Course Description
This course covers the fundamentals of hiking as a recreational activity and an outdoor travel skill. Content will cover local trails, place history, basic hiking techniques, clothing and equipment selection, basic first aid and safety concerns, and Leave-no-trace principles. Participation in class is necessary for practical experience, to meet learning objectives, and to pass the course. This class will meet once per week for two hours and 50 minutes for eight weeks. The first day of class will include indoor instruction and possible outdoor activities. The remaining class times and instruction will take place at various hiking trails within a 30 minute drive of OSU’s
campus. Hike locations and plans will be communicated through Blackboard. Transportation to and from the trail will be the responsibility of the student. Having a class immediately before and/or after this class may make it challenging to be punctual due to the extra travel time required.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will confirm their knowledge by:
- Explaining the value and benefits of hiking.
- Discussing place history and management.
- Identifying the techniques of hiking.
- Describing the proper selection and application of clothing, gear, accessories, hydration systems, and nutrition.
- Explaining basic safety and stewardship/Leave-no-trace (LNT) practices.
Students will show evidence of their skill by:
- Demonstrating proper hiking travel techniques.
- Selecting and utilizing proper clothing, accessories, hydration systems, equipment, and food while hiking.
- Applying basic safety and stewardship/LNT practices while hiking.
Students will demonstrate their attitudes by:
- Practicing appropriate LNT ethics.
- Modeling the knowledge and skills learned to hike safety.
- Expressing the values and benefits of hiking.
- Practicing proper preparedness in class!
Course Content
- Introductions: Class, instructor, syllabus, course design
- Benefits and Value: Health, fitness, soulful re-creation
- Hiking Techniques and Tips: Warm up, rest step, pace, rate of travel, trail etiquette
- Clothing and Footwear: Layering, examples per season
- Equipment and Gear: Backpacks, accessories, essential systems
- Nutrition and Hydration: Calories, systems, packaging
- Safety: Hike itinerary and trip planning, wildlife dangers, toxic vegetation
- Environmental Stewardship: LNT principles, place history and management
- Basic First Aid: Kits, common injuries
- Technology: Navigational tools, phone apps, guidebooks, maps
For more information please visit the ALI Website.