Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for PE 183A archive revision 202604

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Effective Term:
Fall 2026

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. Must be able to comfortably hike at least three miles on outdoor trails with elevation and uneven surfaces. 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. Hikes will be within 50 miles of Cascade Campus. Students must provide their own transportation to trailheads; carpool groups will be established during the 1st day lecture and participation is strongly encouraged. 

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

  1. Improve overall physical conditioning through participation in hiking activities.
  2. Apply basic hiking skills and concepts when planning safe and enjoyable hikes.
  3. Utilize environmentally conscious practices when participating in hiking activities.
  4. Develop a personal hiking practice toward lifelong fitness, health, and wellness.
  5. Describe the relationship of the mind, body, and spirit connected to outdoor fitness.

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)

  1. Hiking warm-up, cool-down, and stretching
  2. Fitness training for hiking
  3. Benefits of hiking for lifelong fitness and wellness
  4. Personal awareness and safety when hiking (communication, emergency plans)
  5. Hiking trip planning (route selection, proper gear, clothing, footwear, first aid, food, water)
  6. Basic injury prevention and first aid (blister prevention and management)
  7. Hiking techniques (posture, overcoming obstacles, use of trekking poles)
  8. Environmental awareness (“Leave no trace”, weather, trail conditions)

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS:

  1. Practice hiking warm-ups, cool-downs, and stretching
  2. Apply safe hiking techniques during hiking activities
  3. Alter hiking choices for special weather and physical conditions
  4. Practice “Leave no trace” principles when hiking
  5. Participate in the planning of a basic hike (route selection, “10 essentials”, emergency plan)
  6. Self-reflection and communication about hiking activities, routes, personal preparation, group dynamics, safety, and fitness for hiking