EXSI 1301                                            HOME 

INTRODUCTION TO EXERCISE SCIENCE

EXSI  1301.00                        FALL  2009

¨       CLASSROOM:  Moody 113                                      TIME:  9:25 – 10:40 am  (TR)

¨       Tom Wells, Ph.D.                                            Weir,  #206                             

¨       792-7429                                                         MW  (8:00  – 9:30 am & 1:00 – 2:00 pm) 

¨       tomwells@schreiner.edu                                  Others by appointment

Textbook:       Introduction to Physical Education, Fitness, and Sport. Siedentop.

This text is required and is available in the Schreiner University bookstore. Siedentop’s  text presents an excellent introduction to the field of  physical education, exercise science, and sport and how this field of study evolved into current practices. Student success in EXSI 1301 depends upon completing the required readings and homework assignments from this text and other supplemental materials to be provided.

Materials:       Students in EXSI 1301 are not required to have any special materials, but, due to the many handouts provided in this class, it is suggested that a folder (hard copy or electronic) be utilized by the student. Students are also expected to have access to, and use, a computer for word processing and researching the library’s electronic data bases and the Internet.

Special Abilities:  A high level of curiosity and a questioning attitude will serve the student well.

COURSE DESCRIPTION – EXSI 1301 is a three (3) credit hour course introducing the student to the field of the “science of exercise as it relates to physical education and sport.” The student is first provided with an orientation to physical education and sport including terminology and the role & nature of human movement. Secondly, the historical and scientific foundations are presented by tracing the development of physical education and sport from early cultures to today. Information is also provided regarding the development of selected sub-disciplines: exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, sport management, & sport sociology. Thirdly, professional considerations, such as career opportunities within the field, career preparation, and professional responsibilities are explored. Finally, the future of physical education and sport and an overview of the current issues and challenges confronting professionals and majors in the Exercise Science program.

Presentation and discussion of course content will be issues-driven. Current issues reaching beyond the field of physical education and sport are discussed in this course. Some of these issues include gender equity, the role of children in sport, competitiveness, commercialization of sport, economics of physical education and sport, and the role of the media in sport.

COURSE  OBJECTIVES

 At the completion of EXSI 1301, the student will demonstrate the ability to

1.  define, describe, and utilize the terminology commonly associated with exercise                          science, as evidenced by performance on weekly quizzes, major                exams, and during class discussions.  (Outcomes #1 and #2)

                        2.  understand the significance & influence of certain historical periods on the current

                                    face of exercise science, as evidenced by performance on major                                                                  exams and the selected writing assignment. (Outcome #4)

                        3.  identify and provide illustrations of the sub-disciplines in exercise science,                                                           as evidenced by performance on weekly quizzes & exams. 

(Outcomes #1 and #2)

                        4.  identify career opportunities in exercise science and establish goals &                                                                  objectives for the pursuit of these opportunities, as evidenced by in-class                                          assignments and projects.  (Outcomes #1 and #2)

5.  identify and describe strategies exercise science professionals use to promote quality,                     daily physical education throughout the country, as evidenced by performance        on weekly quizzes and exams. (Outcomes #1 and #2)

7.      discuss current issues in exercise science in a logical & reasonable manner, as                evidenced by performance in class discussions, additional class     activities, and the selected writing assignment.  (Outcome #4)

Outcomes for the Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science:

1. Demonstrate the ability to apply the basic concepts of biomechanics/kinesiology, motor learning, and strength & conditioning.

2. Demonstrate knowledge in exercise physiology, sports nutrition, human anatomy, and human development.

3. Demonstrate knowledge of basic statistics, research design, data analysis, computer technology, and oral communications skills.

4. Demonstrate the ability to professionally communicate, in APA style, the results of data collected in the library or from a laboratory or field environment.

5. Demonstrate knowledge of widely-used, practical skills in Exercise Science appropriate for fitness assessment and fitness programming.

6. Demonstrate the ability to successfully sit for national- and state-recognized certification exams, including but not limited to the NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, ACSM Health & Fitness Instructor, and the TExES/ExCET for teacher certification in Texas.

COURSE  POLICIES

Academic Honesty:  Academic honesty is expected of all students in EXSI 1301. The student’s work should be his/her own. This includes work on all exams, quizzes, projects and writing assignments. As a reminder, when doing research, it is permissible to use someone else’s work, but the student must give this “someone else” credit with a proper citation and/or reference. Students are encouraged to refer to the Student Handbook provided by Student Services for Schreiner University policy on this matter. University policy will be enforced, including the possibility of a failing grade on the assignment, or more severe penalties as applicable

Attendance/Tardiness Policy: Students are expected to attend each class period and to be on time for

each class. Students who arrive late for class disturb the class. Neither the instructor nor the students in class appreciate this type of behavior. The course grade of those students who choose to consistently be absent or tardy will be negatively affected.

