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Recreation and Leisure Studies
College of Health and Human Services
Department Chair
Maridith Janssen
Department Office
Health and Human Services (HHS) 2 - 118
Telephone
(562) 985-4071
Faculty
Professors
Michael A. Blazey, Marilyn A. Jensen (Emerita)
Associate Professor
Katherine James, Maridith Janssen
Assistant Professors
Corey W. Johnson, Susan Mathieu
Administrative Support Coordinator
Sharon Cruz
Graduate Advisor
Katherine James
The experience of leisure is a basic facet of life. It is an elemental experience, essential to the total well-being of every person; it is a reflection and expression of the cultural values of a society; it is an important treatment modality. Leisure and recreation services are also essential for healthy communities in terms of social climate, environmental quality, and economic stability. The provision of recreation services is one of the largest industries in the world, whether measured in dollars spent, persons served, hours of time devoted, or resources used. The study of leisure and recreation is a broad discipline, combining aspects of diverse fields of study and professional practice.
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies exists to promote a broader and deeper understanding of the role of leisure and recreation in the lives of all people, and to enhance the quality of experiences available to each person. This purpose is expressed in the four-fold mission of the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies: (1) to offer a curriculum which leads the student to an increased understanding of the leisure phenomena; (2) to conduct basic research which contributes to the general body of knowledge; (3) to serve the community by conducting applied research and providing consultation and training to practitioners; and (4) to serve society by providing professional practitioners who are skilled, dedicated, and ethical stewards of the profession.
The Department is accredited by the Accreditation Council of the National Recreation and Park Association and American Association for Leisure and Recreation (National Recreation and Park Association, Council on Accreditation, 22377 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, VA 20148, phone: 703-858-0784).
Students desiring information on undergraduate or graduate degrees or certificate programs in Therapeutic Recreation, Administration of Campus Recreation and Student Service Programs, Management of Nonprofit and Volunteer Services, Administration of Outdoor Recreation Resources, and Administration of Travel and Tourism should contact the department office for referral to one of the faculty advisors.