LLS:1140:0001 | Fall ‘26
Team Building
Course Instructor
Tony Branch
Campus Address: none
Phone: (319) 594-9296
Email: anthony-branch@uiowa.edu
Office Hours: By appointment or via email
Class Meeting Times
Wed. Sept. 23, 2026
5:30p-6:20p N101 HTRC, 2820 Prairie Meadow Dr. Iowa City
Sat. Sept. 26, 2026 and Sun. Sept. 27, 2026
9a-3p, UI Challenge Course, 2960 Hawkeye Park Rd. Iowa City
Department
Lifetime Leisure Skills (LLS)
DEO: Steve Campbell
Phone: (319) 384-1620
Email: steve-campbell@uiowa.edu
Course Description
This class is designed to give students firsthand insight into what constitutes good teamwork and how to apply this knowledge to the teams of their own lives - whether it be at a job, in a student organization, athletic team, or their own social circles. Utilizing the UI Challenge Course, students will experience a variety of group-centered activities and challenges.
This three-day class involves an in-person class meeting and a weekend portion. The in-person class portion occurs on the Wednesday 5:30pm to 6:20pm prior to the weekend portion. The weekend portion of the class involves two, single-day field experiences (Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM) and does not involve or require overnight camping. The UI Challenge Course is located just west of the Hawkeye Recreation Fields, on the Hawkeye Recreation Fields.
On Saturday, the focus will be on the low ropes elements, which involves cooperative group games, physical obstacles/elements, and team challenges. On Sunday, students will have the opportunity to challenge themselves on a multi-level high adventure course. Throughout the weekend, themes of teamwork, group dynamics, and leadership are explored in a fun and interactive setting.
Students must bring their own food, water, weather/activity appropriate clothing & footwear, and provide their own transportation. These items will be covered in greater detail during the first class meeting on Wednesday evening. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory.
The course fee covers equipment and facilitation on the ropes course.
Course Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will:
Be able to discuss and explain how teams can benefit from utilizing teambuilding activities;
Effectively describe challenges they faced throughout the course and the strategies they used to overcome those challenges.
Effectively describe challenges the team faced and the processes they used to overcome those challenges.
Be able to discuss and explain a strategy they learned through the course that can help them succeed in other areas of their life.
Readings
Course readings include the following:
3 assigned readings:
History of Challenge Courses
Team Building on a Challenge Course
What are Team Building Exercises and What is their purpose
Required Textbook/Media
None
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all class sessions and to be on time. Due to the experiential learning and class participation component of the course, attendance and participation are critical. No absences are allowed for this class.
Grading Criteria
This course is graded on a Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory (S/U) basis. To earn a Satisfactory grade, students are required to abide by the attendance policy, complete all assignments, and pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher.
Course Calendar
Wednesday September 23rd 2026 – Class Meeting
Saturday September 26th 2026 – Challenge Course Activities - Low Course Elements
Sunday September 27th 2026 – Challenge Course Activities - High Course Elements
**Challenge Course Activities and schedule subject to change to accommodate for weather conditions**
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools (such as ChatGPT, generative text tools, or similar platforms) is not necessary for this course and is not expected for completing assignments, activities, reflections, or challenges.
Students are encouraged to rely on:
Personal experience
Team discussion and collaboration
Critical thinking
Creativity
Reflection on group processes
These human-centered skills are the core goals of the course.
College Policies
Course Home: University College (UC) is the home of this course, and UC governs the add and drop deadlines, academic misconduct policies, and other undergraduate policies and procedures.
Communication (UI Email): Students are responsible for all official correspondences sent to their UI email address (uiowa.edu) and must use this address for any communication with instructors or staff in the UI community. For the privacy and the protection of student records, UI faculty and staff can only correspond with UI email addresses.
Academic Honesty and Misconduct: All students in UC courses are expected to abide by the Academic StandardsLinks to an external site..
Student Complaints: Students who have a grievance concerning actions taken by in instructor of a course offered in University College should first contact the instructor to discuss the circumstances of the grievance. If the concern cannot be addressed through a conversation with the instructor, the student should contact the DEO or department head of the unit governing the course.
If this does not resolve the issue, the student may appeal in writing to the Associate Dean of University College. The appeal must include a description of the grievance, a list of people to whom the student has already addressed the concern, and an indication of the action the student would like taken. Please include any relevant documentation. The appeal may be sent by email to andrew-beckett@uiowa.edu.
University Policies
https://provost.uiowa.edu/course-syllabi-informationLinks to an external site.
Free Speech and Expression: The University of Iowa supports and upholds the First Amendment protection of freedom of speech and the principles of academic and artistic freedom. We are committed to open inquiry, vigorous debate, and creative expression inside and outside of the classroom. Visit the Free Speech at Iowa websiteLinks to an external site. for more information on the university’s policies on free speech and academic freedom.
Non-Discrimination Statement: The University of Iowa prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences. The university also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to university facilities. For additional information on nondiscrimination policies, contact the Senior Director, Office of Civil Rights ComplianceLinks to an external site., the University of Iowa, 202 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242-1316, 319-335-0705, daod-ocrc@uiowa.edu. Although not required, students have the option to share their pronouns and chosen/preferred names in class and through MyUILinks to an external site.. Instructors and advisors can find information about a student's chosen/preferred name in MyUI.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: The university is committed to providing an educational experience that is accessible to all students. If a student has a diagnosed disability or other disabling condition that may impact the student’s ability to complete the course requirements as stated in the syllabus, the student may seek accommodations through Student Disability ServicesLinks to an external site. (SDS). SDS is responsible for making Letters of Accommodation (LOA) available to the student. The student must provide a LOA to the instructor as early in the semester as possible, but requests not made at least two weeks prior to the scheduled activity for which an accommodation is sought may not be accommodated. The LOA will specify what reasonable course accommodations the student is eligible for and those the instructor should provide. Additional information can be found on the SDS websiteLinks to an external site..
Absences for Religious Holy Days: The university is prepared to make reasonable accommodations for students whose religious holy days coincide with their classroom assignments, test schedules, and classroom attendance expectations. Students must notify their instructors in writing of any such Religious Holy Day conflicts or absences within the first few days of the semester or session, and no later than the third week of the semester. If the conflict or absence will occur within the first three weeks of the semester, the student should notify the instructor as soon as possible. See Policy Manual 8.2 Absences for Religious Holy DaysLinks to an external site. for additional information.
Sexual Harassment/Sexual Misconduct and Supportive Measures: The University of Iowa prohibits all forms of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and related retaliation. The Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct governs actions by students, faculty, staff and visitors. Incidents of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct can be reported to the Office of Civil Rights ComplianceLinks to an external site. or to the Department of Campus SafetyLinks to an external site.. Students impacted by sexual harassment or sexual misconduct may be eligible for academic supportive measures and can learn more by contacting the Office of Civil Rights Compliance. Information about confidential resources and videos explaining these resources can be found on the Division of Access, Opportunity, and Diversity websiteLinks to an external site.