University of Southern MaineDepartment of Recreation and Leisure Studies

REC 223-Nature-Based Tourism/TAH 250 Nature Based & Adventure Tourism

Course Type-BlendedCourse Syllabus, Spring 2020.

Instructor: Tek B. Dangi, PhDOffice: 319 Masterton Hall, Portland CampusTelephone: (207) 780-4587E- mail: tek.dangi@maine.edu Office Hours: By an appointment (E-mail or telephone)Class meeting: Monday 1:15 – 3:45 PMClass Location: Masterton G8, Portland Campus & Blackboard. In class meetings days: January-27, February 10 and 24, March 2, 9, and 23, April-6, 20 and 27, May 4

Course DescriptionNature-Based Tourism covers the basics of Nature-Based Tourism, a broad category that covers sustainable tourism, ecotourism, adventure tourism, and a variety of activities and programs involving the outdoors. An emphasis is placed on Maine and northern New England nature-based tourism. REC 223 is one of the required courses for Nature-Based Tourism Minor at RLS Department.

Course Objectives At the completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Define, differentiate and discuss the relationships in nature-based tourism; eco-tourism; adventure tourism; alternative tourism, sustainable tourism and mass tourism.

2. Identify benefits and cost of environment, ecological and social-cultural impacts of tourism.3. Describe nature-based tourism/ecotourism and international development and the role of nature-based tourism in

community development.4. Learn about Maine’s nature-based programs and evaluate how Maine can use natural resources in a sustainable

manner.5. Describe the different settings for nature tourism and their possible threats and conflicts with other

groups/organizations.

Textbook/Articles/Official DocumentsCOURSE TEXTBOOK, Required:

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1. WEAVER, D. (2008). ECOTOURISM (2ND ED.). MILTON, QUEENSLAND (AUSTRALIA): JOHN WILEY & SONS.ISBN: 978-0-470-81304-1

2. Patterson, C. (2016). Sustainable Tourism. Champaign, IL (USA): Human Kinetics

Supplemental Readings:1. Shaw, D. E. (Director). (2016). Second Century Stewardship: Science beyond the scenery in Acadia National

Park [Video file]. In Vimeo/Second Century Stewardship. Retrieved August 19, 2016, from https://vimeo.com/166811651

2. Munding, E. & Daigle, J. J. (2007). Nature-based tourism in Maine: The state’s role in promoting a strong tourism industry. Maine Policy Review, 16(1), 66-77. Retrieved from www.umaine.edu/mcsc/mpr.htm on December 30, 2007.

3. Vail, D. (2004 Fall/Winter). An ecotourism quality label for Maine? Insights from Sweden’s nature’s initiative. Maine Policy Review, 76-87. Retrieved from www.umaine.edu/mcsc/mpr.htm on December 30, 2007.

4. Other relevant materials from Maine, USA and around the world will be added to this list as the course progresses.Note: Additional supplemental readings/materials will be furnished and updated as the course progresses. On-line SupportNature-Based Tourism has a Blackboard site for materials, communications, announcements, discussions, assignments and other course support activities. All students are expected to access this site and use it. The following link presents a guide for students new to Blackboard: Link to student help on Blackboard. Various readings will also be posted on Blackboard or have their URL links at the Blackboard site.

Web SitesThe International Ecotourism Society – www.ecotourism.orgThe Nature Conservancy – https://www.nature.org/aboutus/travel/ecotourism/Untamed Path – http://www.untamedpath.comUNEP Tourism – www.uneptie.org/pc/tourism/ecotourism/home.html Conservation International – https://www.conservation.org/Pages/default.aspxMaine Huts and Trails – www.mainehuts.org International Appalachia Trail –https://www.internationalatmaine.org/Maine Islands Tail Association (MITA) – www.mita.orgPineland Farms, New Gloucester, ME – https://pinelandfarms.org/Hostelling International USA – www.Hiayh.orgL.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery School – www.llbean.com Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) – www.outdoor.org Maine States Parks –https://www.stateparks.com/maine_parks_and_recreation_destinations.htmlNote: Other relevant materials/websites from Maine, USA and around the world will be added to this list as the course progresses.

Instructor Contact and Availability

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Your success with this course is important to me! If you have any questions, you can ask them during/after class, visit me during office hours or send me an e-mail with the course name you are enrolled in. If you need to contact me on an individual basis, please use email and I will reply within 24 hours maximum during office days. Make sure to include the class title in the subject line and your full name somewhere in your email (if not your school email address). If you need to speak to me directly, please indicate that in your email and we can set-up a time.

