Professors Linda L. Arena, Steven C. Dawson, Chair, and Thomas P. Martin
Activity Course Program
Activity courses in the Health, Fitness, and Sport Department fulfill the general
education requirement in physical activity (two semester hours for graduation).
A student may select from a variety of activity options, which include
individual sports, team sports, fitness activities, aquatic activities, and
recreational activities. It is recommended that the student complete
the physical activity graduation requirement during the first two years.
Students are encouraged to select additional activity classes to learn new lifetime
activity skills as well as maintain/improve their physical condition.
All courses are one semester hour.
Activity Courses:
052P Archery
015P Badminton
058P Canoeing
030P Cricket
016P Fencing, Beginning
017P Fencing, Intermediate
034P Fitness Programs
086P Fitness Programs for Women
043P Fitness through Swimming
037P Fitness Walking
070P Golf, Beginning
072P Horsemanship
023P Indoor Hockey
036P Jogging
044P Lifeguard Training (Must also register for HFS 120)
018P Racquetball, Beginning
076P Sailing
049P SCUBA
024P Soccer
050P Step Aerobics
040P Swimming, Beginning
010P Tennis, Beginning
011P Tennis, Intermediate
028P Volleyball
039P Weight Training
090P Topics
120. Lifeguard Training. 2 semester hours.
This course is designed to certify a student to guard at a pool and/or a non-surf waterfront facility. The student is also certified in Professional CPR (adult, child, infant) and First Aid. Entry requirements include (1) swim 20 lengths of the pool non-stop using the front crawl and breaststroke, (2) retrieve a brick from a depth of 12 feet and carry it 20 yards, and (3) dive to a minimum depth of 5 feet and swim underwater a minimum of 15 yards. For certification, the student is required to pass the American Red Cross written test with a minimum score of 80% and satisfactorily perform 3 rescue scenarios. The grade for this class is based on 20 quizzes. The student must concurrently register for HFS 044P (Lifeguard Training) for one semester hour of physical activity credit. To receive a pass grade in this course, the student must (1) complete 20 lengths of the pool in a minimum of 10 minutes; (2) swim 20 yards, get a brick, and carry it back in 1:30; and (3) swim 8 lengths of the pool in 3:30 or less.
204. Applied Anatomy. 5 semester hours.
The course presents a detailed study of the structure and function of the bones, joints, and muscles of the human body. Emphasis is on the analysis and description of human movement. Kinesiological principles are used to understand anatomic structure and function, and common athletic injuries are used to illustrate the practical application of anatomic knowledge. Students participate in class discussions, perform anatomical laboratories, perform and analyze selected exercises, present an oral report, and take part in at least one field trip. Laboratory required. Every third year .
210N. Your Body: Your Health and Fitness. 4 semester hours.
Course content includes an introduction to health and fitness, body structure and movement, muscular strength/endurance and flexibility, posture, anthropometry and somatotyping, body composition, nutrition, fat (weight) control, cardiorespiratory function, cardiovascular risk analysis, health-related fitness regimes, and sport and recreational activities for health and fitness. Students participate in laboratory sessions where they are measured and tested to determine body type, percent body fat (instructor will take skinfold measurements at selected body sites), strength/endurance, flexibility, aerobic ability and cardiorespiratory function. In addition to laboratories on these topics, there are assignments related to posture (students will be photographed in bathing suits standing behind a posture grid), nutrition, stress, cardiovascular risk and lifestyle assessments. Scientific methodologies utilized in the study of the human body will be reviewed and employed in required laboratories and assignments. Every third year.
225. Coaching Young Athletes. 4 semester hours.
Prepares the student to become a competent youth sport coach. Identifies differences between a corporate model and educational model of athletics, “process vs. product” coaching philosophies and humanistic vs. autocratic coaching styles. Alternative athletic program models are examined. The student surveys recent coaching effectiveness research and develops a sound basic philosophy of coaching, including a professional code of ethics. Various coaching principles and techniques are studied: communication and motivation, talent identification, injury prevention and care, legal responsibilities of coaches and moral imperatives in the coaching of children. Class practicum, introspective written assignments and small group discussions are interspersed with brief lectures, videos and guest coach speakers. Addresses coaching certification requirements. Every year.
230S. Contemporary Issues in Sport Sociology and Sport Psychology. 4 semester hours.
Sport Sociology covers the following areas: the nature of sport, sport and social values, cultural variations in sport, socialization into sport, sport within educational institutions, social stratification and sport, the female athlete, race in sport, violence in sport, sport and the mass media, and the political economy of sport. Sport Psychology covers the following areas: motivation and achievement in sport, aggression in sport, social facilitation, anxiety in sport, children in sport, sport personology, arousal and activation levels and attention in sport. Writing intensive. Alternate years.
240. Sport in Culture. 4 semester hours.
At a time of major political and economic change in the world, this course will examine the nature and role of international sport in the emerging global village. Students will seek to uncover the unique elements of sport in the United States and to explain its appearance in terms of the nation’s dominant system of cultural values. Sport will be placed against the broader, sometimes contradictory, backdrop of American culture. As well as the United States, sport will be analyzed in the following cultures: Japan, China, the “New Europe” (e.g., former Eastern Bloc), South Africa, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. A background in sociology and cultural studies would be beneficial, although not a requirement. Alternate years.
245H. History of Women in Sport. 4 semester hours.
This course studies the development of sport from early religious ritual to a modern corporate model in western society. The genesis and development of recreation, sport, and exercise for women has been influenced by religion, medicine, economics, polities, and ideology. The intersection of gender, race, and socioeconomic class for women of color is examined, as is the struggle by women for admission in the Olympics. Sport has served as a historical site for feminist transformation and the development of alternative western sport forms. Women have "dared to compete." The struggle of women to gain entry into sport is both sad and inspirational. Students write a sport autobiography, conduct cross-generation sport interviews, and research Wittenberg women's sport history. Every year.
250. Nutrition. 4 semester hours.
This course examines basic nutritional needs in relation to macronutrients (i.e. carbohydrates, protein, and fat) and micronutrients (e.g. vitamins and minerals). Emphasis is on the analysis of food intake as it relates to healthy body function and the relationship between sound nutrition and the prevention of disease. Additional topics include caloric intake versus caloric output and controlling the food environment. The student performs computerized analysis of personal food intake. Writing intensive. Every year.
265. AIDS and Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 2 semester hours.
This course examines issues surrounding AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. It studies these diseases and their affects on the individual and society. Course content includes causes, symptoms, modes of transmission, social concerns, testing, counseling, legal issues, and support groups. Emphasis is placed on prevention strategies and healthy behaviors. Assessment for the course is by written tests, oral reports, specific article assignments, and class participation. Every third year.
280. Topics. 1-4 semester hours.
Topics of particular interest, such as alcohol and drugs, exercise physiology, sport in society, women’s health issues, etc. Offered subject to sufficient student interest and availability of faculty. This course number (different topic) may be repeated for credit.
490. Independent Study. 1-4 semester hours.
Individual research on a specialized topic or problem on some aspect of Health, Fitness or Sport. Permission required from the Chair. The study must be an outgrowth of a course taken in the department. A HFS faculty member must work closely with each student. This course may be repeated for credit. This course does not fulfill the General Education “P” requirement.