Course Syllabus

Course: OLE 1635

Division: Business and Applied Tech
Department: Business
Title: Backcountry Skiing

Semester Approved: Spring 2023
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2027
End Semester: Fall 2028

Catalog Description: This course provides an introduction to the fundamental skills and knowledge of backcountry skiing, including proper winter attire and equipment use and care, travel techniques, winter safety, and environmental awareness. (Additional fee required.)

Semesters Offered: TBA
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 1; Lab: 3

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor

Justification: This course teaches fundamental principles of backcountry skiing, including skill development, making informed decisions, exercising safety and risk management, contributing as an active member of a group, and understanding and practicing Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics; all while experiencing the natural world around them in winter.


Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will exhibit knowledge and application of proper winter attire and equipment. Students will be able to demonstrate this SLO as evaluated through discussion, written assessment, and practical application.

Students will demonstrate proper travel techniques in varying winter backcountry terrain.  Students will be able to demonstrate this SLO as evaluated through written assessment, and practical application.

Students will demonstrate and articulate winter safety. Students will be able to demonstrate this SLO as evaluated through written assessment, and practical application.

Students will demonstrate and articulate Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics for a winter environment. Students will be able to demonstrate this SLO as evaluated through written assessment, and practical application.

Students will perform as contributing members of a small group as it relates to an outdoor winter environment. Students will be able to demonstrate this SLO as evaluated through practical assessment.


Content:
Efforts are made to provide multiple perspectives and viewpoints by using several methods/activities to deliver course content which include:Winter Clothing/Attire Equipment Travel Technique Skiing Fundamentals/Techniques Terrain Evaluation Winter Safety and Hazards Winter Leave No Trace Outdoor EthicsSmall Group Dynamics

Key Performance Indicators:
Written Assignments/Evaluations 30 to 50%

Practical Application 50 to 70%


Representative Text and/or Supplies:
O' Bannon, Allen and Clelland, Mike. Allen and Mike's Really Cool Telemark Tips


Pedagogy Statement:
Content will be taught through interactive lectures, multimedia, practical, hands-on applications, and reflection. Multiple methods are employed to promote student inclusivity and help the student succeed. The nature of the class requires a small class size, which in turn makes sure students do not "get lost." Students also have multiple opportunities to take part in activities that promote group development and to be part of a small group, thus helping promote course "buy-in." Multiple teaching methods and types of assignments are utilized to help students not only learn, but find transferability and application of course material.

Instructional Mediums:
Lecture/Lab

Maximum Class Size: 11
Optimum Class Size: 11