Course Evaluation/Grades

(1) Service Learning/Volunteering into a Nature-based Tourism Business and Conduct an Interview - Worth 20%This assignment comprises of three components:Discussion on how to conduct good interviews (5 points): Service Learning form-to be signed and sent by the agency (directly or through the student) (5 points)Interview Paper to be written as follows (10 points).

Students will be provided a list of nature based/recreation agencies (or they can conduct a research of a nature-based tourism business on the internet) and will complete their 10-hours service learning/volunteering in the agency. Possible providers for service learning include: Bureau of Parks and Lands, ME, Maine Land Trust Network, Maine Island Trails Association; Portland Trails; Raven Rocks Resources, LLC., and Gorham Recreation Department. Other nature based/recreation agencies include City of Portland Park and Recreation Department, Ever After Mustang Rescue Training and Education Center, Friends of Acadia, Maine Huts and Trails, Pineland Farms-New Gloucester, ME, and Maine State Park System. A handbook/list of service-learning sites will be posted on Blackboard. Following the completion of service learning/volunteering with agencies, students will conduct an interview with an official/staff in the agency. Prior to going to an agency for service learning/volunteering, students will complete a discussion on how to conduct good interviews. Students should cover the following questions in interview and submit a paper in paragraph form (APA formatting) as per the guidelines given in the Blackboard: What is the nature of the business? How long has it been in operation? What type of training/education/skills is required to start and manage the business? Who are the primary customers (if able to identify) who are they? Where are they from? (Maine? Away? International? etc.…). To whom does the provider market the product/service? How well does the business promote/market its service/product? (Including Student critique of the business’s) Promotional/marketing strategies Who are the primary competitors? Has the business been successful?

(2) Nature-Based Tourism Business Plan Proposal - Worth 20%(2.a) Business Plan Draft (5 points) Students will work individually or in group (as assigned) first to write a draft followed by a final nature based tourism business plan. In your Nature Based Tourism Business Plan (Draft), make sure you write briefly on the following topics. Your draft plan should be within 2-3 pages (double-spaced) in length.

1. Business Description (Name, location, type of business, size, new/existing)2. Products and Services (Type, nature, benefits you offer)3. Marketing (Where? to Whom? How/customers?)

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4. Management and Legal Structure (Staff/Management, permits and licenses, mission, vision)5. Operations (Equipment/machinery, operational manpower, risks, etc.)6. Financial Management (Initial and operational cost, financing, loans, etc.)

(2. b) Business Plan Final (15 points) TBA in Weekly ScheduleYour Final Nature Tourism Business Plan will detail the following topics you presented in the draft plan. Your final business plan should be within 6-7 pages (double-spaced) in length and should follow APA style of referencing. You must have three references including one from your textbook. Detailed Guidelines for the Final Nature Tourism Business Plan covering the following topics will be provided in the Blackboard with a sample business plan.

1. Business Description2. Products and Services3. Marketing4. Management and Legal Structure5. Operations6. Financial Management

Students working individually or in groups to develop the business plan will also make a presentation of the plan at the end the semester. Students/Groups must also develop a logo and design for their business. Projects must include a bibliography/reference and adhere to APA guidelines.

(4) Attendance and Class Participation - Worth 20%Attendance is required. It is the student's responsibility to complete all course requirements even if a class is missed. If a student misses class for an excused reason, then he/she is entitled to make up the missed work but only at the convenience of the instructor. Responsibility for materials, assignments, and quizzes given in regularly scheduled classes lies solely with the student. If you have questions regarding missed class, please set-up a time to meet with the instructor. This will not be conducted over email.If you know you will miss class, please give the instructor as much notice as possible. The following will be considered excused absences:

personal Illness (Dr. note required) death or critical illness in the family jury duty military duties religious holiday

If a student misses two classes (excused or unexcused), then they will need to set-up a time to meet with the faculty member. If a student misses three or more classes (unexcused) they will be dropped from the class. Please note, this class is a 2 ½ hour class meeting one time per week. This is the equivalent of three 50 minute classes.

(4) Online Discussions- Worth 25%

The class week is Monday through Friday. (This does not include service learning and business proposal)There will be minimum 4-5 online discussions in Blackboard from the book chapters and assigned readings pertaining to nature tourism/ecotourism in Maine/around the world.

