a police officer, but works closely with them. René belongs to the First Church of Lovingkindness. He belongs to the Visitation Team, reaching out to new members, shut ins, and people in distress. He has Green Heart, Wilderness First Aid, Emotional First Aid, and Spiritual First Aid certifications. René likes outdoorsy menswear in cheerful earth tones of heather purple, dusky indigo, grassy greens, goldenrod, khaki, brown, and warm gray. He often wears khakis or jeans and T-shirts with wilderness, biking, bisexual, or spiritual themes. He rarely drinks alcohol because it takes very little to get him drunk.
Qualities: Good (+2) Bisexual, Good (+2) Emotional Intelligence, Good (+2) Law Enforcement / Bicycling Liaison, Good (+2) Lovingkindness, Good (+2) Wilderness Skills
Poor (-2) Low Alcohol Tolerance
Lovingkindness appears in Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and other religions but the exact definition varies. Here are some ways to practice it.
Inclusive Church is a network of churches, groups and individuals uniting together around a shared vision
We believe in inclusive church – a church which celebrates and affirms every person and does not discriminate.
The Congregational Accessibility Network (CAN) was begun by Anabaptist Disabilities Network in 2007. In 2011, CAN became an independent organization with an international interfaith mission to encourage congregations of all faiths to include persons with disabilities. In 2014, members of the former Committee on Disabilities of National Council of Churches joined CAN to continue the mutual support and networking that occurred for many years in that setting.
Explore ways to affirm ethnic diversity in church and read a study guide on it.
Make your church more accessible for people with disabilities and do an accessibility audit on your facilities.
A church can also welcome QUILTBAG people, such as by hosting a PFLAG group. Here is a toolkit for that.
Individual members can help create a culture of inclusivity in their church, too.
The job list for church volunteers may include things like Visitation Team and Music Ministry. It is especially important that members of the Visitation Team know others in the congregation well enough to help new guests become members by matching them with compatible friends in the congregation.
Manuals on spiritual first aid come from Light Our Way, New York Disasters, and Disaster Chaplain Training. This lesson plan supports classes in spiritual first aid.
Bluehill has an extensive network of bike paths, most of them separated from street traffic. Some are single-lane, others two-lane, usually divided from the car traffic by a curbed median with hedges and from the sidewalk by a curb and/or hedges. This minimizes the opportunity for accidents. Gaps in those barriers allow traffic at crosswalks or other designated areas. The newer two-lane paths have been added or upgraded where bike traffic runs heaviest, and are painted to distinguish their lanes. In other areas there are bike paths that don't even parallel the roads, but instead take advantage of places where cars couldn't easily fit -- a "hidden" transit network largely concealed by buildings and bushes. There are also bike-only nature trails. Parts of Bluehill, such as Cambridge Commons, have roads primarily for through traffic and place a majority of parking along the edges, which encourages people to use bikes, public transit, or walking within those areas. This minimizes the conflict between bike and car traffic, as well as encouraging people to socialize rather than just zip around point-to-point in private vehicles. The availability of accessible public transport and shuttle services also prevents problems for disabled people due to reduction of close parking places. Cambridge Commons is a Diamond level bike-friendly community; other parts vary. Read more about bicycle communities.
Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration (Comprehensive)
at Missouri State University in Springfield
Major requirements (78 or 82 hours):
Note: three hours may double count in General Education requirements.
1. All coursework (including General Education Program, major(s), minor(s), if applicable), and all General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements, must be completed prior to taking REC 491, Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration Internship.
2. Specific General Education requirement: KIN 210(3) or KIN 286(3).
3. Core requirements (51 or 55 hours):
a. REC 152(3), 190(3), 200(3); REC 211(3) or 311(3); 302(3), 328(3), 335(3), 390(3), 406(3), 410(3), 415(3), 422(3), 423(3), 490(1), 491(8 or 12).
b. Three hours of skills classes, with advisor approval, from the following: KIN 110(1), 112(1), 113(1), 114(1), 118(1), 125(1), 127(1), 130(1), 133(1), 135(1), 143(1), 145(1), 147(1), 149(1), 234(2), 240(2), 260(2), 264(2), 270(1), 273(1); AGS 161(3), 162(1); MIL 101(2), 102(2), 211(2); REC 160(1), 307(3), 309(3), 451(3).
4. 24 hours from one of the following emphasis areas:
a. Health and Wellness Promotion. Prepares students for various opportunities in the fitness industry, health-related services, and wellness management and promotion. Courses required: KIN 257(2); 281 or 282(1); 350(3), 360(4), 362(4), 569(4); DTN 130(3); MKT 150(3).
b. Parks and Outdoor Recreation. Prepares students for careers in parks and outdoor recreation and outdoor education within the public or private sector in adventure recreation, outdoor recreation/education facilities, or government natural resource management agencies. Courses required: REC 211 or 311(3); 305(3), 307(3), 309(3), 325(3); 451(3) or outdoor activity hours approved by advisor: COM 325(3), GRY 318(3).
c. Recreation Management. Prepares students for careers in administering recreation services and events in the Armed Forces, municipal parks and recreation departments, campus recreation, sporting goods retail, facility management, residential camps, resort recreation, travel, tourism and hospitality industry, meeting planning, and not-for-profit organizations: at-risk youth organizations, Boys and Girls Clubs, church recreation, Scouting, and YMCA. Courses required: REC 305(3), REC 320(3), REC 325(3), KIN 234(2), KIN 468(4), BUS 135(3), MGT 286(3), MGT 340(3).
d. Sport Administration: Prepares students for careers in leadership opportunities in administering athletic programs, athletic teams, competitive sport camps and clinics, facilities and leagues; managing various sport entities, including Olympic training sites, municipal league programs, youth sport agencies, tournament management, sport administration and marketing, special event planning, retail sports industries, and coaching at the college or above level. Courses required: REC 305(3), REC 325(3); KIN 210 or 286(3); KIN 218(2), KIN 234(2), KIN 386(3), KIN 485(2), BUS 135(3), MGT 286(3).
e. Therapeutic Recreation: This emphasis has been temporarily suspended and is not being offered at this time. Contact the Kinesiology Department for more information.
f. First Aid Proficiency: Each major must show proficiency in First Aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Students must provide copies of their current First Aid and CPR cards/certifications to the internship coordinator prior to enrolling in REC 491 and maintain current certifications throughout the internship. Certifications can be completed by the following:
i. Complete the American Red Cross First Aid course and CPR course and obtain certification (see www.redcross.org for information).
ii. Complete the American Heart Association First Aid course and CPR course and obtain certification (see www.americanheart.org for information).
iii. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.
