Sports Studies and Exercise Science Courses

Semester specific course descriptions

100 A-F. Lifetime Physical Fitness and Wellness. (.5 units)
This course is intended to expand the student’s awareness of the potential of physical activity to establish and sustain physical fitness and to enrich one’s quality of life. The course is designed to provide each student with conceptual and practical exposure to principles of fitness and wellness that will be useful throughout the adult years. This course does not count toward the SSES minor.

100 S. Aquatics (.5 units)
This course is intended to provide each student with the knowledge and skills for water safety and lifeguarding. To be admitted to the course, students will be required to pass a pre-course test of swimming skills. At the conclusion of the course, students will have the opportunity to complete an American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certificate. This course does not count toward the SSES minor.

107. Functional Anatomy. (1 unit)  
The primary focus of this class will be on human anatomy and physiology. Lectures and laboratory experiences will emphasize the musculoskeletal, articular, nervous and vascular systems. It will also introduce the student to career opportunities associated with exercise science. Laboratory sessions will supplement the course. It is recommended that this course be taken during the spring semester of the first year.

115. Introduction to Kinesiology. (1 unit)
This is the introductory course for the minor in sports studies and exercise science. It focuses on the study of physical activity from theoretical/conceptual, experiential and professional practice frameworks. Sociocultural, behavioral and biophysical perspectives of physical activity will be explored. An emphasis will be focused on the role of physical activity in human development throughout the lifespan. The relationship of physical activity to the structures of school, community, workplace and the natural environment will be studied.

212. Sociological Perspectives on Sport. (1 unit)
This course is a study of the structural dimensions of the social phenomenon of sport. Attention is directed toward examining the relationship between sport as a social institution and other dominant patterns of social interaction. While sports in the United States are the primary focus, other societies are examined as well.

216. Philosophical Perspectives on Sport. (1 unit)
This course provides an introduction to sport through a philosophical perspective. Primary emphasis focuses on a general notion of reality, knowledge and values and their relationship to sport. The implications of the impact of sport on education and leisure lifestyle patterns are explored.

234. Human Exercise Physiology. (1 unit)
This course will address the structure and function of the organs and systems of the human body and their physiological changes resulting from exercise. Beginning with the study of the health benefits of physical activity, emphasis will be placed on the study of the human capacity for exercise and the use of physiological principles to improve physical fitness and performance in sport and physical activity. Laboratory sessions will supplement the course.

248. Principles of Health and Wellness. (1 unit)
This course will address health and wellness issues that society currently encounters. Topics will include nutrition, fitness, obesity, stress management and adherence. Also, physical inactivity will be studied as a disease risk factor. The health impact from lifestyle and behavioral choices will be studied.

306. Human Growth and Motor Development. (1 unit)
This course is intended to trace human growth and motor development from the prenatal stage through old age. Infancy, childhood and adolescent development will be explored in the dimensions of motor skill acquisition, social/emotional development and cognition through the context of physical activity. The adult years will then be studied in physical, social/emotional and cognitive perspectives with focus on the impact of physical activity on the aging process.

319. Sport Medicine. (1 unit)
This course is designed to provide a background in the care and prevention of injuries to athletes. Class topics include nutrition, physical fitness and modern techniques of sports medicine. Lab sessions include basic skills in first aid and evaluation and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Prerequisites: SSES115 or SSES216 and/or permission of instructor.

320. Coaching Theory. (1 unit)
This course is designed to provide an overview of the philosophies and practices of coaching. Professional responsibilities, management styles and coach/athlete interaction styles are examined as they pertain to all aspects of the coaching challenge. Prerequisites: SSES 115 or SSES 216 and SSES 319.

390. Independent Study. (1 unit)
This opportunity for an independent study experience offers students the occasion to pursue specialized study or research under faculty supervision. Proposals must be presented to the department chair (or designee) for approval. Students may not earn more than one semester of credit for this course.

391. Internship. (1 unit)
This opportunity for an internship experience is available in such areas of sport medicine, fitness and sport management. The internship is designed as a student-arranged study that is comprised of a structured experience with an organization or institution and involves intensive work on a particular project.

415. SYE: Senior Seminar. (1 unit)
The seminar offers students the opportunity for advanced study on topics and issues evident in contemporary sport and exercise science. Permission required. Available to SSES minors only.

490. SYE:  Independent Study. (1 unit)
The course offers seniors who minor in sports studies and exercise science the opportunity to pursue advanced study or research under the guidance of a faculty sponsor. Permission required.