Graduate Assistantship in The Kurt Hahn Consortium for Values and Experiential
Learning while seeking a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Recreation, Park and
Tourism Management
November 2018
Context
The Department of Recreation Park and Tourism Management (RPTM) is a vibrant department
within the College of Health and Human Development. Academics in the Department embrace
a broad conception of all aspects of the fields they teach and research; as well as collaborate
across the College and beyond which demonstrates their belief and commitment to
interdisciplinary understandings. As a partner of RPTM, Shavers Creek (SCEC) is a field lab for
Penn State students which collaborates across all colleges in the University as well as serving
the wider community through engagement with schools, government agencies, for profit and
non for profit organizations, and the general public. The facilities are located 12 miles from
campus and have just seen considerable investment.
Research
We are looking for an MSc/PhD student to undertake research in the Kurt Hahn Consortium for
Values and Experiential Learning which is part of the RPTM Graduate Program. The research
will draw on literature at the intersection of outdoor recreation, experiential learning,
peacebuilding and teaching learning and pedagogy. This studentship is part of our rapidly
evolving collaborations with Outward Bound (Oman, USA and Internationally) and The Duke of
Edinburgh International Award (USA).
The specifics of the research design will be developed by the student. We anticipate that a
focus of the research will be on Outdoor Experiential Leadership. Through the collaboration and
strong network of connections this research provides a unique opportunity to undertake work
across countries and cultures on the different manifestations of Hahnian philosophy in various
experiential contexts. We anticipate an interdisciplinary approach drawing on philosophy,
pedagogy, psychology and sociology.
There are extensive opportunities for collaborations on campus with different departments and
research centres such as The Rock Ethics Institute and Campus Recreation. The chair of the
students committee will be Dr Pete Allison. It is anticipated that a representative from Outward
Bound and/or The Duke of Edinburgh (International) Award will sit as a special member of the
committee.
Graduate Assistantship
The assistantship for this research is for a 2-5 year period dependent on successful progress.
The successful candidate will be a student in RPTM. In addition they will work for 20 hours per
week as a research and or teaching assistant on campus and/or at Shavers Creek. This will
probably involve working on the collaborative relationships mentioned above, research
projects, curriculum development and teaching.
The logistics of working between campus and Shavers Creek mean that use of personal car for
transport may be required.
Candidate information
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