TVL 211 SYLLABUS

Fall Session 2009

Welcome to Tour Group Development!

Course Number:  211

Course Description:

Introduction to the basic principles of guiding tours. Includes principles of tour group handling, tour group planning, tour guide basics, tour guide narration, tour guide procedures and challenges, and public speaking for the tour guide.

Course Objectives

1. Discuss the etiquette and legal issues involved in handling tour groups.
2. Describe the logistics of planning a tour including designing a tour, pricing a tour, and delivering the product.
3. Discuss tour guide basics including which companies are usually hiring, how to search for a tour guide job, and use of proper tour guide terminology.
4. Explain the importance of proper narration and discuss common motor coach procedures.
5. Discuss common daily procedures.
6. Discuss the importance of tour guide incentive programs.
7. Discuss common tour guide challenges and identify ways to overcome challenges.
8. Explain successful public speaking strategies for the tour guide.

Location:

This is a "distance learning" course.  There are no class meetings, and physical presence is not required.  For this course, grading is dependent upon a final project that will be handed in upon completion of the course. 

Meeting Time(s): 

Scheduled meetings with the instructor are available to all internet students (both in-person and by phone).

Meeting Day(s):  None

Instructor:

Dottie Sutherland, MBA

Lead Faculty, Tourism Education

Pima Community College- East Campus

8181 East Irvington Road

Tucson, AZ  85709-4000

520-206-7629

Dottie.Sutherland@pima.edu

Text:

Tour Director Training Guide:  Get Paid to Travel;  Anderson, Cherie (2004)

Texts can be purchased through the East Campus bookstore by calling 520-206-7000. 

Out-of-state students can contact the bookstore online at 0118mgr@fheg.gollett.com

Grading:

This course consists of a series of assignments that will compliment both the reading and the term exercises and "chapter checks" in your text.  After completing all 12 assignments, the student will have the opportunity to take an optional final exam offered by the author of the text.  Successful completion of this final exam will serve as proof that the student has studied the tour guide industry and is ready for interviews.

For a grade of A, the student needs to submit....

1.  ALL 12 chapter assignments in addition to the Course Project.

2.  ALL assignment grades must average a 90% or above.

3.  ON-TIME work.

For a grade of B, the student needs to submit....

1.  11 chapter assignments in addition to the Course Project.

2.  Assignment grades must average at least an 80%.

3.  ON-TIME work.

For a grade of C, the student needs to submit....

1.  10 chapter assignments.

2.  Assignment grades must average at least 70%.

3.  ON-TIME work.

Note:  Anything less than the required work will result in a lower grade.  Students are expected to complete and submit their own work- completed exclusively by the student.

Attendance:

ON-TIME work is exactly the same as showing up for a class on time.  Each assignment should be submitted ON THE DUE date.  Please note that each grade requires ON TIME work.  Please contact the instructor immediately if you have extenuating circumstances.