Wellness & Personal Development
Credit for Wellness and Personal Development Courses
The Wellness and Personal Development (WPD) program offers an opportunity within the curriculum for experience-based teaching and learning of health, wellness, and personal growth intended to support flourishing lives and communities. WPD courses are designed to develop capacities, knowledge, and lifelong skills in health, wellness, and personal development. Students can explore health and wellness through a variety of classes grounded in the research and scientific bases of exercise, wellness, and holistic personal growth.
Most WPD courses are one- or two-credit and are a half-semester in length. A maximum of 8 WPD credits may be applied toward elective credits for graduation. There is no limit on how many WPD courses may be taken, or how many credits may be earned. Courses may be taken for letter grades or pass/fail.
Courses are designated as either all Theory all Practice, or a combination of Theory and Practice. Any course listed as Theory or Theory & Practice counts toward the theory requirement for students wishing to earn more than four WPD credits.
WPD 102 Bodyweight & Core Conditioning 1 Credit
Designed to teach and instruct students on the methods and practices of bodyweight exercises and the importance of 'pillar' (core) training to create simple yet effective workout routines. The course will also have a practical element where students will engage in actual exercise routines and practice the exercises discussed in the class. (Theory & Practice).
WPD 103 Sailing 1 Credit
Instruction and practice in small sailboats on the Chester River. (Practice)
WPD 104 Tennis 1 Credit
Students learn the sport's fundamental strokes: forehand, backhand, volley, and serve. The course also includes an explanation of the rules, as well as basic singles and doubles strategy. (Practice)
WPD 105 Basics of Golf 1 Credit
Instruction and practice in golf skills-chipping, pitching, full swing, putting, the rules of golf and golf etiquette. (Practice)
WPD 106 American Red Cross Lifeguarding/CPR 2 Credits
The course stresses physical fitness and strength and endurance combined with the skills and techniques needed to be a certified lifeguard. Students complete a standard ARC test; cards are issued for successful completion of the course. Additional fees apply. (Theory & Practice)
WPD 107 Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED 1 Credit
??The Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies and how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies to help victims of any age - adults (about 12 years and older) and pediatric (infants and children up to 12 years of age). Students who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years.? This course is a half-semester, 1 credit course that meets twice weekly for 50 minutes each class with two additional 75-minute labs that will include scenario response/case study, as well as a final exam (which is in addition to the Red Cross certification test.)
Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years
WPD 117 Basic Sports Performance&human Movement 2 Credits
The course offers instruction, practice and lecture-based learning on a variety of fitness concepts. Students learn the basic concepts of human movement, planes of motions, exercise techniques and selection, programming and periodization, flexibility, and mobility. Students receive an extended orientation to the Johnson Fitness Center, equipment, and how to write and follow an exercise program based on personal fitness goals. (Theory & Practice)
WPD 120 Yoga Nidra 1 Credit
In this course, students will learn the principles and practice of Yoga Nidra, an effortless guided meditation that facilitates a powerful and unique state of awareness. Sound healing uses specific instruments to balance and heal the body, mind, and spirit. Students attend two 50-minute in-person classes a week led by the instructor for seven weeks. They are also expected to practice assignments (recorded guided meditations available on-line) out of class and complete written reflections of their experiences, totalling an additional 3-4 hours week.
Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years
WPD 123 Introduction to Rowing 1 Credit
Instruction and practice in rowing and sculling on the Chester River. Students learn proper technique through Washington College's shells and rowing equipment. Students utilize both the Washington College's boathouse water tanks, classroom for video analysis, and the Chester River for instruction. Passing a swim-test is required to take this course. (Practice)
WPD 125 Hatha Yoga 1 Credit
Hatha Yoga focuses on postures (asanas), breathing, and meditation. It is suitable for beginners and all fitness levels, as the movements are slow-paced and gentle. The benefits of Hatha yoga include better sleep, strengthening core muscles, flexibility, improving depression symptoms, and helping with stress management. (Practice)
WPD 126 Racquet Sports 1 Credit
Instruction and practice in the fundamentals of badminton, racquetball, platform tennis, and squash, including the rules and etiquette of each sport. (Practice)
WPD 130 Scuba 2 Credits
This PADI open-water certified diver course provides students with the knowledge and skills to safely explore the underwater world. Instruction includes two hours of classroom and two hours of pool time for six weeks plus a weekend open-water dive. Must pass a swimming test. Additional fees apply. (Theory & Practice)
Fees: $115 Lab Fee
WPD 131 Advanced Scuba 0 Credits
An advanced scuba course. Additional fees apply.
Requisites: Pre-req: Take WPD 130
WPD 132 Cycling 1 Credit
Students bike for aerobic exercise as well as the care, repair, and maintenance of bikes and techniques for safe riding. Bikes are provided if needed. (Practice)
WPD 135 Basics of Swimming 1 Credit
Basic instruction in swimming, including proper form and strokes (breaststroke, butterfly, backstroke, sidestroke, freestyle) and basic safety maneuvers (treading and floating) are taught. No prior swimming experience is necessary. This class accepts varying degrees of experience. Students complete the swim test for Washington College water-related activities as part of the course. (Practice)
WPD 147 Personal Training Certification 2 Credits
Washington College partners with the National Academy of Sports Medicine to offer this course. Students follow an accelerated learning program on the human movement system, fitness assessment, integrated training and theory application, design of fitness programs, nutrition and exercise, lifestyle coaching and professional development. The course does not guarantee a personal trainer certification which requires students to pass the NASMCPT exam at a certified testing center. Additional fees apply. (Theory & Practice)
WPD 151 Methods of Coaching 2 Credits
An experiential learning course where students examine the roles of the coach, the four components of sports and how to teach them, elements of leadership, methodologies for organizing and delivering practices, developing a coaching philosophy, and solving ethical dilemmas. Emphasis is placed on the psycho-social aspects of coaching. Students are tasked with a final project of creating and delivering a practice session (utilizing their classmates as practice players) in the sport of their choosing. Participation in these practice sessions is encouraged but not mandatory. (Theory)
WPD 190 Wellness & Personal Devlopmnt Internship 1 Credit
An internship developed by a faculty mentor and student in close consultation with the supervisor at the internship site. A learning contract is developed prior to enrollment in the course. Evaluation of student performance is completed by the faculty mentor based on fulfillment of the contract terms and written evaluation by the internship site supervisor. Graded A-F. 45 hours per credit are required.
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
WPD 194 Special Topics 4 Credits
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Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
WPD 210 Sports Medicine 2 Credits
This class introduces basic concepts of sports medicine and athletic training, including injury prevention, treatment, athlete education, and rehabilitation. Additionally, the course will include instruction in the American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED program. Students will spend 12.5 hours in class instruction and an additional 12.5 hours in other structured instruction.
Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years
WPD 240 Practicing Mindfulness 2 Credits
This course will provide students with an introduction to mindfulness through a combination of lecture, practice, and class discussion. Students will learn the core principles of mindfulness and how to apply them to their daily lives. A key component of this experiential course will involve students developing their own mindfulness practice, as they explore different strategies and develop skills to enhance their awareness of the mind-body connection.
Term(s) Offered: Spring, All Years
WPD 294 Special Topics 4 Credits
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Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
WPD 394 Special Topics 4 Credits
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Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years