Courses

.50 credit

Students will develop their proficiency in Songahm Taekwondo. Students will learn forms, self-defense and sparring as part of training. Students will be given an opportunity to develop two belt ranks sanctioned by the American Taekwondo Association. There is a required fee ($220 to $300) that covers the cost of uniforms, belts, testing and equipment for beginners, or sparring equipment for more advanced ranks. No martial arts experience is necessary. The class is open to beginners as well as students with a rank in ATA Taekwondo. Spring Term.

.50 credit

Yoga uses bodily postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation (dyna) with the goal of developing a sound, healthy body and a clear, peaceful mind.

.50 credit

In an in-depth study of racquet sports, students will gain an understanding of the sports’ history, rules and strategies, and the proper use of equipment. In addition, students will develop the fundamental skills necessary for effective performance in both singles and doubles play.

.50 credit

An in-depth study of the sport of tennis. Students will gain an understanding of the sport’s history, rules and strategies, and the proper use of equipment. In addition, students will develop the fundamental skills necessary for effective performance in both singles and doubles play.

.50 credit

An in-depth study of the sport of golf. Students will gain an understanding of the sport’s history, rules and strategies, and the proper use of equipment. In addition, students will develop the fundamental skills necessary for effective play.

.50 credit

Pilates is a method of exercise and physical movement that is designed to help students stabilize their muscle core and improve both posture and flexibility.

.50 credit

A study of the basic physiology of muscles and how strength training affects muscle development. Students will apply the FITT principle to create a safe and effective strength training program.

.50 credit

A focus on behaviors that enhance quality of life. Emphasis is placed on self-analysis and personal responsibility in selecting a holistic approach to health and wellness.

A course designed to provide an understanding of basic concepts and strategies and skill development, and to foster an appreciation of the benefits derived from participation in individual and dual sports. Fall Term.

A course designed to provide an understanding of basic concepts and strategies and skill development, and to foster an appreciation of the benefits derived from participation in team sports. Spring Term.

.50 credit

Development of procedures in the management of medical emergency situations. The content and activities of the course will prepare participants to recognize emergencies and make appropriate decisions regarding care. Instruction and practice in A.E.D. adult, child and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation and community first aid and safety.

.50 credit

Foundations of Sport Management is designed to offer students an introductory view of possible careers in the sport industry. Addressed topics include economic theory, sport finance, sports marketing and market research, sponsorship and global sports. The essence of the course is to provide students with a critical understanding of the complex and dynamic relationship among sport, business and management. Fall Term.

.75 credit

A study of comprehensive school health models. Class participants will analyze school health instruction, school health services and maintenance of a healthy school environment. Students will use problem-solving skills to address current health issues pertaining to school-age children. Fall Term.

The study of curriculum issues and curriculum models used in physical education and health education programs in K-12 settings. Provides students with the competencies necessary to design, implement and evaluate physical education and health education programs. Spring Term.

.50 credit

An analysis of the factors in the physical, biological and social environment that affect the health of the population of a geographically defined area. Fall Term.

.50 credit

This course is designed to address drug use and abuse from a psychological, pharmacological, historical and legal perspective while examining the effects of drugs on health and social functioning.

This course will give students a firm foundation in the practical application of the three sport sciences: sport psychology, sport pedagogy and sport physiology. Students will be taught the importance of a coaching philosophy and successful techniques of sport management. Spring Term.

Introduction to the basic concepts of nutrition, nutrients and their functions and interrelationships as they pertain to health, fitness, and sports performance. Consumer nutrition and habits, faddism and food misinformation will be addressed. Emphasis on the correlation between the healthful dietary guidelines and the impact on health, fitness and sport.

A study of the relationship among the skeletal system, muscular system and joint actions.

An examination of physical activity programs for children with exceptionalities. A focus on instructional strategies appropriate for teaching adapted physical education. Spring Term.

An overview of physiological structures and functions of the human body and their relationship to the maintenance of systemic balance. This course will examine how the organism as a whole accomplishes tasks essential for life from cell to tissue, tissue to organ, and organ to system.

This course focuses on sports as social and cultural phenomena. Students will use various concepts, theories, media and critical thinking to investigate sport issues. These include how sports and sport participation affect our lives; how sports impact our ideas about masculinity, femininity, class inequality, race and ethnicity, work, fun, achievement, competition, individualism, aggression and violence; how the organization and meaning of sports are connected with social relations in groups, communities and societies; and how sports are connected with important spheres of social life in societies.

This course is designed to provide students interested in sport and exercise psychology with an overview of the theories and principles that explain factors that influence human behavior in sport and physical activity. Students will gain an understanding of the social and psychological factors related to participation in sport, exercise and physical activity. The class explores both (a) how social and psychological factors influence participation and performance in physical activity, and (b) how participation in sport, exercise and physical activity affects psychological well-being. January Term, Spring Term.

A lecture-laboratory study of the physiological principles of the various body systems from a period of rest through maximum exercise.

Prerequisite: grade of C or better in KIN 320.

This course presents the cognitive and affective aspects of human sexuality, beginning with a discussion of the history of attitudes towards sexuality from antiquity to modern times. The male and female reproductive systems are covered, as well as human sexual response, etiology of sexual dysfunction and infertility. The course also addresses contemporary and controversial topics such as HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, sexuality education, sexual orientation and sexual assault. The course is designed to prepare the health education minor to teach sexuality education. Fall Term.