5. Public Affairs Capstone Experience will be fulfilled by completion of REC 335(3) and 491(8 or 12).
KIN 210 Healthy Lifestyles: Preventive Approaches
Prerequisite: 12 hours.
General Education Course (Focus on Public Issues).
This course introduces conceptual and practical information relating to the impact of lifestyle choices on the health and wellness of the individual and society. Students in this course study a variety of fitness-wellness topics while initially and summatively garnering personal fitness-wellness data in both academic and laboratory settings. Collected data are synthesized and critically appraised, resulting in the construction of individualized fitness-wellness programs implemented and periodically re-evaluated over the course of the semester via reflective journal writing; and periodic quizzes and examinations that tie lecture theories to laboratory practices in critical thinking-peer teaching contexts. Laboratory activities help the individual discover his/her needs for achieving and maintaining high level wellness.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 2 2 Fall, Spring
REC 152 Introduction to Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration
Implications of leisure values in society and the role that organizations, agencies, institutions and municipalities have played in the recreation, sport, and park industries. Theories, concepts, and philosophies of leisure and recreation in society. A survey of the career opportunities in the recreation, sport and park venues.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 190 Applied Social Recreation
Applied approach to developing leadership skills in games, activities, contests and social recreation activities. Activity analysis as applied to expected outcomes, instructional techniques, age appropriateness, and activity leadership skills is emphasized.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 2 2 Fall, Spring
REC 200 Inclusion and Diversity in Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration
Prerequisite: REC 152 or concurrent enrollment.
The course is designed to orient the student to the broad implications of inclusive recreation, sport, and park administration: programs and services for people of all ages, abilities, cultures, ethnicities, genders, races, and religion.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 211 Principles of Outdoor Recreation
An analysis of the history, nature, and importance of the outdoor recreation field. An overall view of outdoor recreation philosophy based on legislation, theory, geographic factors, land use, and open space factors. Field trips may be required.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 302 Ecotourism
Students will gain an appreciation for ecotourism as a recreation experience. The course will examine our local ecotourism resources and compare them to the international trends and issues related to ecotourism, models of tourism and recreation planning, and ecotourism, especially focusing on the issue of sustainability. Field trips required.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 328 Statistical Applications in Recreation, Sport and Park Administration
Prerequisite: 30 hours and completion of General Education mathematics requirement.
Introduction to statistical applications most commonly used in recreation, sport, and park administration services research; analysis, interpretation and presentation of data related to recreation, sport, and park administration services; particularly measures of central tendency and dispersion, elementary probability, probability distributions, sampling, standard error, interval estimation, and hypothesis testing. Cannot receive credit toward a degree for more than one of the following courses: AGR 330, IPE 381, MTH 340, PSY 200, QBA 237, SOC 302.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 335 Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration Practicum
Prerequisite: REC 152 and REC 190 and REC 200; and permission of practicum instructor.
A practical experience which the student can relate to classroom theory. Students are assigned to recreation, sport, and park administration agencies for exposure to structure, programming, and philosophy of the cooperating agency. Practicum experience must be a minimum of 100 hours. Students should report to the Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration office at least six (6) months prior to the semester the practicum is desired. May be repeated once for credit but each practicum must be in a different recreation, sport, and park administration agency. Public Affairs Capstone Experience course.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 0 6 Fall, Spring, Summer
REC 390 Recreation Programming
Prerequisite: REC 152 and REC 190 and REC 200 and 60 hours.
Students will examine various program areas and various approaches to program determination; development process for program planning, and gain experience in brochure and survey development.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 406 Promoting Leisure Services
Prerequisite: REC 152.
To provide the Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration students with an emphasis in Recreation Management or Sport Administration with an overview of low-cost strategies of planning and executing promotion for non-profit, government and profit making leisure services. Emphasis will be made on working with non-profit organizations.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 410 Recreation Leadership Supervision
Prerequisite: REC 152 and REC 190 and REC 200 and 60 credit hours.
A study of the processes, methods, and characteristics of leadership and supervision in the delivery of leisure services.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 415 Risk Management for Recreation, Sport, and Park Agencies
Prerequisite: 75 hours.
This course is designed to look at the various risk management concepts, laws, and administrative practices that address the legal environment of recreation, sport, and park agencies within the scope of our legal culture. Our Constitution, legal liability related to safe environs, crowd control, transportation, employee rules and regulations, workplace risk, and the general management of risk situations and aspects will be the central core of this course. May be taught concurrently with REC 415. Cannot receive credit for both REC 415 and REC 615.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 422 Recreation Facility and Area Management
Prerequisite: admission to the Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration program (major or minor); and 90 hours; and REC 390.
Elements of locating, planning, developing, maintaining, and financing various recreation facilities and areas management. Study of management principles and responsibilities applicable to leisure settings.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 423 Administration of Recreation, Sport, and Park Agencies
Prerequisite: admission to the Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration program (major or minor); and 90 hours; and REC 390.
This course is usually taken with REC 422. Presentation of administrative principles of leisure oriented agencies. Specific approaches to financing, personnel budgets, facility operation, policy development, departmental structure, public relations, legal aspects, and evaluation procedures are presented. May be taught concurrently with REC 623. Cannot receive credit for both REC 423 and REC 623.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 490 Orientation to Internship
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Orientation to the internship experience, including the student application process, the agency application and contractual agreement, the expectations of the University, the responsibilities of the student and the agency, appropriate completion of logs, planned experiences, time summaries and assigned problems. Students planning to intern in the Spring semester must enroll in this course during the preceding Fall semester, and students planning to intern in the Summer or Fall semesters must enroll in this course during the preceding Spring semester.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
1 1 0 Fall, Spring
REC 491 Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration Internship
Prerequisite: complete all other coursework (including General Education Program, major(s), minors(s), if applicable, and all general baccalaureate degree requirements); and cumulative Missouri State GPA of at least 2.20; and first-aid and CPR competency met and maintained current throughout internship; and permission of internship coordinator.
Supervised field experience which provides the student with an opportunity to make the transition from the classroom to actual involvement in a leisure service agency. In addition to the 10 week (optional 15 week) involvement, students are required to (l) meet with the Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration internship coordinator during the preceding semester to secure an internship site and clarify internship responsibilities, and (2) complete a notebook during the internship. Credit will be based on the length of the internship period and students receive either 8 hours or 12 hours. Public Affairs Capstone Experience course.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
8-12 (8) Fall, Spring, Summer
Skills Classes
KIN 110 Backpacking
Backpacking as a lifetime leisure activity. Emphasis on equipment, safety, techniques, and trip planning. Field trips required.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
1 0 2 Upon demand
KIN 114 Canoeing
Prerequisite: demonstrate swimming skill first day of class.
River canoeing as a lifetime leisure activity. Emphasis on safety, techniques, trip planning, and equipment. Field trips required.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
1 0 2 Upon demand
KIN 260 Outdoor Leisure Education
Introduction to outdoor leisure skills. Selected outdoor education activities, e.g. orienteering, hiking, etc. Field trips required.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
2 1 2 Fall, Spring
Emphasis Areas
T-Missouri has a general option for students to take at least one class from each specialty instead of 24 credits all from the same one.
Health and Wellness Promotion
DTN 130 Essentials of Nutrition
Non-health science major course discussing basic concepts of human nutrition which includes carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, absorption, digestion, and energy utilization as they relate to health and food consumption at different stages of the life cycle. Emphasis is placed on early childhood. Cannot receive credit for both DTN 130 and DTN 240.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered CORE 42 (MOTR) equivalent
3 3 0 Fall, Spring LIFS 100N - Essentials in Human Biology-Human Nutrition.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
REC 311 Outdoor/Adventure Education
The scope, methods, and importance of using the outdoors as a teaching tool for both individual and group education settings. Field trip(s) required.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
Recreation Management
REC 320 Fundamentals of Tourism
Geographical and recreational elements of tourism and travel including social, economic, environmental and political factors. Career options will be identified. Students participate in tourism research projects. One field trip may be required.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Spring
Sport Administration
KIN 485 Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity
Prerequisite: PSY 121.
Inquiry into the psychological implications of sport and physical activity participation in relation to motivation and behavior of the participant.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
2 2 0 Fall, Spring
Therapeutic Recreation
REC 205 Concepts in Therapeutic Recreation
Prerequisite: REC 152 or concurrent enrollment.
Orientation to the broad applications of clinical and community based therapeutic recreation approaches to programs and services for individuals with disabilities. Specific considerations given to mental retardation, developmental disabilities, mental illness, physical disabilities, aging, juvenile and adult corrections.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 235 Adaptive Recreation Techniques Equipment
The identification of techniques associated with the utilization of adapted and modified recreational and personal aids, appliances, and equipment utilized in leisure pursuits by individuals with physical impairments.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
1 1 0 Fall, Spring
First Aid Proficiency
Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
Venture Out offers a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training each year in January. People involved in outdoor activities (canoeing, backpacking, caving, hunting, fishing, rock climbing) or who plan to pursue an outdoor career should strongly consider this exceptional leadership opportunity. Many outdoor programs such as National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Outward Bound and the federal government require a WFR certification for entry level positions. This course is open to all people of all ages and all experience levels, including MU students, high school students, boy and girl scout leaders, parents, teachers, medical professionals, and all other community members.
This 70 hour course is taught by an instructor from SOLO Wilderness Medicine. The Wilderness First Responder curriculum uses the principles of long-term care, improvised resources, and varying environmental conditions as the framework for learning. Created to provide outdoor leaders, guides, rangers and travelers with the knowledge needed to deal with crises in remote settings, this course meets and exceeds all DOT National Standards for First Responder with additional protocols for extended care situations. The emphasis of the WFR course is on prevention and decision-making. View an outline of what WFR covers.
Gender Studies Minor
at Missouri State University in Springfield
Courses must be approved by the faculty of the Gender Studies Committee for inclusion in the minor.
1. GST 170(3) or PSY 357(3) or SOC 337(3).
2. 15 hours from the following areas with at least three hours from each area and no more than six hours from each discipline (course code):
a. Arts and Letters: ART 476(3), COM 307(3), ENG 282(3), ENG 580(3).
b. Humanities and Public Affairs: CRM 410(3); ECO 315(3) or GST 315(3); GST 400(3), HST 323(3), HST 324(3), PHI 319(3), PLS 319(3), PLS 517(3), REL 370(3), SOC 337(3).
c. Health and Human Services: FCS 300(3), GER 354(3), KIN 402(3), KIN 405(3), NUR 327(3), PSY 307(3), PSY 357(3).
3. Attain a minimum GPA of 2.50 in all courses counted toward the minor.
GST 170 Sex, Gender, and Self
An introduction to Gender Studies that explores the influence that ideas about sex, gender, and gender roles have on women and men, both as individuals and as social beings. Using new research on gender in many disciplines, it examines representations of male and female experiences, and historical and social constructions of women's and men's roles.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
COM 307 Gender and Communication
This course examines theory and research on gender and communication. Its purpose is to help students explore how gender and communication are interrelated, how these concepts intertwine with other aspects of our identities, and how these factors play out in their own lives.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Upon demand
ENG 330 Studies in Literature: Tolkien
Examination of literary modes such as humor, satire, fantasy, tragedy, or genres such as essay, short story, biography. May be repeated for up to 6 hours with variable topics.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Upon demand
PLS 517 Constitutional Law II: Liberties and Rights
Prerequisite: PLS 101.
Recommended Prerequisite: 50 hours. This course examines the civil liberties of individuals and groups, with focus on church-state relations, religious liberty, freedom of speech, and the right to privacy. A careful study of U.S. Supreme Court decisions is emphasized, with particular focus on the political, moral, and social impact these decisions have had on life in America.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Spring
KIN 405 Gender and Sport
An examination of sport as a major institutional locus for the historical and contemporary construction of gender relations.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
1 1 0 Upon demand
PSY 307 Human Sexuality
Prerequisite: PSY 121.
