Master of Arts In Sustainable Leisure Management - Program Structure
The Master of Arts in Sustainable Leisure Management is comprised of two primary components: An 8 month residency in Nanaimo for course work and an 8 month period for fieldwork and thesis research. Coursework will start in August with a two week foundational course for all students and end in April when students complete their final preparations for fieldwork and thesis research.
The MA SLM is modular in design, and has students focusing on one course for four weeks with a one week break between modules. The time between each course may be used for fieldwork and/or the development of students' thesis proposals. Note: Students are enrolled and participating in SLM 606 - the Field Experience Preparation Seminar - throughout their residency.
Program Schedule 2011 - 2012
Date of Courses |
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|---|---|---|
August 22 - September 2 |
SLM 600: Foundations of Sustainable Leisure Management |
|
September 12 - October 7 |
SLM 601: Leisure and Sustainability: Principles and Paradigms |
SLM 606: Field Experience Preparation Seminar |
October 17 - November 10 |
SLM 602: Case Studies in Sustainability and Innovation. |
|
November 21 - December 16 |
SLM 603: Knowledge Creation and
|
|
January 9, 2012 -February 3 |
SLM 604: Influencing Change Towards Sustainability |
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February 12 - |
SLM 605: Knowledge Creation and Mobilization II |
|
March 19 - April 13 |
SLM 606: Final Preparation for Field Experience |
|
Summer & Fall 2012 |
Field Experience (SLM 606) |
Thesis Writing (SLM 607) |
Courses Descriptions:
The following are required courses within the MA SLM. All courses are 3 credits with the exception of SLM 606 and SLM 607 which are both 9 credit courses. These courses are offered once per year in the order illustrated above.
SLM 600 – Foundations of Sustainable Leisure Management
This intensive course elaborates on the goals and objectives of the Master’s degree program and details the linkages between learning outcomes, teamwork, program design, the expectations of work experiences, and the thesis requirement. Through a mixture of field-based learning and classroom-based discussions, simulations, readings, as well as the experiential learning model, the diverse paradigms guiding the examination of leisure, sustainability, innovation, and knowledge mobilization will be introduced. Note: This module will take place during the last two-three weeks of August, prior to the commencement of the regular academic term.
SLM 601 – Leisure and Sustainability: Principles and Paradigms
This course examines the principles, paradigms, and practices that influence the leisure activities and service providers and the opportunities to adopt innovative professional policies and operational standards. It provides learners with the opportunity to identify, evaluate, and critique frameworks, pertinent to sustainability in the leisure services industry. Particular attention is given to a world view of environmental, social, and economic consequences inherent in the actions taken to plan, design, deliver and monitor leisure services at the local, national, and international level, Sustainability issues, policies, and practices applicable to nongovernmental organizations, government, and commercial enterprises are examined.
SLM 602 – Case Studies in Sustainability and Innovation
This seminar course will provide the learners with the opportunity to discuss, critique and apply core concepts, principles, and practices of sustainability to case studies in leisure. The focus is on critical thinking and the analysis of the mission and practices of public institutions, nonprofits (i.e./NGO’s) and commercial enterprises and their effort to advance social, economic, and environmental policy and practices.
SLM 603 – Knowledge Creation and Mobilization I
This course will allow learners to explore the various ways in which knowledge is created and mobilized to different stakeholders in the leisure system. Learners will understand the research process from conceptualization of a research project to mobilization (sharing and action). Learners will discuss methodological issues by analyzing case studies where they have been employed. Students will begin work on their thesis by developing a research “concept proposal” which identifies literature, gaps and potential research questions.
SLM 604 – Influencing Change Towards Sustainability
This course provides an opportunity for learners to understand how to influence change towards sustainability in communities and organizations. Learners will be exposed to theories on change, innovation, human behavior, and collaboration. Strategies to influence change focus on community development, leadership, collaboration and partnerships and strategic planning.
SLM 605 – Knowledge Creation and Mobilization II
This course will build upon the basis of research methods developed in SAIL 603. Students will develop analytical techniques and methods for effectively analyzing, moving and sharing knowledge. Building on the concept piece produced in the previous knowledge creation course, emphasis will also be placed on aiding in the development a research proposal for use in the thesis component of the program. This course will provide a framework for students to discuss, critique, improve and present the research proposals they are developing with their advisory teams. Students will participate in seminars to share progress on their proposal including insights from literature, issues in design, and integration of ethics.
SLM 606 – Field Experience
This course will allow learners to apply the lens of sustainability concepts and theories from the classroom setting to a “real world” setting. Learners will travel to, and engage in, a project where theme includes sustainability and the opportunity to working with a diversity of stakeholders. The field experience will require each student to prepare a detailed study plan, identify evaluative criteria to measure outcomes, and set out the strategy for dissemination/presentation to other students completing the course.
SLM 607 – Thesis
This course represents the writing and oral defense of original thesis research that demonstrates a set of the learning outcomes noted in the proposal. These outcomes include analytical and critical thinking skills, an in-depth understanding of a specific sustainability issue, area, or topic, and a capacity to apply the process of knowledge creation and mobilization.