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Assignments should be submitted through Blackboard on the date designated by 11:59 PM. Students will be assigned other readings/assignments by the instructor. Students will need to have completed the assignment before coming to class the following week. The student will be graded in class on how well they are prepared, and understand the materials. This will be demonstrated by their participation in exercises such as debates, quiz bowl and group discussions.

Worksheet PacketThroughout the semester you will be handed a worksheet packet. The worksheet covers chapters in the book, readings and videos you will need to watch.

Business Partner GroupsAt the beginning of the semester you will be assigned business partners. Throughout the semester you will be assigned group assignments as well as your final business proposal. Work collaboration, discussions and assignments will be online and in class. Try to be as transparent with your work as possible so instructor can grade participation.

(5) Tests - Worth 15%Three tests/quizzes will be conducted worth 5% each. Test will be open for 4 days Tuesday – Friday.

Grading SystemAll work should be submitted through Blackboard. Unless otherwise informed, grades will generally be posted the week after the due date of each assignment.

Summary of Course Evaluations/Grades Assignments Points

Service Learning/Interview1. One Interview related discussion (5 points)Agency Signed Service Learning Form (5 points)Service Learning/Volunteering Interview Paper (10 points)

20%

2. Nature-Based Tourism Business Plan/ ProposalDraft Plan (5 points), Final Plan (15 points)

20%

3 Tests – 5% each 15%4. Online (Blackboard Discussions) on nature tourism/ecotourism

25%

5. Attendance and Class Participation 20%Bonus Assignments, if any

Total 100%

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Grading Scale94-100% = A90-93% = A-87-89% = B+84-86% = B80-83% = B-77-79% = C+74-76% = C70-73% = C-60-69% = D59- Below = F

Late written assignments – Will not be accepted without prior discussion/approval with the instructor or without official university excuses such as documented medical reason. Assignments submitted one week after the deadline will result in minus 10% of the grade within the first week and minus 20% of the grade within the second week. Submissions made after the second week will not be graded.

No Cell Phones allowed in class. Please put them away prior to entering class. If you are expecting an important phone call, please put the phone on vibrate and exit the classroom to take your call. Generally laptops are not permitted in the classroom. However, please come talk to me if you feel that this policy creates barriers for you.

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UNIVERISTY/COLLEGE/DEPARTMENT POLICIES

Disability AccommodationsThe university is committed to providing students with documented disabilities equal access to all university programs and services. If you think you have a disability and would like to request accommodations, you must register with the Disability Services Center. Timely notification is essential. The Disability Services Center can be reached by calling 207-780-4706 or by email at dsc-usm@maine.edu. If you have already received a faculty accommodation letter from the Disability Services Center, please provide me with that information as soon as possible. Please make a private appointment so that we can review your accommodations.At any point in the semester, if you encounter difficulty with the course or feel that you could be performing at a higher level, consult with me. Students experience difficulty in courses for a variety of reasons. The following are resources on campus for students.

• For writing skills or time management, you can make an appointment to see a student tutor at the Learning Commons located in both the Portland and Gorham libraries. For more information, visit http://www.usm.maine.edu/learningcommons.

• The Writing Center at LAC is also available to all USM students and is a great option for students living in the greater Lewiston/Auburn area. For more information, please visit http://usm.maine.edu/writingcenter.

• If you need accommodations due to a disability, please contact the Disability Services Center for confidential assistance and accommodation authorization. Timely notification of accommodations is essential. For more information, visit http://usm.maine.edu/dsc.

• University Health and Counseling Services is a student resource that promotes the health and well-being of the USM community. More information can be found at www.usm.maine.edu/uhcs.

HarassmentHarassment is defined as looks, words or actions between unequals in social authority (e.g. professor/student) and/or between students and staff/peers that create a chilling environment for the student resulting in impaired work and/or learning.Students who feel they have been harassed should report the harassment to the Chairperson/Director of the Department offering the course, or to the Chairperson/Director of the Department where the incident has occurred, as soon as possible. At the Chairperson/Director’s request, students who report harassment should be prepared to provide, in writing, examples/incidences of behavior, which would support the perception of harassment. If the perceived harassment involves the Department Chairperson/Director, the students should report the harassment to the Dean. The Chairperson/Director or Dean will investigate the complaint, including talking to the involved parties separately.In the case of harassment based on any of the protected classes, see the University’s Sexual Harassment Policy in the University’s Undergraduate and Graduate catalogs. Protected classes include race, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, physical and mental disability, and sexual orientation.

