Introduction to Kinesiology - HLT 206 at Virginia Highlands Community College
https://courses.vccs.edu/colleges/vhcc/courses/HLT206-IntroductiontoKinesiology
Effective: 2022-05-01
Course Description
Introduces the study of various forms of physical activity and how they promote human health. Examines the study of physical activity from the perspectives of professional practice, scholarly study and experience. Provides a broad overview of the history, scientific principles, methodologies, and research among the major subdisciplines to prepare students for further study in kinesiology and health sciences. Explores current issues, future directions, certifications, professional associations, and career opportunities.
Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
3 credits
The course outline below was developed as part of a statewide standardization process.
General Course Purpose
HLT 206 provides students with an introduction to the study of physical activity and its impact on health, society and quality of life.
Course Objectives
- Social and Cultural Understanding
- Examine the historical and cultural aspects of kinesiology
- Scientific Reasoning
- Describe the research methods used and overview of knowledge in each major subdiscipline within kinesiology
- Discuss the importance of evidence-based knowledge and practice
- Critical Thinking
- Examine the future directions of the kinesiology field
- Personal Development
- Evaluate the professional activities and development expected of an entry-level professional
- Communication
- Use critical thinking and writing skills to effectively communicate in a professional and concise manner
- Information Literacy
- Identify and describe current guidelines for physical activity participation
- Gather, interpret/analyze, and discuss research including peer-reviewed literature
- Kinesiology Overview
- Explain the meaning, significance and scope of focus of kinesiology
- Explain the choice of kinesiology as the preferred name of the discipline
- Define physical activity and its classifications
- Describe the spheres of physical activity experience
- Discuss the meaning of physical activity in their own lives and it's importance for others
- Describe the major national initiatives and recommendations to promote physical activity and health: Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, National Physical Activity Plan, and Healthy People 2020/2030
- History of Kinesiology
- Describe the importance of studying the history of physical activity and how it is researched
- Explain how the field of physical education evolved into the modern applied science discipline of kinesiology
- Describe how major scientific, political and social events shaped participation in and study of physical activity
- Describe examples of how athletic equipment and safety precautions have changed over time as a result of research and practice
- Physiology of Physical Activity
- Outline the goals of the field, including: enhancing sports performance and training, improving physical fitness, promoting health and treating/preventing disease, and understanding internal changes to the body as a result of physical activity
- Identify the research methods used to study the physiological effects of physical activity
- Describe the major benefits of physical activity to the muscular-skeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems
- Describe how muscles and muscle groups function
- Explain how muscles respond to strength, flexibility and aerobic training
- Explain the effects of overtraining on muscles, tendons and ligaments
- Outline how environmental factors, such as temperature and nutritional intake, impact physical activity performance
- Discuss how physical activity and fitness can reduce cardiovascular disease risk, aid in weight management, and improve the health and function in older adults
- Biomechanics of Physical Activity
- Discuss the importance of understanding how mechanical forces impact the structure and function of the body
- Describe how this knowledge can be applied to improve human movement and reduce injury occurrence during physical activity participation
- Outline the major research methods used in the field
- Identify Newton's laws of motion and explain examples of each in a physical activity setting
- Discuss the use of biomechanical principles and devices in physical rehabilitation
- Explore current research in biomechanics and sport
- Sociology of Physical Activity
- Identify the main goals of the field
- Outline the main research methods used in the field
- Describe how gender, socioeconomic and racial and ethnic relations impact participation, leadership and cultural expression within sports
- Evaluate the impacts of physical activity and fitness on individual and societal wellness
- Motor Behavior
- Discuss the goals of the field, including to understand how: motor skills are learned, how they are controlled, and how these factors are influenced across the lifespan
- Outline the major research methods used in the field
- Describe how practice and performance feedback (intrinsic and extrinsic) influence how someone learns a new skill
- Identify the developmental stages of motor learning across various age groups
- Describe how motor learning and control develops across the lifespan and can be influenced by previous experience, neurological changes, and injury
- Psychology of Physical Activity
- Discuss the goals of the field, including: understanding the factors that influence behavior and performance in physical activity, understanding the psychological effects of participation in physical activity, and enhancing physical activity experiences to increase participation
- Outline the research methods used in the field
- Explain the major theories of motivation and behavior change related to physical activity participation and performance
- Describe how personality can impact performance and enjoyment in exercise and sport
- Discuss how enjoyment, competence, autonomy, and relatedness influence motivation in physical activity settings
- Outline how arousal, anxiety, group dynamics, and burnout can impact physical activity participation and performance
- Identify how the mental skills of imagery, attentional focus and mindfulness can influence performance
- Philosophy of Physical Activity
- Identify the goals of the field, including to understand: the nature of health and physical activity with emphasis on sport, games, play, and dance; how confident they are in their kinesiology body of knowledge; the important values of physical activity; and how individuals should behave as professionals
- Outline the research methods used in the field
- Describe the positions of materialism, dualism and holism as they relate to the people served in physical activity settings
- Discuss why sport, competition and play are popular among a wide variety of people
- Describe the values and ethical issues related to physical activity participation, leadership and performance enhancement
- Career and Professional Issues
- Explore careers in physical activity: Health and Fitness, Therapeutic Exercise, Physical Education Teaching, Coaching and Sport Instruction, Athletic Training and Sports Management
- Describe how academic preparation in kinesiology can be a foundation for advanced study and careers in various allied-health fields and medicine
- Describe the importance of Evidence-Based practice
- Identify NCCA-accredited fitness certifications
- Identify major kinesiology and exercise-related professional organizations
Major Topics to be Included
- Kinesiology Overview
- History of Kinesiology
- Physiology of Physical Activity
- Biomechanics of Physical Activity
- Sociology of Physical Activity
- Motor Behavior
- Psychology of Physical Activity
- Philosophy of Physical Activity
- Career and Professional Issues