Cell Phones: All cellular phones must be inactivated upon entering the classroom. Text messaging                          during class time exemplifies rudeness and disrespect. Students who text message forfeit their                    privilege to request letters of recommendation from the instructor.

Class Participation: As mentioned in the Course Format below and the Course Objectives above, class                   participation is a must in EXSI 1301. Class participation can assume many forms. The most                         obvious being simply joining in the discussion of ideas presented in class or concepts emerging                    from the readings. Participation can also involve sharing articles and other information with the                    class that pertain to topics in EXSI 1301. Preparing for each class by reading required materials    and completing required homework assignments provides an ideal method to insure good class              participation.

Course Format: This is a lower level course, but reading and homework assignments cannot be ignored.

For this class to be successful, students must take charge of their information gathering. The readings and assignments from the texts, handouts, and other sources are necessary for class discussion and activities to have any meaning and importance. Class meetings will involve discussion of readings, problem solving, lecture, group projects, and other class activities.

Support Services: Students are encouraged to take advantage of the available support services on    campus that increase the opportunities for student learning and success. During the Fall Term,      these services include (1) the Logan Library [resource texts and periodicals, computer work            stations, Internet terminals, research assistance, Interlibrary Loan, etc.] and (2) the Computer Lab with computer terminals. The Fasken Learning Center, with its Peer Tutoring program, and

             The Writing Center, are also available during the Fall Term.

Writing Assignments

Format: All written work must be submitted in typed form with a Times New Roman font and a     font size of 12, unless otherwise noted. For comparison, this syllabus is typed with a Times New            Roman font and a font size of 11. 

            Standards:  Please refer to the “Writing Standards” addendum on Schreiner One.

Special Note: Schreiner University complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 with

respect to providing academic adjustments/auxiliary aids to qualified students. Students requiring such accommodations should contact Dr. Jude Gallik, the section 504 Coordinator.

STUDENT   EVALUATION 

            Students will be evaluated in EXSI 1301 based on their performance on three (3) major exams, quizzes, a writing assignment, attendance/group work, and a final exam. A grading summary follows:  

Attendance/Group Work: 10 total points possible. Students who attend each class and participate in class discussions and group work may receive up to 10 points. Students who miss class four (4) or more times will not receive any of the 10 points for Attendance/Group Work.

Final Exam Policy: All students must take the final exam except for graduating seniors

(December graduates) who have a “B” or better average in the course.

Final Exam Date: The final exam for EXSI 1301.00 will be Friday, December 11, 2009  at 

8:00 am in the same classroom in which the class meets for its regular classes.

Writing Assignments: Detailed information about the writing assignment possibilities and the group work projects will be provided to the student as the course progresses.  

                                    Please see the Writing Standards posted on Schreiner One.

Make-Up Policy: If a student should miss a major exam, it is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor within 48 hours of the absence so that arrangements for a make-up exam can be made.

COURSE  OUTLINE

UNIT  1:         The nature and scope of physical education and sport – terminology, philosophy & objectives, and the role of  physical education and sport are explored. In addition, historical figures & periods through the 1920s and their influences on physical education and sport are discussed. (See Course Daily Schedule for specifics)

                        (August 27 – September 17)

                        Major  Exam  #1  will be on September 17.

UNIT  2:         Historical figures, events, and periods from the 1930s to the present and their influences on physical education and sport are discussed.

                        (See Course Daily Schedule for specifics)

                        (September 22 – October 20)

                        Major  Exam  #2  will be on October 20.

UNIT  3:         Issues and patterns in sport, fitness, and physical education are presented.

                        (See Course Daily Schedule for specifics)

                        (October 20 – November 19)

                        Major  Exam  #3  will be on November 19.

UNIT  4:         Current issues impacting the future of physical education and sport are discussed. As foundations of physical education and sport, the sub-disciplines of exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, and sport sociology are explored.

                        (See Course Daily Schedule for specifics)

                        (November 24 – December 8)

Important Dates:  Dates for quizzes, major exams, & the final exam follow.

READING LIST: There is no formal designated reading list for EXSI 1301. Because this course is an introductory overview of the field of physical education, sport, and exercise science, students are encouraged to review various books in the GV section of the Logan Library. This section in the library provides plenty of volumes pertaining to the history, philosophy, sub-disciplines, and career opportunities in the field.  Additionally, students are encouraged to explore various websites pertaining to the field. Searching and exploring YouTube is not a bad idea, either. Keep in touch with the course website and Schreiner One for other suggestions.