A balanced and comprehensive perspective of the field of human sexuality. Content includes the psychological, physiological, and interpersonal variables of human sexuality.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Upon demand
GST 497 Special Topics in Gender Studies: Bisexuality
Prerequisite: permission.
In-depth inquiry into selected topics of Gender Studies. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours if the topic is different.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
1-3 Fall, Spring
GST 497 Special Topics in Gender Studies: Queer Family Dynamics
Prerequisite: permission.
In-depth inquiry into selected topics of Gender Studies. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours if the topic is different.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
1-3 Fall, Spring
Religious Studies Minor requirements
at Missouri State University in Springfield
The religious studies minor is at least an 18-hour program. The required courses include:
1. REL 100(3); REL 101(3) or 102(3); REL 210(3).
2. Additional nine hours of Religious Studies electives to include at least six hours of courses at the 300-level or higher to total 18 hours in minor. PSY 533(3) may be used toward the nine hours of electives. A maximum of three hours of REL 499 may be applied to the minor.
REL 100 Introduction to Religion
General Education Course (Focus on Cultural Competence).
Investigates what religion is and does, compares culturally diverse religious ideas and practices. This course explores how religion influences the relationship between individual and community by examining religious ethical systems, and providing community engagement opportunities.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered CORE 42 (MOTR) equivalent
3 3 0 Fall, Spring RELG 100 - World Religion.
REL 101 Old Testament/Hebrew Bible
General Education Course (Focus on Humanities).
Explores the religion, life experiences, cultures, thoughts, and history of the ancient Israelites as found in their literature and artifacts.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered CORE 42 (MOTR) equivalent
3 3 0 Fall, Spring RELG 101O - Religious Texts-Old Testament.
REL 102 New Testament
General Education Course (Focus on Humanities).
An introduction to early Christian literature and the persons and movements that produced it in their Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered CORE 42 (MOTR) equivalent
3 3 0 Fall, Spring RELG 101N - Religious Texts-New Testament.
REL 210 Paths of World Religions
General Education Course (Focus on Cultural Competence).
A global survey of religious movements, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Students will learn how these religions have affected individual and cultural identities in history and in the contemporary world.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered CORE 42 (MOTR) equivalent
3 3 0 Fall, Spring RELG 100 - World Religion.
REL 338 Death, Dying, and Afterlife
This course approaches death from religious, cultural, and historical perspectives. It surveys understandings of the afterlife in several religions, studies how people have prepared to die, and looks at the rituals that people have devised for burying their dead. Students learn how people have relied on religion to make death more understandable and tolerable.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Upon demand
REL 341 C. S. Lewis
An analysis of a selection of Lewis's works of fiction and apologetics. Student will interpret these works in their historical, theological, philosophical, literary and cultural contexts. They will also read and discuss critiques of and challenges to Lewis's ideas.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Upon demand
REL 346 Sexuality and American Religion
Recommended Prerequisite: REL 131. Examines historical and contemporary beliefs about sexuality as reflected in sexual practices and experiences, such as celibacy, marital and extra-marital sex, and homosexuality, in American Protestantism, Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, and Native American cultures. Also, the ways American social culture and religious attitudes about sexuality have influenced each other.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Upon demand
REL 385 Religious Studies Service Learning
Prerequisite: 30 hours, concurrent registration in a Religious Studies course designated as a service learning offering.
Designed to provide a learning environment for research and reflection on the meaning of public and community service, this course is intended to strengthen human communities by modeling an ethos of service and integrating service into the Religious Studies curriculum. May be repeated.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
1 0 2 Upon demand
Clubs
Bears Better Together
Bears Better Together is an organization that supports a broad spectrum of individuals with different spiritual views. The purpose of the club is to come together as one — “We invite people of all religious and secular traditions to voice their values, engage with others and act to make the world a better place,” according to the Bears Better Together Campus Link page. Bears Better Together supports the individuality of everyone’s views and is an open-minded organization.
Green Student Alliance
We are MSU's only sustainability and environmentally conscious student group. We aim to make positive changes in our community through active changes.
We are sustainability teachers, leaders, motivators and activists. Our goals are to introduce students to the concept and educate about the importance of sustainability, and to teach students how to live more sustainable lives.
Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. There are three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic, and something is truly sustainable when it is environmentally, socially, AND economically sustainable.
The Kindness Commission
Do you enjoy making people smile? Do you want to make a positive impact in both the Springfield and the Missouri State community? Then please join our effort in the Kindness Commission. We organize and participate in random act of kindness such as chalking compliments and encouragement across campus, free lemonade/hot cocoa stands, and just general things to lift people up out of the pressure that is college life. This is a very small time commitment and we try to be flexible with your schedule. Come be a part of this initiative!
MSU Cycling Club
Our goal is to get Missouri State University students involved in the sport of cycling. To achieve this we plan on organizing casual, as well as training and events rides throughout the semester. Anyone is welcome to join for rides; however, membership allows for t-shirts and other sportswear. This organization will aid in students’ wellbeing by promoting outdoor physical activity. MSU Cycling Club will also encourage new friendships and experiences. Whether relaxed or competitive, we have a place for you.
Spectrum
Spectrum is MSU's LGBTQ+ social student organization. We host weekly meetings on Wednesdays at 7pm in the MRC Annex lounge. The center is located in the Mary Jean Price Walls Multicultural Center in the basement of Freudenberger House. We host events, fundraisers, discussions, and other fun stuff! Everyone is welcome, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
The primary purpose of Spectrum shall be to foster a safe, supportive social environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, or gender and sexual minority (LGBTQ+) persons within MSU and the surrounding community. Beyond this goal, Spectrum shall attempt to create a greater positive visibility of LGBTQ+ persons through advocacy, activism, philanthropy, networking, and providing support to the larger LGBTQ+ community.
René Schrader -- He has fair skin, brown eyes, and light brown hair with a short mustache and beard. He is tall and slim with wiry muscles. His heritage is American; he speaks English and French. He is bisexual. He is 28 years old in 2016.
René earned a Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration (Comprehensive) with a double minor in Gender Studies and Religious Studies at Missouri State University in Springfield. He belonged to the clubs Bears Better Together interfaith organization, Green Student Alliance, the Kindness Commission, MSU Cycling Club, and Spectrum queer organization.
