Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Introduction to Hospitality Management (Face-to-Face)

HRHM 2000-02

Course: HRHM 2000-02
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: MHRH
CRN: 30228

Course Description

This course introduces students to a management career in the hospitality industry, which includes hotels, food and beverage, meetings and conventions, recreation and leisure, and information technology. The importance of leadership and the establishment of a service culture are also treated. (Fall, Spring, Summer - 1st Session) [Graded (Standard Letter)]

Required Texts

Exploring the Hospitality Industry, 4th Ed., Walker, John R.

ISBN-13: 978-0-13-474491-9

Additional reading material will be provided by the instructor via Canvas or in class.

Learning Outcomes

Course Goal: Students will be able to evaluate various segments and disciplines of the hospitality industry that will guide them in making a career choice.

  1. Explain key characteristics of the hospitality industry.
  2. Identify key concepts and interrelationships in the travel and tourism industry.
  3. Discover which hospitality industry career paths are most attractive to pursue.
  4. Describe key concepts of various hospitality industry segments.
  5. Decide whether to continue education and career interest in the hospitality management industry.

Course Requirements

Course Grading: History assignment, class participation, current events, experience presentation, attendance, projects, quizzes, and exams.

Grades will be posted using Canvas. You can access your scores at any time using the gradebook in Canvas. Please note that scores returned throughout the semester are unofficial grades.

Points and Components
Case Studies50 (5 case studies at 10 points each)
Pop QuizzesPoints will vary
Projects/Paper80 (Two projects of 30 & 50 points)
Reflection Paper30 (Personal reflection based on course concepts)
Tests40 (4 tests each worth 10 points)
Total200*

*Points are approximate

Grading Scale
Grade%
A94-100
A-90-93
B+86-89
B83-85
B-80-82
C+76-79
C73-75
C-70-72
D60-69
Course Grading Segment Explanations:

Case Study Analysis: (50 points – 5 case studies worth 10 points each)

Case studies will be analyzed throughout the semester. Case studies either will be found within the textbook or will be available within Canvas. Students will be responsible for providing a brief summary of the case and answering all questions related to each case study, unless otherwise noted. Further information can be found in the associated Canvas Module. Expect in-class discussion of the case study (In the event that there is no discussion, the professor reserves the right to dock points from the assignment. Alternatively, a meaningful and engaged discussion section presents an opportunity for bonus points.) Case studies are meant to bring a real-world context to the material which means that you will need to use critical thinking skills and integrate text material as well as course discussion.

Pop Quizzes: Quizzes will be taken via Canvas and can only be taken in class. The quiz can be administered at any point during the class period via a passcode given by the professor; once the quiz is started you will have 5 minutes to take it. Quiz questions will be from the chapter(s) being covered in class that week. Quizzes are in-class only and CAN NOT be made up or re-opened once they close. No exceptions.

Projects

Hospitality Happenings x 2 (15 points each): The hospitality industry is sensitive to what is happening in society and is ever changing. You will be examining a specific segment of the industry (as assigned in Canvas) and researching current events, their impacts, and the future of that segment of the industry. You will also examine career paths as they relate to the segment of the industry assigned.

Be specific in your discussion:

  • What is the event/topic/trend you are discussing?
  • How has it impacted the industry as a whole and the assigned segment specifically? Provide data from credible sources (Wikipedia is NOT a credible source).
  • What have companies done in response? Give examples.
  • What are the challenges/opportunities stemming from this?
  • How might/has this impact(ed) the assigned segment of industry going forward (positive and negative)?
  • If you were a manager or business owner, what would you do in response (if applicable)?

Career Path

  • In less than a paragraph discuss your career path (if you are undecided choose a career path that interests you).
  • Find linkage(s) between your career path and the segment of the industry assigned. It may be direct or indirect; be specific in your discussion. Recognize that the position may or may not be entry level.
  • Do some research and find a job opportunity that would align with points 1 and 2 – provide an overview of the company, qualifications, job description. Briefly discuss your thoughts on the position and if you would apply.

Paper should be 2–5 pages, 1.5 spacing, Times New Roman. Citations and corresponding “reference” page are required. At least five sources should be cited. Use APA style. Submit the report to Canvas.

Interview Report (50 points): Interview three individuals currently working in the hospitality industry. One interview per industry sector (i.e., theme park, hotel, restaurant, casino, tourism operators, meetings/events, etc.). Guidelines for the interview including required formatting and rubric can be found within Canvas. It is STRONGLY recommended that this project be worked on over the course of the semester. At the end of the semester, you are expected to present your project with your group in class.

Mini-Tests (40 points): There will be four mini-tests given throughout the semester, each worth 10 points. Exams will be given via Canvas. Exams will be based primarily on material found in the text, course lectures/power points. Exams will be a combination of multiple choice, true/false, and/or short answer/essay. The purpose of these tests is to assess assigned readings. Exams are open note/open book.

Reflection Paper (30 points): Throughout the course you will be exploring various facets of the hospitality industry. You may be coming into this course with a pre-conceived notion, or none, of what the hospitality industry is. The information discussed in class, coupled with the various reports and interviews you conduct may, or may not, change your opinion or provide you with a different perspective of the hospitality industry. This paper is a reflection of your thoughts on the industry. Write a two to five page, double spaced paper based on what you have learned/discovered, etc., during the course of the semester.

