Physical Education
- Thomas Finnegan, Chair
- Doug Clubine
- Sandra Griffiths
- John Kiser
- Kim Lessard
- Wayne McGuire
- Thad Moore
- Ken Noble
- Karen Smith
All full-time students may take theory and activity classes in physical education for academic credit. Students may receive a maximum of two activity credits and two theory credits (four credits total). To receive the maximum of four credits in physical education, one of the theory courses must be Lifetime Fitness. Classes may be taken for grades or on a pass/fail basis. While students may receive a maximum of four credits in physical education, they may audit any class any number of times.
In order to receive the maximum total allowed of four credits in Physical Education, students must take one section of the CORE COURSE—Lifetime Fitness (two credits)—and any two activity credits. Without Lifetime Fitness, students may receive a maximum of two credits in Physical Education.
Theory class grades are judged on the basis of normal academic criteria, including reading assignments, composition, class participation, and testing. Activity credit is assessed on the basis of skill acquisition; skill analysis; knowledge of strategies, rules, techniques; and required reading and testing.
While there is no major or a requirement in physical education, students are encouraged to take a variety of credit-bearing classes. The program offers activities in sports, dance, aquatics, and martial arts, which serve to improve health and physical fitness, develop recreational and leisure-time skills, and facilitate functional and aesthetic body movement. The classes also impart knowledge of health and fitness, skills performance, game strategies and rules, sport coaching, nutrition, and history as well as offering American Red Cross certification in Advanced Emergency Care, CPR, Lifeguarding, and PADI certification in Scuba.
Students are encouraged to take advantage of instructional and recreational opportunities available through the use of the Johnson Lifetime Fitness Center, Cain Gymnasium, Casey Swim Center, and the waterfront facilities. Recreation and dance programs, club sports, and 16 intercollegiate sports are offered as extracurricular activities. Contact the Physical Education Department, Athletic Office, or Rec Sports Office for details.
Course Descriptions
101. Theory and Activity Classes in Physical Education
Aerobic Dance
one credit
For toning and firming, cardiopulmonary endurance, conditioning joints and muscle groups, strength, flexibility, coordination, and agility.
Aikido
one credit
Aikido is a Japanese martial art stressing both effective self-defense techniques and the cultivation of character through vigorous practice in a disciplined and cooperative environment. It is a holistic way to the refinement of one's body, mind, and spirit.
American Red Cross Lifeguarding/CPR
two credits
Course stresses physical fitness and strength and endurance combined with he skills and techniques needed to be a certified lifeguard. Participants will take standard ARC test, and cards will be issued for successful completion of the course.
Ballet I, II, and III
one credit
Technique and discipline in barre work; centre work to achieve mobility, grace, agility, line, and altitude; work en diagonale using variations and combination of steps.
Ballroom Dance
one credit
Instruction and practice in social dancing, including foxtrot, swing, jitterbug, waltz, polka, and Latin Dances, —rhumba, tango, cha cha, mambo, samba, merengue.
Beginning Swimming
one credit
Floating, treading, and basic strokes for the novice swimmer.
Conditioning Swimming
one credit
Instruction and practice in basic strokes and how to achieve better technique.
CPR/Advanced Emergency Care
two credits
American Red Cross certification course including immediate and temporary care given to victims of accident or sudden illness, emphasizing care of wounds, shock, respiratory emergencies, poisoning, etc.
Cycling
one credit
Biking for aerobic exercise includes care, repair, and maintenance of bikes and techniques for safe riding.
Dance Composition
two credits
Practical application of aesthetics, choreographic theories and principles, and the craft of composition. Students compose dance studies in a variety of forms—ABA, fugue, theme and variation, and free form. Directed learning and experimentation with primitive, modern, and post-modern themes; self-accompaniment; gesture; design; and use of props.
Dance Production
two credits
Performance-geared class covering lighting, costuming, make-up, marketing, and other details of producing a dance concert.
Golf
one credit
Instruction and practice in golf skills—chipping, pitching, full swing, putting, and rules of golf and golf etiquette.
The Hero/Heroine in American Sport
two credits
A look through time at what produces the sport hero/heroine, how they are viewed in the eyes of the public, and what responsibilities they have as cultural "idols."
Horseback Riding
one credit
An introduction to riding in both English and western disciplines. Basic skills and horsemanship, tack and application, equine anatomy, health and management. Equestrian techniques, theory and practice. Introduction to Washington College Equestrian Team opportunities. Additional fee required.
Jazz and Tap Dance
one credit
A fusion of dance styles that has produced American jazz and musical theater dance. Class includes warm-up, stretching, turns, jumps, and beginning tap footwork—brush, flap, shuffle, cramp roll, ball-change, and time steps.
Movement for Actors
one credit
Classes are directed toward enabling students to explore ideas freely, without relating to a play or the spoken words. Actors need a clear, concise, and effective program of activities of physical conditioning and non-verbal communication so that dialogue can be supported, emphasized, or denied through "body language." Includes movement, mime, combat, stunts and falls, group interaction.
Methods of Coaching
two credits
Directed to those individuals who are interested in coaching team or individual sports. Course focuses on responsibilities of coaches, including organization, pre-, post-, and in-season workouts, game or contest strategies, teaching fundamental skills, developing team play, sports psychology, and scouting.
Modern Dance I and II
one credit
Technique and discipline in floor, barre work, locomotion, improvisation, and movement skills.
Lifetime Fitness
two credits
Lectures on principles of exercise, fitness, and training; weight control; physiology; health concepts; nutrition; safety and injury prevention; exercise misconceptions; ergogenic aids; substance abuse; stress management.
Nutrition
two credits
The study of foods and nutrients and their relationships to health and disease. Topics include vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates, protein, water; additives and preservatives; diet and weight control; herbs; eating disorders; caffeine and alcohol.
Pilates Mat Class
two credits
The Pilates Method helps to lengthen and strengthen muscles while building a uniformly developed body, focusing on core strength—abs, gluteals, and inner thighs. It is the perfect activity to tone and elongate muscles, rehabilitate from an injury, or train for an athletic event. Class will help with posture, alignment, breathing, control, balance, flow, and strength.
Racquet Sports
one credit
Instruction and practice in fundamentals of badminton, racquetball, platform tennis, and squash.
CPR/Advanced Emergency Care
two credits
American Red Cross certification course including the immediate and temporary care given to accident or sudden illness victims, emphasizing care of wounds, shock, respiratory emergencies, poisoning, etc.
Sailing
one credit
Instruction and practice in small sailboats on the Chester River. Students must be able to swim to take this course.
SCUBA
two credits
This PADI open water certified diver course will provide students with the knowledge and skills to visit the underwater world safely. Includes two hours of classroom and two hours of pool time for six weeks plus a weekend open water dive. Advanced Scuba also offered. Additional fee required.
Strength Training and Conditioning
two credits
Instruction in various exercise programs and practice in proper techniques of running and use of free weights, universal weights, Hydra-Fit, and rowing Ergs for strength and endurance.
T'ai Chi Chu'an/Qigong
one credit
T'ai Chi Chu'an/Qigong is an ancient and timeless art form, consisting of quiet postures and gentle, beautiful flowing movements that embody the principles of Yin and Yang. T'ai Chi Chu'an/Qigong, called a "soft" martial art, is a highly effective form of self defense, though most people today practice it for health benefits and self cultivation. Its ultimate benefit is a more balanced and aware state of being.
Tennis
one credit
Instruction focuses on fundamentals skills, rules, and basic singles and doubles strategy.
Yoga
one credit
Hatha Yoga postures, stretching, relaxing, breathing exercises, and yogic theories of movement.