Kinesiology Major

DEPARTMENT OF KINESIOLOGY

The primary purpose of the Department of Kinesiology is to develop competent educators and professionals who can make a positive contribution to school systems and to society and/or be admitted to and be successful in graduate studies. The department provides the curriculum, expertise, teaches the scientific basis of physical activity and the skills and fitness competencies inherent in the profession that will enable majors to be successful within the PE disciplines in the public and private sector (wellness/fitness training and promotion, recreation, sports programming in various settings), as well as instilling in the entire student body the awareness, appreciation, and benefits of lifetime physical activity. 

The Department of Kinesiology is committed to excellence consistent with the overall liberal arts mission of the College. Majors seeking Alabama Physical Education Teacher Certification for grades P-12 can receive certification by successfully completing all requirements in the Stillman Teacher Education Program (STEP), which includes maintaining a 2.50 grade point average, passing all required state standardized tests, and passing the edTPA assessment (see the Teacher Education Program section of this catalog for overall required program details).  All teacher education candidates are required to complete a background check using the Alabama State Department of Education process. Teacher candidates must have a background check before completing any field experiences hours. All students taking education courses with field experience hours are required to join the Student Alabama Education Association (SAEA).

All Human Performance majors must participate in a required fitness test each semester to assess candidates’ skilled-based and fitness based competence levels. The test will be scheduled by the department chairperson. It is the student’s responsibility to be medically cleared, condition, and be properly prepared for this test, as this is a graduation requirement. 

HUMAN PERFORMANCE MAJOR

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Human Performance major, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of content, disciplinary concepts, and the tools of inquiry related to the development of a physically educated person (Content).
2. Demonstrate understanding of how individuals differ in their approaches to learning and create appropriate instruction adapted to these differences (Critical Thinking).
3. Demonstrate knowledge of how individuals develop and can provide opportunities that support their physical, cognitive, social and emotional development (Critical Thinking). 

4. Describe and demonstrate effective communication skills (Communication).

Program Outcomes

As a result of successful completion of the Human Performance Program, graduates will:

1. Actively participate in the professional physical education community and within the broader education field.
2. Describe and demonstrate effective communication skills.
3. Describe and implement strategies to enhance communication among students in physical activity settings.
4. Describe and apply bioscience (anatomical, physiological, biomechanical) and psychological concepts to skillful movement, physical activity, and fitness.
5. Describe performance concepts  and  strategies  related  to  skillful  movement  and  physical activity.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of how individuals develop and can provide opportunities that support their physical, cognitive, social and emotional development.
7. Demonstrate understanding of how individuals differ in their approaches to learning and create appropriate instruction adapted to these differences.
8. Demonstrate knowledge of content, disciplinary concepts and tools of inquiry related to the development of a physically educated person.
9. Demonstrate knowledge of approved state and national content standards and local program goals.
10. Demonstrate knowledge of current technologies and their application to physical education.
11. Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to use formal and informal assessment strategies to foster physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of learners in physical activity.

Semester Plan

Included below are sample semester-by-semester plans for the major in Human Performance, both Teacher Certification and Non Teacher Certification.

NOTES

* For HPS 220, HPS 221, SED 433, EDU 422, EED 300 and SED 491, students must be accepted into STEP prior to enrollment in these courses.