Physical Education and Recreation Undergraduate Courses

Physical Education and Recreation Undergraduate Courses

PER 110 Wellness (3)
This course includes a study of quality of life components to assist students in realizing their maximal personal potential and taking responsibility for maintaining and improving that quality of life through their life span. The course emphasizes both the acquisition of knowledge involving social, emotional, mental, and other considerations and the practical application through participation in a program of planned physical activity for the development of a healthy lifestyle.

PER 120 Foundations of Physical Education and Recreation (3)
Students will study the historical and philosophical bases of physical education and recreation. The course will include the philosophies of well-known physical education and recreation professionals, and their implications and consequences for the individual and society. The course reflects the continuing growth of these fields within a variety of educational, sport, and recreational environments.

Prerequisite: GSR 102 or permission of the instructor.

PER 125 Map and Compass (3)
The course is designed to give students the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to read and interpret topographic maps, compensate for magnetic declination, and determine and follow compass bearings for the purpose of accurately navigating outdoor environments. Topic covered include: longitude, latitude, magnetism, contour, elevation, map and personal orientation, grade, scale, map symbols, compass, and map bearings, types of compasses, magnetic declination, triangulation, and the sport of orienteering.

Course Fee: $45

PER 190 Learning Through Discovery (3)
This course is a study of how people use knowledge and resources to solve problems, make choices, and make adaptations; and of recognizing individual and group potential. Mental and physical activities are used to help individuals understand themselves, their personal values, and the members of the class.

PER 195 Special Topics (1-5)
Special Topics in the discipline, designed primarily for freshmen. Students may enroll in 195 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

PER 200 Leading Physical and Recreation Activities (3)
This course will focus on basic principles, concepts, and skills of leading physical and recreation activities for children, adolescents, and adults. The psychomotor, social, cognitive, affective, and learning domains will be addressed as students learn to utilize a task analysis model to choose, and then lead appropriate activities that contribute to an improved quality of life for the participants.

Prerequisite: PER 120 or permission of the instructor.

PER 201 Outdoor Experiential Learning (2)
Students will study the theories of experiential learning, and adventure education through experiencing new games, activities, outdoor initiatives, problem solving, physical activities, field experiences, creative development, leading groups, discussions, sharing quotes and stories, and written expression. Emphasis will be placed on developing skills and physical fitness needed in canoeing, orienteering, camping, rock climbing, and participating on the University's ropes course.

Prerequisite: Declared physical education and recreation major; or permission of the instructor.
Course Fee: $65

PER 202 Fundamental Movement, Rhythms, and Gymnastics (2)
A theoretical and practical course designed for physical education and recreation majors and dance minors. This course will include how to lead fundamental motor skills in the areas of creative movement, folk dance, aerobics, and educational gymnastics. Emphasis will be placed on a non-traditional approach to leading dance and gymnastics by linking fundamental motor skills into routines so that students with diverse learning needs can have a positive and successful experience. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to incorporate appropriate teaching leading methodologies and have the opportunity to teach, lead and assess skills.

PER 203 Concepts and Skills of Sports (2)
This course will focus on the concepts, techniques, and skills inherent in various sports utilized in physical education and recreation programs such as soccer, softball, volleyball, and basketball. The course focuses on skills, strategies, and conceptual similarities and differences of the sports and their lead-up activities. Students will develop an intermediate skill level; and incorporate developmentally appropriate learning progressions, learning cues, and assessment techniques while leading activities for peers. Students will acquire knowledge of the value of participation and develop strategies for promoting lifespan health and fitness within various sports.

Prerequisite: PER 200 or permission of the instructor.

PER 204 Concepts and Skills of Physical Fitness (2)
A study of the basic principles of physical fitness and weight training as applied to a school or community setting. This course will also provide the opportunity for fitness and weight training skill development. A focus on techniques for assessing and integrating physical fitness throughout a variety of activity programs will also be included.

Prerequisite: PER 120 and BIO 105; or permission of the instructor.
Co-requisite: Current Professional Rescuer CPR/AED and first aid certifications are required by the completion of this course.