René lives in Bluehill, Missouri where he serves as the Law Enforcement / Bicycling Liaison. He runs the bike registry at the police station and ensures that local regulations are bike-friendly. He is not actually a police officer, but works closely with them. René belongs to the First Church of Lovingkindness. He belongs to the Visitation Team, reaching out to new members, shut ins, and people in distress. He has Green Heart, Wilderness First Aid, Emotional First Aid, and Spiritual First Aid certifications. René likes outdoorsy menswear in cheerful earth tones of heather purple, dusky indigo, grassy greens, goldenrod, khaki, brown, and warm gray. He often wears khakis or jeans and T-shirts with wilderness, biking, bisexual, or spiritual themes. He rarely drinks alcohol because it takes very little to get him drunk.
Qualities: Good (+2) Bisexual, Good (+2) Emotional Intelligence, Good (+2) Law Enforcement / Bicycling Liaison, Good (+2) Lovingkindness, Good (+2) Wilderness Skills
Poor (-2) Low Alcohol Tolerance
Lovingkindness appears in Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and other religions but the exact definition varies. Here are some ways to practice it.
Inclusive Church is a network of churches, groups and individuals uniting together around a shared vision
We believe in inclusive church – a church which celebrates and affirms every person and does not discriminate.
The Congregational Accessibility Network (CAN) was begun by Anabaptist Disabilities Network in 2007. In 2011, CAN became an independent organization with an international interfaith mission to encourage congregations of all faiths to include persons with disabilities. In 2014, members of the former Committee on Disabilities of National Council of Churches joined CAN to continue the mutual support and networking that occurred for many years in that setting.
Explore ways to affirm ethnic diversity in church and read a study guide on it.
Make your church more accessible for people with disabilities and do an accessibility audit on your facilities.
A church can also welcome QUILTBAG people, such as by hosting a PFLAG group. Here is a toolkit for that.
Individual members can help create a culture of inclusivity in their church, too.
The job list for church volunteers may include things like Visitation Team and Music Ministry. It is especially important that members of the Visitation Team know others in the congregation well enough to help new guests become members by matching them with compatible friends in the congregation.
Manuals on spiritual first aid come from Light Our Way, New York Disasters, and Disaster Chaplain Training. This lesson plan supports classes in spiritual first aid.
Bluehill has an extensive network of bike paths, most of them separated from street traffic. Some are single-lane, others two-lane, usually divided from the car traffic by a curbed median with hedges and from the sidewalk by a curb and/or hedges. This minimizes the opportunity for accidents. Gaps in those barriers allow traffic at crosswalks or other designated areas. The newer two-lane paths have been added or upgraded where bike traffic runs heaviest, and are painted to distinguish their lanes. In other areas there are bike paths that don't even parallel the roads, but instead take advantage of places where cars couldn't easily fit -- a "hidden" transit network largely concealed by buildings and bushes. There are also bike-only nature trails. Parts of Bluehill, such as Cambridge Commons, have roads primarily for through traffic and place a majority of parking along the edges, which encourages people to use bikes, public transit, or walking within those areas. This minimizes the conflict between bike and car traffic, as well as encouraging people to socialize rather than just zip around point-to-point in private vehicles. The availability of accessible public transport and shuttle services also prevents problems for disabled people due to reduction of close parking places. Cambridge Commons is a Diamond level bike-friendly community; other parts vary. Read more about bicycle communities.
Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration (Comprehensive)
at Missouri State University in Springfield
Major requirements (78 or 82 hours):
Note: three hours may double count in General Education requirements.
1. All coursework (including General Education Program, major(s), minor(s), if applicable), and all General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements, must be completed prior to taking REC 491, Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration Internship.
2. Specific General Education requirement: KIN 210(3) or KIN 286(3).
3. Core requirements (51 or 55 hours):
a. REC 152(3), 190(3), 200(3); REC 211(3) or 311(3); 302(3), 328(3), 335(3), 390(3), 406(3), 410(3), 415(3), 422(3), 423(3), 490(1), 491(8 or 12).
b. Three hours of skills classes, with advisor approval, from the following: KIN 110(1), 112(1), 113(1), 114(1), 118(1), 125(1), 127(1), 130(1), 133(1), 135(1), 143(1), 145(1), 147(1), 149(1), 234(2), 240(2), 260(2), 264(2), 270(1), 273(1); AGS 161(3), 162(1); MIL 101(2), 102(2), 211(2); REC 160(1), 307(3), 309(3), 451(3).
4. 24 hours from one of the following emphasis areas:
a. Health and Wellness Promotion. Prepares students for various opportunities in the fitness industry, health-related services, and wellness management and promotion. Courses required: KIN 257(2); 281 or 282(1); 350(3), 360(4), 362(4), 569(4); DTN 130(3); MKT 150(3).
b. Parks and Outdoor Recreation. Prepares students for careers in parks and outdoor recreation and outdoor education within the public or private sector in adventure recreation, outdoor recreation/education facilities, or government natural resource management agencies. Courses required: REC 211 or 311(3); 305(3), 307(3), 309(3), 325(3); 451(3) or outdoor activity hours approved by advisor: COM 325(3), GRY 318(3).
c. Recreation Management. Prepares students for careers in administering recreation services and events in the Armed Forces, municipal parks and recreation departments, campus recreation, sporting goods retail, facility management, residential camps, resort recreation, travel, tourism and hospitality industry, meeting planning, and not-for-profit organizations: at-risk youth organizations, Boys and Girls Clubs, church recreation, Scouting, and YMCA. Courses required: REC 305(3), REC 320(3), REC 325(3), KIN 234(2), KIN 468(4), BUS 135(3), MGT 286(3), MGT 340(3).
d. Sport Administration: Prepares students for careers in leadership opportunities in administering athletic programs, athletic teams, competitive sport camps and clinics, facilities and leagues; managing various sport entities, including Olympic training sites, municipal league programs, youth sport agencies, tournament management, sport administration and marketing, special event planning, retail sports industries, and coaching at the college or above level. Courses required: REC 305(3), REC 325(3); KIN 210 or 286(3); KIN 218(2), KIN 234(2), KIN 386(3), KIN 485(2), BUS 135(3), MGT 286(3).
e. Therapeutic Recreation: This emphasis has been temporarily suspended and is not being offered at this time. Contact the Kinesiology Department for more information.
f. First Aid Proficiency: Each major must show proficiency in First Aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Students must provide copies of their current First Aid and CPR cards/certifications to the internship coordinator prior to enrolling in REC 491 and maintain current certifications throughout the internship. Certifications can be completed by the following:
i. Complete the American Red Cross First Aid course and CPR course and obtain certification (see www.redcross.org for information).
ii. Complete the American Heart Association First Aid course and CPR course and obtain certification (see www.americanheart.org for information).
iii. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.
