Rethinking Philosophy of Leisure: A Proposal for Including More Humanism in the Curriculum

Abstract

This paper argues that recreation and leisure studies curricula too often fail to provide students with adequate knowledge to understand, critically analyze, and discuss leisure. By studying leisure from a humanist perspective—specifically philosophy, history, and literature—educators can respond to this problem. In so doing, educators will be able to further clarify what is unique about a recreation and leisure studies graduate, agree on the content of the core body of knowledge, and move the profession towards a resolution of the unique role that recreation and leisure play in society.

Keywords:

• humanism
• curriculum
• leisure
• core
• profession

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Cheryl A. Estes

Biographical Information

Cheryl Estes is an Assistant Professor at East Carolina University in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies in Greenville, North Carolina. 174 Minges Coliseum, Greenville, NC 27858–4353, 252-328-4638, [email protected]