PER 205 Concepts and Skills of Racquet Sports (2)
A study of the concepts, techniques, and skills inherent in a variety of racket sports including tennis, badminton, pickleball, and table tennis. The course focuses on skills, strategies, and conceptual similarities and differences of racket sports. Students will develop an intermediate skills level, and will begin to utilize developmentally appropriate learning progressions, learning cues, and assessment techniques.

Prerequisite: PER 200 or permission of the instructor.

PER 221 Sports Activities (1)
Activities offered include team sports and individual sports. Not more than six hours of credit in physical education activities may be counted toward the requirements for a bachelor's degree.

Course Fee: Varies by sections.

PER 222 Outdoor Activities (1)
Activities offered include rock climbing, discovery, the camping. Not more than six hours of credit in physical education activities may be counted toward the requirements for a bachelor's degree.

Course Fee: Varies by sections.

PER 223 Aquatic Activities (1)
Students will study basic water safety skills; develop intermediate level swimming and water safety skills; be able to analyze and modify swimming skills using movement principles for improved effectiveness; develop a swimming fitness and exercise program; and acquire knowledge and skills to be safe in water environments. Not more than six hours of credit in physical education activities may be counted toward the requirements for a bachelor's degree.

PER 224 Activities (1)
Activities offered include dance and gymnastics. Not more than six hours of credit in physical education activities may be counted toward the requirements for a bachelor's degree.

Course Fee: Varies by sections.

PER 232 Motor Learning (3)
Students will study the central factors that make up the best approach to the acquisition of motor skills, while leading physical activities in a variety of settings. Topics include basic concepts of motor learning, development of motor responses, the nature of motor learning, feedback, timing, information processing, transfer of learning, perception, personality and performance, motivation, and practice conditions. The topics will focus on principles of human performance and principles of skill learning and how to integrate these principles in real life situations. For each major topic, guiding principles for the physical education and recreation leaders are presented.

Prerequisite: PER 120 and acceptance into the major or minors; or permission of the instructor.

PER 235 Lifeguard Training (3)
The course will include appropriate surveillance techniques and prevention of injuries at aquatic facilities. The participants will become proficient at rescue skills and the use of first aid and CPR techniques. Students will develop the skills to recognize emergency situations and respond effectively.

Prerequisite: 500 yard continuous swim, and permission of the instructor.
Co-requisite: Current Professional Rescuer CPR/AED, and first aid certifications are required by the completion of the Lifeguard Training course to receive American Red Cross Certification in lifeguard training.

PER 238 Methods of Water Safety Instruction (3)
This course will focus on strategies for planning, teaching, and assessing swimming and water safety skills. This is a comprehensive course designed to train water safety instructors to teach American Red Cross swimming and water safety courses.

Prerequisite: PER 235 or permission of the instructor.

PER 239 Professional Rescuer CPR/AED and First Aid (3)
Students will study how to recognize and care for life-threatening emergencies such as respiratory or cardiac problems; sudden illness; or injuries to infants, children, or adults. This course is designed to prepare the professional rescuer (e.g., lifeguards, athletic trainers, and emergency services personnel) with the knowledge and skills necessary to help sustain life in an emergency. Upon successful completion, the student will attain American Red Cross certification in CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid.

Course Fee: $65

PER 250 Sport Safety Training for Coaches (3)
This course covers the knowledge and techniques employed to maintain the safety of and provide immediate or temporary first aid care to athletes participating in sport activities.

Course Fee: $65

PER 295 Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for sophomores. Students may enroll in 295 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

PER 310 Leadership and Group Dynamics (3)
A study of leadership definitions, theories, and philosophies. Theories of group dynamics will be explored. Leadership study will encompass the fields of management and social and recreational settings. The essence of leadership will also be explored. An experiential approach to learning is the basis of this course. The group work approach is emphasized.

Prerequisite: PER 120 and PER 232.

PER 341 Kinesiology (3)
Students will study the movement potential of the human body using anatomical and mechanical principles. Emphasis is given to the action of joints and muscles, the basic mechanics of human motion, analysis of motion, the major types of motor skills, and the application of kinesiology to sport and daily living activities.

Prerequisite: PER 110 and BIO 203.

PER 345 Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries (3)
A course designed to combine theoretical and practical knowledge related to the care and prevention of athletic injuries. The purposes of this course are to develop a safety- conscious attitude when participating in or conducting sports activities; to develop knowledge and basic skills related to the care and prevention of common sports-related injuries, including immediate and follow-up care and rehabilitative techniques; and to develop basic knowledge and skills related to the administration of a high school training room.

Prerequisite: GSR 102 or the equivalent and Certification in ARC Standard First Aid and Community CPR (BIO233 strongly recommended).

PER 350 Event Planning and Management (3)
This course includes concepts of event planning, management, leadership skills, and evaluation. This course is designed to develop students' familiarity with the special event program planning for recreation, physical education, and sports programming in diverse environments. Emphasis is placed on experiential learning through the actual planning and leadership of a community-based event within the Gallaudet or the greater deaf community, similar to a service-learning course.

Prerequisite: PER 232 or permission of the instructor.

PER 353 Rhythmic Forms and Analysis (2)
A study of basic rhythmic patterns and the exploration of suitable accompaniment.

PER 356 Methods and Techniques of Teaching Dance in Elementary and Secondary Schools (3)
A study of the application of various dance forms to meet the needs and interests of students in elementary and secondary schools.

PER 368 Physiology of Exercise (3)
Students will study the immediate and long-range effects of physical activity on the functions of the human body. Special attention is focused on physical fitness, metabolism, training and conditioning, nutrition, environment, athletic aids, and the sex of the participant.

Prerequisite: PER 204 and BIO 203.

PER 383 Intramurals and Officiating (3)
This course is designed to introduce the students to the theoretical and practical aspects of intramural programming and officiating.

Prerequisite: GSR 102 or the equivalent.

PER 386 Physical Education and Wellness in a School Environment (3)
This course will cover teaching and leading theories and techniques necessary for planning and delivering physical activities and wellness programs that foster health enhancing active participation, within a comprehensive school environment. Emphasis is given to the principles of motor development; assessment techniques; and the psychomotor, cognitive, psychological, and social developmental needs of children of various ages, diversity, and abilities. Also included is an overview of the many education, community, and government organizations that provide and advocate for health enhancing physical activity participation.

Prerequisite: PER 202, 205, 232, and either a declared physical education and recreation major or declared elementary education or early childhood education major; or permission of the instructor.

PER 387 Athletic Coaching (3)
This course will cover the full spectrum and experiences involved in athletic coaching. This course will focus on the techniques of coaching; the psychological aspects of coaching; the growth, development, and learning of athletes; and the medical and legal aspects of coaching. In addition, it will provide the students with the practical application of these components in simulated and actual coaching situations.

Prerequisite: PER 232, GSR 150 or the equivalent; or permission of the instructor.

PER 395 Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for juniors. Students may enroll in 395 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

PER 400 Measurement and Evaluation in Physical Education and Recreation (3)
This course will cover the knowledge and skills surrounding measurement and evaluation related to the delivery of wellness, physical education, and/or recreation services. This course will focus on how to conduct individual assessments and activity/program evaluation.

Prerequisite: PER 204 and acceptance into the major; or permission of the instructor.

PER 401 Introduction to Dance Therapy (3)
A basic survey course designed to provide the student with a theoretical and practical knowledge of dance therapy. Particular emphasis will be given to developing the student's repertoire of movement techniques that can be used with various disabled adults and children in hospitals, halfway houses, or recreational settings.

PER 410 Management of Physical Education and Recreation (3)
This course will include a study of administrative practices and their application to physical education, recreation, and sports in diverse environments. Students will gain an understanding of the underlying principles and practices of planning, organizing, leading, and evaluation of physical education, recreation, and sport programs in school and community settings. Upon completing the course the student will demonstrate human and technical skills to provide leadership and supervision for activity-based programs.

Prerequisite: PER 232 or permission of the instructor.

PER 415 History and Philosophy of Dance (3)
The evolution of western theatrical dance from antiquity to the present, with emphasis on the 16th through the 19th centuries.

PER 420 Law and Liability in Recreation and Sports (3)
This course introduces the student to three major areas of legal concerns: (1) Laws and Legislation, (2) Liability and Litigation, and (3) Risk Management and Accident Prevention. Specific issues to be addressed include: (a) tort negligence in sports, playground programs, and aquatics; (b) major pieces of legislation that have made an impact on recreation and sports agencies; (c) constitutional rights as they apply to recreation and sports agencies; and (d) general legal principles.

Prerequisite: PER 232, or permission of the instructor.

PER 425 Choreography (3)
Introduction to the techniques of choreography. Students will be required to choreograph one major dance piece.

PER 431 Sacred Dance (3)
A historical and theological investigation of the image and role of dance from a cross-cultural perspective. Liturgical dances will be examined, compared, and performed.

PER 440 Adapted Physical Education and Recreation (3)
The course includes scientific principles, and teaching methodology necessary for the modification of physical education programs, sport, or recreational activities to meet the developmental needs and capabilities of students with diverse abilities. Emphasis is given to the principles of motor development; assessment techniques; developmental needs; psychomotor, cognitive, psychological, and social characteristics of individuals with various disabilities; legal requirements; resources for participation in community sport and recreation programs; and developing appropriate instructional and behavioral strategies for an inclusive or adapted activity learning environment.

Prerequisite: PER 200, PER 232, and PER 341; or a declared elementary education or early childhood education major; or permission of the instructor.

PER 450 Field Experience in Dance (2)
A practical field experience for students minoring in dance. The course requires a successful completion of 37 hours of a professional dance experience. The practicum is divided into 30 hours of voluntary or paid field experience. A list of possible practicum opportunities will be provided to interested students.

PER 460 Practicum in Athletic Coaching (3)
The course offers practical field experiences in athletic coaching in an organized athletic program. The student must complete a minimum of 120 hours of practical fieldwork and the analysis of that experience. The course is required of all athletic coaching minor students. This practicum is one of the most important steps a student takes in preparing to become an athletic coach. This experience in an organized athletic venue is essential for students to develop the leadership and appropriate knowledge essential to successful athletic coaching.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Current Professional Rescuer CPR/AED, and first aid certification must be shown to the PER 460 instructor before the practicum begins.

PER 486 Teaching Physical Education and Wellness in Secondary Schools (3)
This course includes methods for teaching on the middle school and secondary levels. An application of educational philosophy and principles of teaching, and the preparation of lesson and unit plans are included. In addition to class participation and peer teaching, teaching high school and/or intermediate/middle school physical education classes are planned through field trips to various local schools. Students will also have opportunities to evaluate their teaching and the teaching of others using various assessment tools.

Prerequisite: PER 386 or permission of the instructor.

PER 490 Physical Education and Recreation Capstone (3)
Students will study how physical activity professionals can foster healthy active lifespan participation to meet the needs and preferences of diverse individuals. This course guides students to synthesize and apply what they have learned in physical education and recreation courses to understand changes within society that affect physical activity, fitness, and sport services provided in various segments of the community. The goal of the class is to facilitate an understanding of the impact that social and economic variables have on participation behavior, service, and program delivery.

Prerequisite: PER 386 or PER 387; or permission of the instructor.

PER 491 Internship (3)
The internship experience, of a minimum of 150 hours, is designed to provide a student with the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained from classes to professional practice. Students are encouraged to seek and select internship placements that provide him/her opportunities that correspond to their own professional goals. This formal, guided learning experience is supervised simultaneously by the agency supervisor and a university faculty member. This experience will better prepare a student to make the transition from the university to work in his/her profession.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Current CPR/AED and first aid certification must be documented prior to the start of the internship.

PER 495 Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for seniors who are majors or minors. Students may enroll in 495 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
Course Fee: $20

PER 499 Independent Study (1-3)
Intensive supervised study and research on topics of the student's selection.

Prerequisite: Permission of the department chair.