5. Public Affairs Capstone Experience will be fulfilled by completion of REC 335(3) and 491(8 or 12).
KIN 210 Healthy Lifestyles: Preventive Approaches
Prerequisite: 12 hours.
General Education Course (Focus on Public Issues).
This course introduces conceptual and practical information relating to the impact of lifestyle choices on the health and wellness of the individual and society. Students in this course study a variety of fitness-wellness topics while initially and summatively garnering personal fitness-wellness data in both academic and laboratory settings. Collected data are synthesized and critically appraised, resulting in the construction of individualized fitness-wellness programs implemented and periodically re-evaluated over the course of the semester via reflective journal writing; and periodic quizzes and examinations that tie lecture theories to laboratory practices in critical thinking-peer teaching contexts. Laboratory activities help the individual discover his/her needs for achieving and maintaining high level wellness.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 2 2 Fall, Spring
REC 152 Introduction to Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration
Implications of leisure values in society and the role that organizations, agencies, institutions and municipalities have played in the recreation, sport, and park industries. Theories, concepts, and philosophies of leisure and recreation in society. A survey of the career opportunities in the recreation, sport and park venues.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 190 Applied Social Recreation
Applied approach to developing leadership skills in games, activities, contests and social recreation activities. Activity analysis as applied to expected outcomes, instructional techniques, age appropriateness, and activity leadership skills is emphasized.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 2 2 Fall, Spring
REC 200 Inclusion and Diversity in Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration
Prerequisite: REC 152 or concurrent enrollment.
The course is designed to orient the student to the broad implications of inclusive recreation, sport, and park administration: programs and services for people of all ages, abilities, cultures, ethnicities, genders, races, and religion.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 211 Principles of Outdoor Recreation
An analysis of the history, nature, and importance of the outdoor recreation field. An overall view of outdoor recreation philosophy based on legislation, theory, geographic factors, land use, and open space factors. Field trips may be required.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 302 Ecotourism
Students will gain an appreciation for ecotourism as a recreation experience. The course will examine our local ecotourism resources and compare them to the international trends and issues related to ecotourism, models of tourism and recreation planning, and ecotourism, especially focusing on the issue of sustainability. Field trips required.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 328 Statistical Applications in Recreation, Sport and Park Administration
Prerequisite: 30 hours and completion of General Education mathematics requirement.
Introduction to statistical applications most commonly used in recreation, sport, and park administration services research; analysis, interpretation and presentation of data related to recreation, sport, and park administration services; particularly measures of central tendency and dispersion, elementary probability, probability distributions, sampling, standard error, interval estimation, and hypothesis testing. Cannot receive credit toward a degree for more than one of the following courses: AGR 330, IPE 381, MTH 340, PSY 200, QBA 237, SOC 302.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 335 Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration Practicum
Prerequisite: REC 152 and REC 190 and REC 200; and permission of practicum instructor.
A practical experience which the student can relate to classroom theory. Students are assigned to recreation, sport, and park administration agencies for exposure to structure, programming, and philosophy of the cooperating agency. Practicum experience must be a minimum of 100 hours. Students should report to the Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration office at least six (6) months prior to the semester the practicum is desired. May be repeated once for credit but each practicum must be in a different recreation, sport, and park administration agency. Public Affairs Capstone Experience course.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 0 6 Fall, Spring, Summer
REC 390 Recreation Programming
Prerequisite: REC 152 and REC 190 and REC 200 and 60 hours.
Students will examine various program areas and various approaches to program determination; development process for program planning, and gain experience in brochure and survey development.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 406 Promoting Leisure Services
Prerequisite: REC 152.
To provide the Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration students with an emphasis in Recreation Management or Sport Administration with an overview of low-cost strategies of planning and executing promotion for non-profit, government and profit making leisure services. Emphasis will be made on working with non-profit organizations.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 410 Recreation Leadership Supervision
Prerequisite: REC 152 and REC 190 and REC 200 and 60 credit hours.
A study of the processes, methods, and characteristics of leadership and supervision in the delivery of leisure services.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 415 Risk Management for Recreation, Sport, and Park Agencies
Prerequisite: 75 hours.
This course is designed to look at the various risk management concepts, laws, and administrative practices that address the legal environment of recreation, sport, and park agencies within the scope of our legal culture. Our Constitution, legal liability related to safe environs, crowd control, transportation, employee rules and regulations, workplace risk, and the general management of risk situations and aspects will be the central core of this course. May be taught concurrently with REC 415. Cannot receive credit for both REC 415 and REC 615.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 422 Recreation Facility and Area Management
Prerequisite: admission to the Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration program (major or minor); and 90 hours; and REC 390.
Elements of locating, planning, developing, maintaining, and financing various recreation facilities and areas management. Study of management principles and responsibilities applicable to leisure settings.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 423 Administration of Recreation, Sport, and Park Agencies
Prerequisite: admission to the Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration program (major or minor); and 90 hours; and REC 390.
This course is usually taken with REC 422. Presentation of administrative principles of leisure oriented agencies. Specific approaches to financing, personnel budgets, facility operation, policy development, departmental structure, public relations, legal aspects, and evaluation procedures are presented. May be taught concurrently with REC 623. Cannot receive credit for both REC 423 and REC 623.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 490 Orientation to Internship
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Orientation to the internship experience, including the student application process, the agency application and contractual agreement, the expectations of the University, the responsibilities of the student and the agency, appropriate completion of logs, planned experiences, time summaries and assigned problems. Students planning to intern in the Spring semester must enroll in this course during the preceding Fall semester, and students planning to intern in the Summer or Fall semesters must enroll in this course during the preceding Spring semester.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
1 1 0 Fall, Spring
REC 491 Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration Internship
Prerequisite: complete all other coursework (including General Education Program, major(s), minors(s), if applicable, and all general baccalaureate degree requirements); and cumulative Missouri State GPA of at least 2.20; and first-aid and CPR competency met and maintained current throughout internship; and permission of internship coordinator.
