Introduction to Kinesiology Syllabus

Course Syllabus: KNPR_101_SYLLABUS

Meet Your Instructor:   

Tom Nilles-Head Baseball Coach/Professor of Kinesiology

Course Description: 

This course provides an introduction to the interdisciplinary approach to the study of human movement.  An overview of the importance of sub-disciplines in kinesiology will be discussed along with career opportunities in the areas of teaching, coaching, allied health, and fitness professions.

Textbook Information: 

Hoffman, S. (2009).  Introduction to Kinesiology-Studying Physical Activity (4^th.ed) Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, ISBN#: 9781450434324

Additional Course Information: 

Course Content:

1. Unit 1: Introduction to the Discipline
   • Introduction to Kinesiology and Physical Activity – ch1
   • The Spheres of Physical Activity – ch 2
   • The Importance of Physical Activity – ch 3
   • The Importance of Subjective Experiences in Physical Activity - ch 4
2. Unit 2:  Scholarly Study
   • Philosophy of Physical Activity – ch 5
   • History of Physical Activity – ch 6
   • Sociology of Physical Activity – ch 7
3. Unit 3:  Scholarly Study
   • Motor Behavior – ch 8
   • Sport and Exercise Psychology – ch 9
   • Biomechanics of Physical Activity – ch 10
   • Physiology of Physical Activity – ch 11
4. Unit 4:  Careers in Kinesiology
   • Becoming a Physical Activity Professional – ch 12
   • Careers in Health and Fitness – ch 13
   • Careers in Therapeutic Exercise – ch14
   • Careers in Teaching – ch 15
   • Careers in Coaching and Sport Instruction – ch 16
   • Careers in Sport Management – ch 17

Course Evaluation:  Total Possible Points (325 pts.)

Final Grades are based upon:

1. You receive an “A” for earning between 290 & 325 points.
2. You receive a “B” for earning between 255 & 289 points.
3. You receive a “C” for earning between 225 & 254 points.
4. You receive a “D” for earning between 195 & 224 points.
5. You receive an “F” for earning 194 or fewer points.

1. Unit 1 Exam is worth 50 points.
2. Unit 2 Exam is worth 50 points.
3. Unit 3 Exam is worth 50 points.
4. Unit 4 Exam is worth 50 points.
5. Article Critique (Rp1).  Select a peer-reviewed journal article related to the Kinesiology disciplines.  Rp1 is worth 50 point.  Due at the end of week 13.
6. Career Exploration Interview is worth 50 points.  Due by the last day of class; week 16. 
7. Various homework assignments and in-class group work 25 points. (periodically assigned).

Course Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe the Historical, Ethical, and Philosophical Foundations of Kinesiology.
2. Describe the personal and social significance of activity in daily life.
3. Identify the basic concepts of Kinesiology.
4. Identify the relationship between performance in the movement forms of sport, dance, and exercise and the conceptual foundations of the sub-disciplines.
5. Use research/library skills to review literature and compare and contrast information from 2 or more sub-disciplines. 
6. Identify the pathways and requirements for career opportunities.

Student Learning Objectives: 

1. Students will be able to discuss the importance of physical activity in daily life and the implications for Kinesiology-related career opportunities.
2. Students will be able to express the nature and demands of Kinesiology-related occupations and compare and contrast the career options available to students graduating from departments of Kinesiology.
3. Students will be able to compare and contrast the many sub-disciplines of Kinesiology.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Your success in this course is important to me.  Santa Ana College and I are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all individuals with disabilities.  If you have a disability that may have some impact on your ability to do well in this course, I encourage you to speak with me as soon as possible.   Also, please contact Disabled Student Programs & Services so that we can all collaborate on your classroom accommodations in a timely manner.  DSP&S is located in U-103 and their phone number is 714-564-6264.  The DSP&S office requires documentation of your disability in order to receive reasonable accommodations.  If you do not have documentation they will work with you to acquire it.  I look forward to supporting you to meet your learning goals.

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY:  Students at Santa Ana College are ex­pected to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. To falsify the results of one’s research, to steal the words or ideas of another, or to cheat on an examination, corrupts the essential process by which knowledge is advanced. Academic dishon­esty is seen as an intentional act of fraud, in which a student seeks to claim credit for the work or efforts of another without autho­rization, or uses unauthorized materials or fabricated information in any academic exercise. As institutions, we also consider academic dishonesty to include forgery of academic documents, intentionally imped­ing or damaging the academic work of others, assisting other students in acts of dishonesty or coercing students into acts of dishonesty.

ATTENDANCE/PARTICIATION/QUIZES:  Attendance is mandated by the state.  A student may be administratively dropped from class upon accumulating more than 3 absences; so don’t miss. An absence is considered excused if it meets one of the College’s sanctioned reasons (personal illness, death of an immediate family member, or a College sponsored event.  If a conflict arises, simply contact me by phone (714-564-6911) or email (nilles_tom@sac.edu) prior to the start of class and you will find that I am understanding and willing to work with you.  In the event of an absence, it is your responsibility to obtain notes from classmates and complete missed assignments.   Noteworthy:

1. It is the student’s responsibility to drop all classes in which he/she is no longer participating
2. It is the student’s responsibility to drop all classes in which he/she is no longer attending
3. It is the instructor’s discretion to withdraw a student after the add/drop deadline, as stated in the course schedule, you will receive a Pass or No-Pass after the deadline.