CCOG for PE 183A Winter 2025
- Course Number:
- PE 183A
- Course Title:
- Beginning Hiking
- Credit Hours:
- 1
- Lecture Hours:
- 0
- Lecture/Lab Hours:
- 0
- Lab Hours:
- 30
Course Description
Introduces hiking concepts and skills necessary to hike safely as a regular fitness activity. Includes fitness for hiking, route planning, safety, and environmental considerations. Required: Be able to comfortably walk on outdoor trails for three miles or more. Be prepared for day hiking trips off campus by providing your own transportation, parking fees and equipment. Audit available.
Addendum to Course Description
Student provides appropriate clothing, shoes, and equipment. Small backpack, water bottle/bladder, and hiking or trail shoes required.
Intended Outcomes for the course
Upon completion of the course students should be able to:
- Improve overall physical conditioning through participation in hiking activities.
- Apply basic hiking skills and concepts when planning safe and enjoyable hikes.
- Utilize environmentally conscious practices when participating in hiking activities.
- Recognize how to use hiking in a lifelong fitness, health, and wellness program.
Course Activities and Design
An on-campus orientation or initial class meeting and off-campus hikes are required for this course. Instructional strategies include lecture, small group work, group discussion, classroom activities, online or electronic activities/discussions/assignments, physical skill practice, fitness level assessment, and group hiking activities.
Outcome Assessment Strategies
- Journal entries
- Peer discussions
- Written assignments
- Self-evaluations
- Attendance and participation
- Quizzes
- Outside of class observations and reports
Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)
SUBJECT MATTER: CONCEPTS, THEMES, ISSUES (TOPICAL AREAS)
- Hiking warm-up, cool-down, and stretching
- Fitness training for hiking
- Benefits of hiking for lifelong fitness and wellness
- Personal awareness and safety when hiking (communication, emergency plans)
- Hiking trip planning (route selection, proper gear, clothing, footwear, first aid, food, water)
- Basic injury prevention and first aid (blister prevention and management)
- Hiking techniques (posture, overcoming obstacles, use of trekking poles)
- Environmental awareness (“Leave no trace”, weather, trail conditions)
COMPETENCIES/SKILLS:
- Practice hiking warm-ups, cool-downs, and stretching
- Apply safe hiking techniques during hiking activities
- Alter hiking choices for special weather and physical conditions
- Practice “Leave no trace” principles when hiking
- Participate in the planning of a basic hike (route selection, “10 essentials”, emergency plan)
- Self-reflection and communication about hiking activities, routes, personal preparation, group dynamics, safety, and fitness for hiking