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Sexual AssaultThe University of Southern Maine is committed to making our campuses safer places for students. Because of this commitment, and our federal obligations, faculty and other employees are considered mandated reporters when it comes to experiences of interpersonal violence (sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating or domestic violence, and stalking). Disclosures of interpersonal violence must be passed along to the University’s Deputy Title IX Coordinator who can help provide support and academic remedies for students who have been impacted. More information can be found onlineat http://usm.maine.edu/campus-safety-project or by contacting Sarah E. Holmes at sarah.e.holmes1@maine.edu or 207-780-5767.If students want to speak with someone confidentially, the following resources are available on and off campus: University Counseling Services (207-780-4050); 24 Hour Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800- 871-7741); 24 Hour Domestic Violence Hotline (1-866-834-4357).

NOTICE OF RISKBecause there are always risks when one participates in physical activity, participation in the activities incorporated in this course could cause participants to suffer minor or serious bodily harm. Any student who enrolls in this course voluntarily chooses to do so at his/her own risk. A student should only participate if s/he is physically and mentally able to do so. If a student has questions about the course's content, risk or hazards, s/he should discuss concerns with the course instructor. The Recreation and Leisure Studies Department reserves the right to request written medical clearance for entrance into and participation in courses, which require high intensity or physically challenging exercise.Academic IntegrityPlagiarism, cheating, and falsification of information are violations of academic integrity that will not be tolerated in this class. Please check the USM Office of Community Standards website (www.usm.maine.edu/ocs/) for official definitions of these practices.APA FormatStudents are expected to follow the format of The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA). Online resources are available such as Purdue Owl (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/). APA tutoring is available through the Learning Center located in Luther Bonney Hall (780-4228).

Writing Assistance: LEARNING COMMONS located at Portland Learning Commons (2nd Floor, Glickman Library), Tel-(207)780-4228, e-mail usmlc@maine.edu and at Gorham Learning Commons (1st Floor, Bailey Hall Library), Tel-(207)780-5345 offer students writing related support. Check their website for further details: https://usm.maine.edu/learningcommons/writing-assistance

Blackboard AccessLog in to Blackboard using your “@maine.edu” e-mail username and the password that you selected when you activated your (@maine.edu)E-mail account (or a more recent version if you have changed your e-mail password since.) This password is CASE-SENSITIVE! Be sure you have cookies enabled in your browser.

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If you cannot remember your e-mail password, go to http://mail.maine.edu and click on Reset lost password to reset it. You will need your student identification number, username (the portion of your e-mail address to the left of the @ sign), and the answers to the questions you offered during the account activation process.You MUST activate your e-mail account if you haven’t already and, if you wish to receive your e-mail at an account other than your maine.edu account, set up mail forwarding on the UNET mail server site (http://mail.maine.edu).If you need assistance, call 1-800-696-4357 or e-mail techsupport@maine.edu. USM students can call 780-4029 or e-mail Helpdesk@usm.maine.edu.

Useful Blackboard Links

Blackboard basics for students: https://help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student

Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLontYaReEU1seUE3ACG3sEc3zR7Br7URU

Finally, for students that are having more difficulty, we advise that they make an appointment with a tech tutor. https://usm.maine.edu/learningcommons/schedule-tutoring-appointment. Tutors can meet in person or virtually, and can answer many of the student’s questions.

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USM Fall 2019 Academic Calendar

Classes Begin Tuesday, September 3

First 7-Week SessionTuesday, September 3 - Friday, October 25

Last day to drop for 100% refund and no grade notation (courses 12 weeks or longer)

Monday, September 16

Fall Break (no classes)Monday, October 14 & Tuesday, October 15

Registration for Winter Session 2019/2020

Monday, October 21

Second 7-Week SessionMonday, October 28 - Friday, December 20

Priority Registration for Spring 2020Monday, November 4 - Friday, November 15

Last day to drop for a grade of "W" (courses 12 weeks or longer)

Thursday, November 7

Veterans' Day (no classes) Monday, November 11

Open Registration for Spring 2020 Monday, November 25

Thanksgiving BreakWednesday, November 27 - Sunday, December 1

Classes End Friday, December 13

Final ExamsSaturday, December 14 - Friday, December 20

Grade Submission Deadline Monday, December 30

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