FRI201 Outdoor Leadership

Contents and structure

The core focus of the Outdoor Leadership course is the integration of leadership theory and practice. Emphasis is placed on situational leadership and group development, explored through a series of single-day and multi-day excursions. Students will develop foundational outdoor leadership competencies by serving as designated leaders during these excursions. Through two combined theoretical and practical modules, participants will acquire specialized knowledge and skills in outdoor leadership, with particular attention to safety and risk management.

Excursions:

• Multi-day mountain excursion
• Glacier excursion
• Self planed excursion

Learning Outcome

After completing the Outdoor Leadership course, students will have achieved the following learning outcomes, categorized into knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

The student will be able to:

• Identify and articulate the essential competencies required for effective situational leadership in outdoor contexts.

• Analyze and explain theories of group development and evaluate their practical application in outdoor environments.
• Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of safety protocols and risk management principles relevant to outdoor leadership.
• Discuss and justify the significance of sustainable practices in outdoor activities, including the principles and philosophy underpinning the Leave No Trace approach

Skills

The student will be able to:

• Design and implement a comprehensive trip plan that incorporates detailed safety procedures and systematic risk assessments.
• Demonstrate adaptive leadership by effectively responding to changes in environmental conditions and group dynamics.
• Plan and facilitate outdoor activities, communicate critical information clearly, and establish a safe and supportive learning environment for participants and groups

General competence

The student will be able to:

• Apply principles of situational outdoor leadership by adapting leadership styles to meet the specific needs of the group, context, and individual participants.

• Critically analyze and evaluate changes in both the natural environment and group dynamics to inform decision-making.
• Implement safe, sustainable, and environmentally responsible practices during outdoor activities, while fostering a secure and supportive learning environment for all participants.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

Students should be prepared for overnight excursions in tent and capable of carrying a backpack with own equipment during these excursions.

Teaching methods

The course employs a diverse blend of teaching and learning approaches, including field-based excursions, lectures, seminars, and both group and individual tasks. Whenever possible, theoretical content is integrated and examined through practical experience to strengthen the connection between theory and practice. During trips and excursions, methodological considerations are foregrounded, with a concurrent emphasis on personal development and the progressive mastery of skills relevant to outdoor activities.

Compulsory learning activities

• Reflection Essay: Becoming an Outdoor Leader - a critical reflection on your developmental trajectory as an outdoor leader. The essay should:

  • Demonstrate growth in understanding core concepts of outdoor leadership.
  • Integrate theoretical frameworks with insights from practical experiences (e.g., excursions, leadership-of-the-day responsibilities).
  • Use clear academic writing and appropriate citation of relevant literature.

• Group Project: Comprehensive Trip Plan for a Student-Organized Excursion - a collaboratively produced trip plan that includes:

  • Objectives, route selection, logistics, roles and responsibilities, and communication protocols.
  • Detailed safety procedures and a systematic risk assessment.
  • Emergency response and contingency planning.
  • Sustainability measures and Leave No Trace principles tailored to the chosen environment.

Approval Requirement:Both assignments are mandatory. Each must meet the specified criteria and receive formal approval to satisfy course requirements and achieve a passing grade.

Assessment

Six hours home exam. Graded from A-F (A is best, F is fail).

Examination support material

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