Note Regarding Papers: A more thorough guideline and rubric is available in Canvas for all assignments. The details for all assignments are available from the beginning of the semester within Canvas. Assignments can be uploaded prior to the due date; as such, NO late assignment will be accepted.

Course Outline

Instructor reserves right to make adjustments and amendments to course schedule.

WeekTopic/ActivityAssignment Due
Week 1Introduction/Course Expectations; Ch. 1 Hospitality SpiritRead Chapter 1
Week 2Ch. 2 TourismRead Chapter 2
Week 3Ch. 3 – LodgingRead Chapter 3; Case 1
Week 4Ch. 4 – Lodging OperationsRead Chapter 4; Test 1 (Ch 1–4)
Week 5Ch. 5 – CruisingRead Chapter 5; Case 2
Week 6Ch. 6 – RestaurantsRead Chapter 6; Hospitality Happenings 1
Week 7Ch. 7 – Restaurant OperationsRead Chapter 7; Case 3
Week 8Ch. 8 – Managed ServicesRead Chapter 8; Test 2 (Ch 5–8)
Week 9Ch. 9 – BeveragesRead Chapter 9
Week 10Ch. 10 – ClubsRead Chapter 10; Hospitality Happenings 2
Week 11Ch. 11 – Theme Park & AttractionsRead Chapter 11; Test 3 (Ch 9–11)
Week 12Ch. 12 – Gaming EntertainmentRead Chapter 12; Case 4
Week 13Ch. 13 – Meetings, Conventions & EntertainmentRead Chapter 13; Interview Project
Week 14Ch. 14 – Event ManagementRead Chapter 14; Case 5; Reflection Paper
Week 15Last week of classesTest 4 (Ch 12–14)

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late Work and Make-Up Policy
  • NO late assignments accepted. Assignments can be uploaded prior to the due date; late submissions will not be accepted.
  • There are NO MAKE-UPS for in-class writing, in-class assessments, quizzes, exams, projects, or the final exam.
  • Pop quizzes must be taken in class via Canvas with a passcode; once closed they cannot be re-opened. No exceptions.
  • All work is done via Canvas.
Extra Credit

Guest speakers may visit during the semester. To earn 1 extra point, participate in the discussion board with the questions before the guest speakers come in.

Communication Expectations
  • Email is the best way to reach the instructor outside of class time. The instructor checks messages several times a day (weekdays and weekends).
  • You can expect a response typically within 24–48 hours.
  • Please indicate the course number/section and topic in the subject line of your message.
Classroom Devices and Recording
  • Recording class meetings is permitted; however, no special accommodation or modification of classmate behavior will be made to ensure quality of recording.
  • Laptops, tablets, and other devices are allowed and should be used in a way that does not disrupt the class. The instructor may ask you to utilize these devices as part of an in-class activity.
Professional Conduct and Classroom Decorum
  • Arrive prepared and on time for every scheduled class session; the same is expected of the instructor.
  • Do not come to class late or leave early. If you must arrive late or leave early, discuss with the instructor prior. Tardy arrivals will be noted and can impact your attendance grade.
  • Be responsible for acquiring notes from classmates if you are late or miss class. Material covered only in class may appear on exams.
  • Be courteous and respectful: no talking when the instructor or a fellow student has the floor.
  • Use technology only for class-related activities. Surfing the internet or working on other class work will not be tolerated.
  • Food and drinks are permissible as long as they are not disruptive (avoid hot food or noisy wrappers).
  • Expected traits include respect, timeliness, courtesy, and integrity.

Attendance Policy

  • Class attendance and participation are part of the assessment and may influence subjective points at the end of the semester.
  • Do not come to class late or leave early; tardiness will be noted and can impact your attendance grade.
  • If you are late to or miss class, you are responsible for obtaining relevant notes and information from classmates.
  • Student Athletes/SUU Club Members: Provide documentation excusing your absence well in advance of when you will be unable to attend.

Course Fees

Content for this section will be provided by the instructor.

Teaching and Learning Approach

Program and Institutional Learning Outcomes Alignment
University
Activities/OutcomesAssessment
Students learn how tourism and hospitality meet basic human needs for leisure time and activitiesPerformance on discussion and reports
Students research company culture and profitability to see if it is a good fit for their careerPerformance on projects
Timeliness of work and the study of sustainable tourismPerformance on quizzes and exams
Students learn how their studies, personal characteristics, and work experience lead to career successPerformance on projects and exams
School of Business
Activities/OutcomesAssessment
Are able to communicate effectively through written documents and oral presentationsPerformance on reports
Understand ethical issues and standards as they relate to business within societyClass discussion and performance on quizzes and exams
Possess the technical and analytical skills that are generally used to facilitate decision making in complex environmentsPerformance on reports
Are familiar with the fundamental principles and tools associated with each major functional area of business and hospitalityPerformance on projects
Have strong critical thinking skillsPerformance on projects, quizzes, and exams

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.