Course Descriptions

 

OLER 120 - Challenge Course I (Low Elements)     3 credits

This course will introduce students to the design and application of a challenge course, and train students in the technical skills required to instruct and sequence various activities on the Low Challenge Course. The course will combine classroom lecture with experiential learning on San Juan College's High Endeavors Challenge Course. Students will gain an understanding of the history and evolution of challenge course design and purpose. Additionally, individual element description and safety, activity introduction and framing, spotting techniques, instructor awareness, activity variations and introductory processing skills will be covered during this course. Does not meet Physical Education activity requirement for AA degree. Semester Offered–Fall and Summer.

 

OLER 130 - Wilderness and Environmental Ethics     2 credits

Overview of ethical practices and behavior for anyone utilizing wilderness resources. Topics of study will include low impact camping and traveling methods, history of environmental and wilderness ethics, and current issues in the outdoor recreation industry. Daily readings and writing assignments will be expected. Upon successful completion of course student will be a Leave-No-Trace Trainer. Does not meet Physical Education activity requirement for AA degree. Semester Offered–Fall.

 

OLER 140 - Wilderness Pursuits     2 credits

Introductory level course with a focus on developing skills related to planning, organizing and executing a backcountry outing. Topics will include: trip planning and organization; clothing and equipment selection; low impact camping and permitting; menu planning; site selection and set-up; introductory route finding and navigation; expedition behavior and safety in a wilderness setting. This course will be experiential, in that students will practice skills both in the classroom and during field time. Students will apply their learning directly by planning and participating in a backpacking expedition. This course will meet Physical Education activity requirement for AA degree. Semester Offered–Fall.

 

OLER 150 - Wilderness First Aid     1 credit

This class goes beyond that of traditional first aid in that it  addresses how to handle medical situations in remote wilderness settings. Lectures are combined with practical applications through a variety of hands-on simulations and activities. This course is highly recommended for guides, trip leaders, camp counselors, hunters, rescue team members, outdoor recreation enthusiasts and anyone who spends considerable time in the wilderness or other remote settings. Upon successful completion, student will be certified in Wilderness First Aid through Wilderness Medicine Training Center (WMTC). Does not meet Physical Education activity requirement for AA degree. Semester Offered–Fall.

 

 

OLER 155 - Introduction to Gym Climbing     1 credit

This course is designed for the beginning climber or for the climber who needs a review of the basics of TOP ROPE climbing in an indoor climbing gym setting. This course will cover the topics and skills necessary to safely boulder, top rope, and lead climbing at the HHPC climbing wall. Topics include safety, knots, belaying and basic climbing technique. In addition, this course is designed to improve the climbing ability and fitness level of those enrolled. Physical participation is required and students are encouraged to work at their own pace. This course is suitable for all ability levels. This course will meet Physical Education activity requirement for AA degree. Semester Offered–Fall and Spring. 

 

OLER 156 - Rock Climbing     2 credits

Covers the fundamentals of rock climbing. Students will experience climbing at the HHPC indoor climbing wall and outdoor locations, learning equipment selection and usage, belay techniques, anchor systems and climbing skills. This course will meet Physical Education activity requirement for AA degree. Semester Offered–Fall.

 

OLER 157 - Sport Climbing     1 credit

Designed for the experienced climber who wishes to gain the knowledge and skills for lead climbing in an indoor and outdoor setting. This course will cover the topics and skills necessary to safely LEAD climb at the HHPC climbing wall. Other topics will include; a review of the basics, lead-climbing safety, belaying the leader, lead climbing technique, falling and advanced climbing technique. This course is designed to improve the climbing ability and fitness level of those enrolled. Prerequisites: OLER 155, OLER 156 or permission of program coordinator. This course will meet Physical Education activity requirement for AA degree. Semester Offered–Spring

 

OLER 161 - Winter Backcountry Travel     2 credits

This course is designed to cover the skills necessary for extended winter camping and travel in the backcountry on snowshoes or backcountry/telemark skis. Basic ski and snowshoe technique will be taught. The class will cover the skills, theory and practices related to winter camping. Student will learn winter equipment selection and usage, snow shelter construction, stoves and cooking, cold related illnesses and avalanche safety. This course will meet Physical Education activity requirement for AA degree. Semester Offered–Spring.

 

OLER 163 - Avalanche Clinic     1 credit

Designed to teach the basics of the avalanche phenomenon. Students will learn how to recognize potential hazards and how to evaluate snow pack conditions. The use of avalanche beacons, probe lines and searching techniques will be covered both in classroom sessions and in the field through simulated rescue situations. Upon successful completion of course students will be certified as Avalanche Level 1 through American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE). Does not meet Physical Education activity requirement for AA degree. Semester Offered–Spring.

