Ithaca College

The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies is offering four exciting outdoor skill courses in Fall 2017, including two new courses (Mountain Biking and Intermediate Rock Climbing). 

·      Mountain Biking (1 credit)

RLS 14000; Fall 2017 Block 1; Monday 1:00-2:50

·      Rock Climbing (1 Credit)

RLS 15000; Fall 2017 Block 2; Wednesday 1:00-2:50

·      Intermediate Rock Climbing (1 credit)

RLS 15200; Fall 2017 Block 1; Wednesday 1:00-2:50

·      Introduction to Backpacking (1 credit)

RLS 17100; Fall 2017 Block 1; Friday 1:00-2:50

Interested students are encouraged to contact the program coordinator Patrick Lewis (plewis@ithaca.edu) or Matt Vosler (mvolser@ithaca.edu) for further information (Dr. Lewis is currently away with the Immersion Semester Program, time sensitive responses are best directed to Mr. Vosler)

Mountain Biking RLS 14000

An experiential introduction to the concepts, skills, and techniques of mountain biking. Topics include riding technique, equipment and maintenance, riding for health and wellness, and environmental considerations. This course includes a course fee for equipment and required field experience. 

Rock Climbing RLS 15000

An introduction to the fundamentals of rock climbing, including safety considerations. Skills taught include the care and use of equipment, knot-tying, belaying, rappelling, and a variety of movements on rock. Pass/fail only. 1 credit. (F-S,Y) 

Intermediate Rock Climbing RLS 152000

This course builds upon the fundamentals of rock climbing through more advanced application of climbing skills, techniques, site management, and contemporary climbing issues. Specific topics will include sport lead climbing, top-rope anchor building, and top-rope site management considerations for an outdoor climbing environment. This course includes a mandatory field experience. There is a course fee associated with this course. Prerequisite RLS 15000 or permission by instructor. (Y) 

Introduction to Backpacking RLS 17100

An experiential introduction to the concepts, skills, and techniques of backpacking. Topics include trip planning and preparation, equipment use and care, backcountry cooking techniques, navigation and safety considerations, and minimal impact practices. Course includes mandatory weekend field experience. Fees for travel expenses. (F-S,Y)