NR 90

Course Syllabus for Spring 2012

FEM 7

Thursdays 1:00 – 1:50 PM

LAB Field Trip to REI 1:00 – 4:55 TH April 12

NO class April 26

LAB Backpack Trip Saturday May 5 from 8:00 AM to Sunday May 6 5:00 PM

Lecture 1:00 – 1:50 TH May 1, FEM 7

Final Exam Tuesday, May 15 at 1:00 – 2:50

Instructor:	Kent Kinney

Office: FEM 10, Phone: (559) 638-3641, Ext. 2735

Office Hours: M, T, W 11:00 AM, other times by appt.

Email: kent.kinney@reedleycollege.edu

Textbook

The Backpacker’s Field Manual A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Backcountry Skills. Rick Curtis. Three Rivers Press, New York, 2005

Description

This course is designed to give students basic skills in backcountry

travel. Topics covered will include route planning, equipment

selection, multiple night travel, trail etiquette, food preparation,

campsite selection, basic map reading and compass use, and

backcountry safety. Students will gain basic knowledge and

experience aimed at increasing their confidence in traveling in the

backcountry.

Required Equipment

Students must supply their own pack packing equipment.

Advisories

Basic Skills Advisories: Eligibility for English 125, 126, and

Mathematics 101. (A, CSU)

Learning Outcomes

Gain confidence in backcountry travel and navigation.

Prepare food using a backpacking stove, water filter and dried food.

Navigate trails in mountain terrain using a map and compass.

Practice appropriate trail etiquette and “leave no trace” camping methods.

Recognize potential backcountry hazards and minimize risks.

Learning Objectives

In the process of completing this course, students will:

Identify and select necessary equipment for backcountry travel.

Use a map and compass to identify travel routes and current location.

Set up and operate a backpacking stove to prepare meals.

Identify “leave no trace” principles.

Select appropriate equipment for specific conditions.

Reedley College Policies

To receive a grade for this course, students must complete all assigned work. Cheating or plagiarism will result in removal from class and you will receive an “F”. Be courteous to everyone in class.

If you have a verified need for an academic accommodation or materials in alternate media (i.e., Braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, please contact me as soon as possible.

Attendance and Grading Policy:

If you miss a lecture, you are responsible for obtaining notes from a classmate. The success of any class depends on the presence and active participation of each student; therefore, you are expected to attend every class. Your participation record will be considered when assigning your final grade. If you miss class >3 times during the semester (without a valid reason) you will be dropped from the course. Individual exam grades may be curved and final grades will be assigned based on a straight percentage system according to the following scale:

Outline

Trip Planning

Equipment

Cooking and Nutrition

Hygiene and Water Purification

Leave No Trace Hiking and Camping

Wilderness Travel

Weather and Nature

Safety and Emergency Care

Outdoor Leadership

Course Grade Cumulative Percent A 90-100 B 80-89 C 70-79 D 60-69 F < 59	Breakdown of Grades Percent Quizes 10% Final Exam 20% Trip Preparation 30% Trip Participation 40%