 

OLER 165 - Mountaineering     2 credits

Introduces the experienced backpacker to the basic skills of high alpine technical mountaineering. A broad range of skills and knowledge that are essential to the practice of mountaineering will be covered. Topics include the alpine environment, route finding and navigation, movement over snow, ice, and rock, rope systems, equipment selection, safety, and evacuation procedures. This course will meet Physical Education activity requirement for AA degree. Semester Offered–Spring.

 

OLER 171 - Canoeing     2 credits

This course will introduce students to canoeing on flat water by covering the basic skills and safety techniques. As these skills develop, students will graduate to moving water and finally whitewater applications. Emphasis will be on river reading techniques, strokes, and single and tandem canoeing and safety. This course is an American Canoe Association basic canoe course. Students will receive an ACA course completion card. This course will meet Physical Education activity requirement for AA degree. Semester Offered–Summer.

 

 

 

 

OLER 173 - Rafting     2 credits

Students will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to independently plan and carry out a successful rafting outing. The course will provide techniques for safe travel by raft; emphasis on basic paddling skills, rigging a raft, river dynamics and river-reading skills, self-rescue and rescue of others, and treating river related emergencies. This course will prepare students to effectively "run" class III whitewater. This course is an American Canoe Association basic rafting course. Students will receive an ACA course completion card. This course will meet Physical Education activity requirement for AA degree. Semester Offered–Summer.

 

OLER 174 - Oar Rafting     2 credits

Students will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to independently plan and carry out a successful rafting outing, with a focus on rowing. The course content includes raft equipment, techniques for safe travel by oar rafting; rigging an oar raft, advance river dynamics and river reading skills, rescue skills, and treating river related emergencies. This course will prepare students to effectively "run" Class III whitewater. This course is an American Canoe Association basic oar-rafting course. Students will receive an ACA course completion card. This course will meet Physical Education activity requirement for AA degree. Semester Offered–Summer.

 

OLER 175 - Swiftwater Rescue     1 credit

Intensive course designed to teach students the necessary skills and techniques involved with river rescue situations. Experience with whitewater activities is recommended! Upon successful completion of this course, students will receive a nationally recognized certification as a Whitewater Rescue Technician through Rescue Three International. Does not meet Physical Education activity requirement for AA degree. Semester Offered–Summer.

 

 OLER 220 - Challenge Course II (High Elements)     3 credits

The course will begin with a brief review of the history, purpose, and application of challenge courses before transitioning to specific activities involved with the High Challenge Course. Topics include equipment, individual element description and safety, belay techniques, activity introduction and framing, spotting techniques, instructor awareness, activity variations and introductory processing, inspection, maintenance, emergency procedures, participant screening, accident reporting, and rescue skills. Does not meet Physical Education activity requirement for AA degree. Semester Offered–Spring and Summer.

 

 

OLER 255 - Wilderness First Responder     3 credits

This course is designed for students who will be working with groups in the backcountry setting at a professional level. Course content will address the issues of long-term patient care, survival skills and backcountry rescue techniques. Upon successful completion, students will be certified as Wilderness First Responders and in CPR through Wilderness Medicine Training Center (WMTC). Does not meet Physical Education activity requirement for AA degree. Semester Offered–Spring.

 

OLER 299 - Whitewater Kayaking     2 credits

This course will introduce students to whitewater kayaking by covering the basic skills and safety techniques. Emphasis will be on river reading techniques, strokes, safety, self-rescue, and rescue of others. This course will prepare students to effectively “run” class II whitewater. This class is an American Canoe Association whitewater kayak course, a course completion card is available. This course will meet Physical Education activity requirement for AA degree. Semester Offered–Summer.

 

  OLER 299 - AMGA Top Rope Site Manager     2 credits

The American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) Top Rope Site Manager Course (TRSM) emphasizes the technical and education proficiency necessary to safely and professionally instruct rock climbing and climbing related activities in a group setting. The course is designed for outdoor instructors, aspiring guides, and climbers who facilitate top rope climbing programs in group settings such as camps, schools, universities, therapeutic groups and climbing schools. This class will prepare you to take the AMGA Top Rope Site Manager Exam. This course does not meet Physical Education activity requirement for AA degree. Semester Offered–Summer.

 

OLER 299 - ACA Raft Instructor     2 credits

The American Canoe Association (ACA) Raft instructor course prepares you to be a whitewater raft instructor. This course will develop and test student’s proficiencies in Safety Awareness, Technical Knowledge, Paddling/Rowing Skills and Technique, and Teaching Ability. Completion of the class does not guarantee that you will become certified. Certification will be dependent upon your teaching ability and rafting skills. This course does not meet Physical Education activity requirement for AA degree. Semester Offered–Summer.

 

 

For more information, please call Marcel Bieg M.S. ExEd at (505) 566-3113. Or send us an email at biegm@sanjuancollege.edu.