Physical Education 101 – Syllabus

image courtesy of Josiah Mackenzie at Flickr

Physical Education 101

Fall 2010

Course Description: This course is intended to provide an introduction to physical education.

Course Goals: Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in running up to a 5K distance
• Learn basics of safe running form, equipment, and training
• Discuss the research regarding the health benefits of exercise and recommended amounts
• Demonstrate the acquisition of a daily exercise habit
• Demonstrate a willingness to attempt unfamiliar physical activities in the name of fun and fitness

Textbooks:

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen

by Christopher McDougall.  Knopf, 2009

The Courage To Start: A Guide To Running for Your Life

by John “The Penguin” Bingham.  Fireside, 1999.

No Need for Speed: A Beginner’s Guide to the Joy of Running

by John “The Penguin” Bingham. Rodale Book, 2002.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans: http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/default.

Video Resources:

Spirit of the Marathon

2007, by director/producer Jon Dunham

Ultramarathon Man

2008, by JB Benna

Grading: The course grade will be based on the following (100 total pts):

ASSIGNMENTS (45 points):

There are 15 possible assignments in the class, worth 3 points each for completion of the described task. See “class schedule” below for a description of these assignments.

PARTICIPATION (30 points):

There are 3 types of participation required by this course:

1)      Taking dance class at least 10 times this semester—one class equals one point (10 points possible)

2)      Try every class at my gym (10 points possible)

1. All classes: 10 points
2. All but 1 class: 8
3. All but 2 classes: 6
4. All but 3 classes: 4
5. All but 4 classes: 2

3)      Average 180 minutes or more of exercise per week during the months of Oct, Nov, and Dec for (10 points possible)

1. 180 minutes or more: 20 points
2. 160 minutes or more: 16 points
3. 140 minutes or more: 14 points
4. 120 minutes or more: 10 points
5. 100 minutes or more: 8 points
6. 80 minutes or more: 6 points
7. 60 minutes or more: 4 points

EXAMS (30 points): There will be two exams, each worth 15 points:

Mid-term Exam: Go to meeting of local running club and complete 2-mile course

Final Exam: Go to meeting of local running club and complete a 5K distance

The dates of the exams are listed on the class schedule.

Letter grades will be assigned as follows:

Class Schedule: