Communication and Leadership in Adventure Tourism      Back to Course Outline

Course Description

Human relations require a variety of methods in communication. The communication process is comprised of both general and specific approaches and modalities based on cultural background, age, experience, the learning environment and activity, and the attitudes, beliefs, behaviors and barriers to learning that may be present. The coursework focuses on the qualitative aspects of leadership through explorations in communication, cooperation,

team-building, problem-solving and conflict resolution. A central construct of this course is helping students gain a sense of self reflection and personal growth through discussion and journal writing after engaging in challenging and realistic scenarios. Experimenting in the role of leader and follower helps students gain a true understanding of how groups form, interact and work through a process to reach a goal.


Course Length and Design

40 hours of instructional time utilizing classroom and field experiences.


Learning Outcomes

This course, as described in the Course Description, introduces students to explorations across a broad spectrum of communication and leadership areas of study. During the course, students will research, experiment in and develop communication and leadership and followership understanding and skills in preparation for work-related applications.

Topics to be covered include:

    • the communication process
    • listening skills
    • perception and the self 
    • leadership attributes 
    • social traits and norms
    • roles within a group
    • public speaking
    • leadership styles
    • giving and receiving feedback
    • reflection
    • evaluation: formative and summative
    • teaching and learning     
    • communication within groups
    •  negotiating and reconciliating
    • verbal and non-verbal communication
    • cultural similarities and differences
    • group development and facilitation
    • truths and beliefs
    • improvisation
    • fear
    • briefing and debriefing
    • judgment and intuition
    • leading by following















Evaluation Profile

  • Assignments          %20
  • Research Paper     %25
  • Mid-term Exam       %15
  • Final Exam              %30
  • Class Participation  %10
  • Total                        %100

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