Supervised field experience which provides the student with an opportunity to make the transition from the classroom to actual involvement in a leisure service agency. In addition to the 10 week (optional 15 week) involvement, students are required to (l) meet with the Recreation, Sport, and Park Administration internship coordinator during the preceding semester to secure an internship site and clarify internship responsibilities, and (2) complete a notebook during the internship. Credit will be based on the length of the internship period and students receive either 8 hours or 12 hours. Public Affairs Capstone Experience course.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
8-12 (8) Fall, Spring, Summer
Skills Classes
KIN 110 Backpacking
Backpacking as a lifetime leisure activity. Emphasis on equipment, safety, techniques, and trip planning. Field trips required.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
1 0 2 Upon demand
KIN 114 Canoeing
Prerequisite: demonstrate swimming skill first day of class.
River canoeing as a lifetime leisure activity. Emphasis on safety, techniques, trip planning, and equipment. Field trips required.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
1 0 2 Upon demand
KIN 260 Outdoor Leisure Education
Introduction to outdoor leisure skills. Selected outdoor education activities, e.g. orienteering, hiking, etc. Field trips required.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
2 1 2 Fall, Spring
Emphasis Areas
T-Missouri has a general option for students to take at least one class from each specialty instead of 24 credits all from the same one.
Health and Wellness Promotion
DTN 130 Essentials of Nutrition
Non-health science major course discussing basic concepts of human nutrition which includes carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, absorption, digestion, and energy utilization as they relate to health and food consumption at different stages of the life cycle. Emphasis is placed on early childhood. Cannot receive credit for both DTN 130 and DTN 240.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered CORE 42 (MOTR) equivalent
3 3 0 Fall, Spring LIFS 100N - Essentials in Human Biology-Human Nutrition.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
REC 311 Outdoor/Adventure Education
The scope, methods, and importance of using the outdoors as a teaching tool for both individual and group education settings. Field trip(s) required.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
Recreation Management
REC 320 Fundamentals of Tourism
Geographical and recreational elements of tourism and travel including social, economic, environmental and political factors. Career options will be identified. Students participate in tourism research projects. One field trip may be required.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Spring
Sport Administration
KIN 485 Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity
Prerequisite: PSY 121.
Inquiry into the psychological implications of sport and physical activity participation in relation to motivation and behavior of the participant.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
2 2 0 Fall, Spring
Therapeutic Recreation
REC 205 Concepts in Therapeutic Recreation
Prerequisite: REC 152 or concurrent enrollment.
Orientation to the broad applications of clinical and community based therapeutic recreation approaches to programs and services for individuals with disabilities. Specific considerations given to mental retardation, developmental disabilities, mental illness, physical disabilities, aging, juvenile and adult corrections.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
REC 235 Adaptive Recreation Techniques Equipment
The identification of techniques associated with the utilization of adapted and modified recreational and personal aids, appliances, and equipment utilized in leisure pursuits by individuals with physical impairments.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
1 1 0 Fall, Spring
First Aid Proficiency
Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
Venture Out offers a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training each year in January. People involved in outdoor activities (canoeing, backpacking, caving, hunting, fishing, rock climbing) or who plan to pursue an outdoor career should strongly consider this exceptional leadership opportunity. Many outdoor programs such as National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Outward Bound and the federal government require a WFR certification for entry level positions. This course is open to all people of all ages and all experience levels, including MU students, high school students, boy and girl scout leaders, parents, teachers, medical professionals, and all other community members.
This 70 hour course is taught by an instructor from SOLO Wilderness Medicine. The Wilderness First Responder curriculum uses the principles of long-term care, improvised resources, and varying environmental conditions as the framework for learning. Created to provide outdoor leaders, guides, rangers and travelers with the knowledge needed to deal with crises in remote settings, this course meets and exceeds all DOT National Standards for First Responder with additional protocols for extended care situations. The emphasis of the WFR course is on prevention and decision-making. View an outline of what WFR covers.
Gender Studies Minor
at Missouri State University in Springfield
Courses must be approved by the faculty of the Gender Studies Committee for inclusion in the minor.
1. GST 170(3) or PSY 357(3) or SOC 337(3).
2. 15 hours from the following areas with at least three hours from each area and no more than six hours from each discipline (course code):
a. Arts and Letters: ART 476(3), COM 307(3), ENG 282(3), ENG 580(3).
b. Humanities and Public Affairs: CRM 410(3); ECO 315(3) or GST 315(3); GST 400(3), HST 323(3), HST 324(3), PHI 319(3), PLS 319(3), PLS 517(3), REL 370(3), SOC 337(3).
c. Health and Human Services: FCS 300(3), GER 354(3), KIN 402(3), KIN 405(3), NUR 327(3), PSY 307(3), PSY 357(3).
3. Attain a minimum GPA of 2.50 in all courses counted toward the minor.
GST 170 Sex, Gender, and Self
An introduction to Gender Studies that explores the influence that ideas about sex, gender, and gender roles have on women and men, both as individuals and as social beings. Using new research on gender in many disciplines, it examines representations of male and female experiences, and historical and social constructions of women's and men's roles.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Fall, Spring
COM 307 Gender and Communication
This course examines theory and research on gender and communication. Its purpose is to help students explore how gender and communication are interrelated, how these concepts intertwine with other aspects of our identities, and how these factors play out in their own lives.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Upon demand
ENG 330 Studies in Literature: Tolkien
Examination of literary modes such as humor, satire, fantasy, tragedy, or genres such as essay, short story, biography. May be repeated for up to 6 hours with variable topics.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Upon demand
PLS 517 Constitutional Law II: Liberties and Rights
Prerequisite: PLS 101.
