Catalog Description

Formerly known as PHED 78
Hours: 54 (27 lecture, 27 laboratory)
Description: Designed to enhance the student's understanding of the outdoors and the natural world. Interactive discussions and experiments involving shelter, water, fire, food, tracking, hazards, and other basic survival skills. Field study required. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Distinguish between animal tracks to identify the species and the direction and speed of the animal's travel.
  • CSLO #2: Compare and contrast two separate environments in order to evaluate the natural resources available and prepare, plan and execute a survival strategy.
  • CSLO #3: Assemble snares and demonstrate ability to generate shelter, water, fire and food from natural resources.

Effective Term

Fall 2020

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

54

Total Student Learning Hours

108

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives:
1. Predict consequences in a survival situation;
2. Differentiate threats from non-threats in order to formulate quick decisions;
3. Infer a theory for animal activity by scrutinizing patterns of animal tracks;
4. Compare and contrast two separate environments in order to evaluate the natural resources available;
5. Prepare, plan and execute a survival strategy;
6. Evaluate specific varieties of wood to determine when and why the wood is needed;
7. Judge a situation in order to revise and adapt a course of action due to environmental, weather and/or other hazardous concerns;
8. Evaluate a tracking scene by locating and analyzing site specific clues in order to solve prior animal behavior.
Laboratory Objectives:
1. Appraise wilderness predicaments and conclude whether they are in a survival situation;
2. Distinguish between animal tracks in an effort to determine the species;
3. Calculate animals' gaits by dissecting information provided by the tracks;
4. Assess the wilderness surroundings in order to compose a list of natural resources available;
5. Assemble snares and demonstrate water-finding techniques;
6. Examine a track and ascertain the species, as well as the direction and speed of the animal's travel;
7. Construct a solar still for the purpose of collecting water;
8. Generate shelter, water, fire and food from natural resources.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Health Ed/Physical Ed
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
      • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

        Articulation Information

        • CSU Transferable

        Methods of Evaluation

        • Essay Examinations
          • Example: Questions based on basic survival such as describing the difference between thatching, a mud hut and a debris shelter. Essay will be graded using a rubric designed by the instructor and shared with students.
        • Objective Examinations
          • Example: Example: True or False: Foxes are known to defecate on other animal's scat.
        • Projects
          • Example: Groups are given a wilderness survival scenario where the group formulates a plan addressing the needs of food, shelter, and water.

        Repeatable

        No

        Methods of Instruction

        • Laboratory
        • Lecture/Discussion
        • Distance Learning

        Lab:

        1. Instructor will monitor a small group presentation in which each group will compare and contrast different animal patterns with several presented by the instructor.
        2. Students will be given slides of various animal tracks and will practice identifying specific animal groups.

        Lecture:

        1. Instructor will facilitate a group discussion in which the class will differentiate the various tracks left by small animals. Each group will present a different animal track for discussion.

        Distance Learning

        1. Discussion by the instructor on solar stills. The students discuss this topic in small groups.
        2. Instructor will lead a discussion on snares. The students will discuss this topic in small groups.

        Typical Out of Class Assignments

        Reading Assignments

        1. Read chapter on "Patterns and Gaits," and be prepared to discuss in class. 2. Complete an internet research project on bedding, nests and caves and be prepared to discuss, in a group format, various habits and outcomes presented.

        Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

        1. Students will write a three page paper on different species identification. 2. Students will keep a journal recording thoughts, observations, and reflections from the classroom discussions and field trips. 3. Students will view photos of various animal tracks and be asked to identify the animal that created them.

        Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

        Required Materials

        • The Survival Handbook
          • Author: Towel, Colin
          • Publisher: DK Publishing
          • Publication Date: 2016
          • Text Edition: 1st
          • Classic Textbook?:
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • SAS Survival Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere
          • Author: John Wiseman
          • Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
          • Publication Date: 2014
          • Text Edition: 3rd
          • Classic Textbook?:
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Mammal Tracks and Sign: A Guide to North American Species
          • Author: 2014
          • Publisher: Stackpole Books
          • Publication Date: 2003
          • Text Edition: 1st
          • Classic Textbook?:
          • OER Link:
          • OER:

        Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.