Sports Studies and Exercise Science Courses
100BEG. Fitness-Beginner Level (0.5 unit)
This course is designed for the beginner exerciser. Focus will be on exposure to various types of fitness programs. There will also be emphasis on program design and maintenance. This class is not suitable for student-athletes. It does not count toward the SSES minor. This course is not repeatable and may not be taken once SSES 100ADV or SSES 100INTM have been completed.
100S. (Lifeguarding) & 100W (Water Safety Instruction). (0.5 unit)
These courses are intended to provide students with the knowledge and skills for lifeguarding and water safety. To be admitted to either course, students are 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. These courses do not count toward the SSES minor.
115. Introduction to Kinesiology.
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. Socio-cultural, behavioral and biophysical perspectives of physical activity are explored. Emphasis is on the role of physical activity in human development throughout the lifespan. Additionally, this course studies the relationship of physical activity to the structures of school, community, workplace and the natural environment is studied.
212. Sociological Perspectives on Sport.
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.
The study of ethics and moral reasoning is introduced through the lens of sport. Topics such as moral skepticism, ethical relativism, utilitarianism vs. Kantianism, competing concepts of impartiality, the care vs. justice perspective, positive vs. negative duties and the doctrine of double effect are explored. Students will be asked to evaluate their own opinions, beliefs and attitudes that govern their judgment and/or actions within the realm of sport. Also offered through Philosophy department.
230. Principles of Health and Wellness.
This course addresses health and wellness principles as they pertain to physical inactivity. Students will explore, analyze, and reflect upon their own lifestyles, specifically examining the impact of behavioral choices on their own health and wellness. Some relevant course topics include: fitness, nutrition, stress management, sleep, wearable technology, aging, and obesity.
234. Human Exercise Physiology. (with lab)
This course addresses 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 is 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. In-class laboratory sessions supplement the course.
242. Administration Athletic Teams
This undergraduate course deals with the administration of athletic teams. The major focus is administrative theory and practice that leads to more efficient coaching, especially at the collegiate level. NCAA rules, budgets, fundraising, recruiting, team organization and other topics will be discussed. Permission only, SSES minors only.
319. Sport Medicine. (with lab)
This course provides background in the care and prevention of injuries to athletes. Class topics include nutrition, physical fitness, protective equipment and modern techniques of sports medicine. Lab sessions include basic skills in first aid and evaluation of concussions, and basic taping and ace wrapping. Prerequisites: SSES 115 or 216 and/or permission of instructor.
320. Coaching Theory.
This course provides 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 216, and 319.
366. Obesogenic Society.
This course explores societal patterns of food consumption, marketing, and nutritional information. In addition, environmental facilitators and barriers to physical activity are explored. This course focuses on community and policy implications impacting individual choices regarding levels of consumption and physical activity.
390. Independent Study.
An opportunity to pursue specialized study or research under faculty supervision. Proposals must be presented to the department chair (or designee) for approval. Students may not take more than three SSES independent/internship courses during their enrollment regardless of the unit value Only ONE independent/internship full unit course may count towards the SSES minor requirement. Students may not earn more than one semester of credit for this course.
391. Internship.
Internships are available in such areas as sport medicine, fitness and sport management. Each 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. Proposals must be presented to the department chair for approval. Students may not take more than three SSES independent/internship courses during their enrollment regardless of the unit value Only ONE independent/internship full unit course may count towards the SSES minor requirement.
SES-3008. Sports Media Intern. (0.5 Credits)
BY PERMISSION ONLY. The Athletics Media Intern will learn how to set up and work with HD video production within the athletics media group. The student will learn how to diagnose issues including: hardware problems, interconnectivity issues, data/software conflicts etc. It would be expected that the intern would familiarize themselves with each of our venue IT setups. The intern will work with the Sports Information Department to develop/integrate additional components for our programing (develop system for integrating additional feeds and advertisement). The student will learn how to use the backend software for integrating video feeds with our web site. This internship is an opportunity to engage with sports media production in a collaborative environment.
415. SYE: Senior Seminar.
Advanced study on topics and issues evident in contemporary sport and exercise science. Sport plays a giant role in contemporary society worldwide. But few of us pause to think about the larger questions of politics, race, sex, culture, and commercialization that surround sport everywhere. By understanding many of the issues and controversies based in the structure of sport, students will be able to understand the complex nature of this social institution. This course will challenge students to develop a deeper understanding and a new perspective of sport. Permission required. Available to upperclassmen and SSES minors only. Permission required. Available to SSES minors only.
490. SYE: Independent Study.
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. Available to SSES minors only.