Basic foundation of knowledge concerning vital health issues. Focuses on the potential for prevention and instills a sense of competence and personal power in students to monitor, understand and affect their own health behaviors. January Term.

An advanced study of the scope and sequence, content, and skills of the National Association of Sports and Physical Education (NASPE) Standards, in combination with a movement concepts approach to elementary school physical education. Students develop skills and knowledge, learn about instructional planning, and use educational technology for teaching fundamental motor skills to children in grades K-6. Developmentally appropriate instructional strategies for the elementary school level are emphasized within the context of games, link segments in exercise and sport. Additional emphasis is also placed on proper exercise and dance, gymnastics, and fitness activities. An additional weekly laboratory experience is a major component of the course.

Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in KIN 235 or instructor permission. Spring Term.

With its extraordinary intellectual, educational, cultural and athletic heritage, Greece is rich with opportunities for formal study and experiential learning. Students will be introduced to the many aspects of Greek culture from the 8th century B.C. to the 4th century A.D. Illustrated lectures, media presentations, discussions and readings from ancient and modern writers will introduce students to such topics as the role of play in Greek society and Greek education, the development of sport (athletics) in America, and the nature of pedagogy in Greek and American society. Wider cultural aspects to be explored include the religious, political and economic contexts of play, sport and pedagogy in Greece and America. A 10-day travel experience to Greece during Spring Break can be included in the course. Under the direction of experienced faculty from Elmhurst University and Webster University, students will travel to the Acropolis and the ancient Agora, the birthplace of the Ancient Olympics, the Temples of Zeus and Hera, Delphi and Apollo’s Sanctuary for the Oracle. Spring Term.

Students who have declared a major in physical education, music education or education may participate in on-site teaching experiences in a comprehensive K-12 school in Australia. Students will attend classes and learn with Australian teachers, exchanging ideas about common teaching practices and educational policy. Students will have the opportunity to stay with Australian families, visit Australian homes, network in an international arena and make lifelong personal and professional friends. Participants will view world-famous architecture, climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge, and attend a musical performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House. In addition, students will participate in a three-day guided excursion to Kakadu, Australia’s World Heritage National Park. Three-week course, Summer Term.

This course examines and explores the religious, spiritual and self-reflective changes that pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela experienced in Medieval and modern times. Students are invited to explore history and find inspiration as they walk along the route of the El Camino de Compostela in Spain. Three-week course, Summer Term.

This course is an overview of the relationship among the skeletal system, muscular system and joint actions along with positional and movement analysis of the body and its link segments in exercise and sport. Fall Term.

This course provides students with a theoretical understanding and practical application in the study of sports ethics and the law. Students will be challenged to think about sport law concepts and apply them to the practical world of sport management. January Term, Spring Term.

This course is an overview of the relationship among the skeletal system, muscular system and joint actions along with positional and movement analysis of the body and its link segments in exercise and sport. Additional emphasis is also placed on proper exercise and motion procedures, rehabilitation, and the major biomechanical movement problems.

Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in KIN 310.

An advanced study of the scope and sequence, content, and skills of the National Association of Sports and Physical Education (NASPE) standards for middle school (grades 6-9) and secondary school (grades 10-12). It includes developmental characteristics of early adolescents, assessment, coordination and referral of students to appropriate health and social services, history, methods and best pedagogical practices related to instructional strategies, classroom management, classroom environment and organization, lesson and unit plan implementation, and the incorporation of educational technology for teaching physical education in the middle and secondary school. An additional weekly laboratory experience is a major component of the course.

Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in KIN 235. Fall Term.

Provides an understanding of the principles of measurement and evaluation as applied to instruction, assessment and program evaluation for physical education. Major topics of focus include: test construction, test administration, and scoring and interpretation of a variety of motor and cognitive assessment instruments. Statistical principles needed for the interpretation of motor and cognitive assessment instruments are also reviewed. Spring Term.

Designed for off- or on-campus placement combining academic orientation with practical professional experience.

Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in KIN 340. Grading option: P/NP.

The primary focus of this course is to present the theoretical basis and applied knowledge required for the administration of graded exercise tests and for the development of an individualized exercise prescription program. Electrocardiographic monitoring techniques and interpretation will be presented. Includes laboratory.

Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in KIN 340.

Students have an opportunity to integrate career-related experience into their education by participating in planned and supervised work, complementing what is learned in the classroom. Internship sites can be either on or off campus. For credit. Grading option: P/NP.

An introduction to human experimental research methods, designs and issues in exercise science. Topics include: study of the scientific method of investigation, experimental concepts and ethical issues, information retrieval and assessment (critique and evaluation) of current literature, measurement and data collection concepts, and application of experimental research. Students will develop and present a research proposal.

Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MTH 345 or PSY 355 and KIN 340.

.25, .50 or 1.00 credit

Intensive study and research in a specific area of kinesiology. Open to juniors and seniors who have an adequate academic background to pursue studies in this area. Repeatable for credit. Approval of the department chair is required for registration.

.50 credit

This course gives Honors Program students the opportunity to design and implement a significant research project in the field of kinesiology, culminating in an appropriate public dissemination of research methods and findings. This research must build upon previous coursework taken within the major or minor, facilitating faculty supervision and guidance. Repeatable for credit. Permission of the faculty supervisor and the director of the Honors Program required prior to registration.