Recommended Prerequisite: 50 hours. This course examines the civil liberties of individuals and groups, with focus on church-state relations, religious liberty, freedom of speech, and the right to privacy. A careful study of U.S. Supreme Court decisions is emphasized, with particular focus on the political, moral, and social impact these decisions have had on life in America.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Spring
KIN 405 Gender and Sport
An examination of sport as a major institutional locus for the historical and contemporary construction of gender relations.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
1 1 0 Upon demand
PSY 307 Human Sexuality
Prerequisite: PSY 121.
A balanced and comprehensive perspective of the field of human sexuality. Content includes the psychological, physiological, and interpersonal variables of human sexuality.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Upon demand
GST 497 Special Topics in Gender Studies: Bisexuality
Prerequisite: permission.
In-depth inquiry into selected topics of Gender Studies. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours if the topic is different.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
1-3 Fall, Spring
GST 497 Special Topics in Gender Studies: Queer Family Dynamics
Prerequisite: permission.
In-depth inquiry into selected topics of Gender Studies. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours if the topic is different.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
1-3 Fall, Spring
Religious Studies Minor requirements
at Missouri State University in Springfield
The religious studies minor is at least an 18-hour program. The required courses include:
1. REL 100(3); REL 101(3) or 102(3); REL 210(3).
2. Additional nine hours of Religious Studies electives to include at least six hours of courses at the 300-level or higher to total 18 hours in minor. PSY 533(3) may be used toward the nine hours of electives. A maximum of three hours of REL 499 may be applied to the minor.
REL 100 Introduction to Religion
General Education Course (Focus on Cultural Competence).
Investigates what religion is and does, compares culturally diverse religious ideas and practices. This course explores how religion influences the relationship between individual and community by examining religious ethical systems, and providing community engagement opportunities.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered CORE 42 (MOTR) equivalent
3 3 0 Fall, Spring RELG 100 - World Religion.
REL 101 Old Testament/Hebrew Bible
General Education Course (Focus on Humanities).
Explores the religion, life experiences, cultures, thoughts, and history of the ancient Israelites as found in their literature and artifacts.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered CORE 42 (MOTR) equivalent
3 3 0 Fall, Spring RELG 101O - Religious Texts-Old Testament.
REL 102 New Testament
General Education Course (Focus on Humanities).
An introduction to early Christian literature and the persons and movements that produced it in their Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered CORE 42 (MOTR) equivalent
3 3 0 Fall, Spring RELG 101N - Religious Texts-New Testament.
REL 210 Paths of World Religions
General Education Course (Focus on Cultural Competence).
A global survey of religious movements, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Students will learn how these religions have affected individual and cultural identities in history and in the contemporary world.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered CORE 42 (MOTR) equivalent
3 3 0 Fall, Spring RELG 100 - World Religion.
REL 338 Death, Dying, and Afterlife
This course approaches death from religious, cultural, and historical perspectives. It surveys understandings of the afterlife in several religions, studies how people have prepared to die, and looks at the rituals that people have devised for burying their dead. Students learn how people have relied on religion to make death more understandable and tolerable.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Upon demand
REL 341 C. S. Lewis
An analysis of a selection of Lewis's works of fiction and apologetics. Student will interpret these works in their historical, theological, philosophical, literary and cultural contexts. They will also read and discuss critiques of and challenges to Lewis's ideas.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Upon demand
REL 346 Sexuality and American Religion
Recommended Prerequisite: REL 131. Examines historical and contemporary beliefs about sexuality as reflected in sexual practices and experiences, such as celibacy, marital and extra-marital sex, and homosexuality, in American Protestantism, Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, and Native American cultures. Also, the ways American social culture and religious attitudes about sexuality have influenced each other.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
3 3 0 Upon demand
REL 385 Religious Studies Service Learning
Prerequisite: 30 hours, concurrent registration in a Religious Studies course designated as a service learning offering.
Designed to provide a learning environment for research and reflection on the meaning of public and community service, this course is intended to strengthen human communities by modeling an ethos of service and integrating service into the Religious Studies curriculum. May be repeated.
Credit hours Lecture contact hours Lab contact hours Typically offered
1 0 2 Upon demand
Clubs
Bears Better Together
Bears Better Together is an organization that supports a broad spectrum of individuals with different spiritual views. The purpose of the club is to come together as one — “We invite people of all religious and secular traditions to voice their values, engage with others and act to make the world a better place,” according to the Bears Better Together Campus Link page. Bears Better Together supports the individuality of everyone’s views and is an open-minded organization.
Green Student Alliance
We are MSU's only sustainability and environmentally conscious student group. We aim to make positive changes in our community through active changes.
We are sustainability teachers, leaders, motivators and activists. Our goals are to introduce students to the concept and educate about the importance of sustainability, and to teach students how to live more sustainable lives.
Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. There are three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic, and something is truly sustainable when it is environmentally, socially, AND economically sustainable.
The Kindness Commission
Do you enjoy making people smile? Do you want to make a positive impact in both the Springfield and the Missouri State community? Then please join our effort in the Kindness Commission. We organize and participate in random act of kindness such as chalking compliments and encouragement across campus, free lemonade/hot cocoa stands, and just general things to lift people up out of the pressure that is college life. This is a very small time commitment and we try to be flexible with your schedule. Come be a part of this initiative!
MSU Cycling Club
Our goal is to get Missouri State University students involved in the sport of cycling. To achieve this we plan on organizing casual, as well as training and events rides throughout the semester. Anyone is welcome to join for rides; however, membership allows for t-shirts and other sportswear. This organization will aid in students’ wellbeing by promoting outdoor physical activity. MSU Cycling Club will also encourage new friendships and experiences. Whether relaxed or competitive, we have a place for you.
Spectrum
Spectrum is MSU's LGBTQ+ social student organization. We host weekly meetings on Wednesdays at 7pm in the MRC Annex lounge. The center is located in the Mary Jean Price Walls Multicultural Center in the basement of Freudenberger House. We host events, fundraisers, discussions, and other fun stuff! Everyone is welcome, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
The primary purpose of Spectrum shall be to foster a safe, supportive social environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, or gender and sexual minority (LGBTQ+) persons within MSU and the surrounding community. Beyond this goal, Spectrum shall attempt to create a greater positive visibility of LGBTQ+ persons through advocacy, activism, philanthropy, networking, and providing support to the larger LGBTQ+ community.
