Foundations of Kinesiology and Sport Studies

Course Syllabus

Course Description and Objectives

People often ask, "What is kinesiology?" This course prepares students to answer that very question. This course explores the historical development of kinesiology, sport, and physical cultural studies from ancient societies to the present. By exploring the historical, political, social, cultural, economic, and religious underpinnings of kinesiology, students will understand how they, the field, and various stakeholders have been shaped to their present form. Students will use this understanding to identify and make critical judgments about the common issues, problems, and limitations in kinesiology today. A significant portion of this course will also examine varying career opportunities in the field, and prepare students to navigate advanced courses and topics in kinesiology and sport.

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

Articulate how historical moments have influenced the field of kinesiology and sport.
Discuss consequences of our current conceptions of kinesiology and sport, and pose new ideas to create a more ethical, social just conception.
Identify and begin to prepare for a career path in kinesiology or sport studies.
Describe and differentiate the sub-disciplines of kinesiology.

Part I: Troubling Foundations

We begin the class by investigating how certain social groups have historically been left out of kinesiology and sport based on their race, religion, gender, ability, class, or age. In small groups, students explore the history of one social identity group and build presentations to teach others about what the history of that group in kinesiology and sport.

[Dis]ability and Para-sport

Sample of student work (with permission)

Race and racism

Religion

Part II: Exploring Career Paths

Next, we explore an array of career paths students can pursue with a degree in kinesiology. Students learn more about these career paths through readings, site visits, and guest speaker panels. This section of the course culminates in a career portfolio, where students are asked to locate a job posting, gather information on the organization, explore academic journals and professional associations, design a dream resume, and compose an initial email correspondence.

Site visits

Career panel members

Career Portfolio Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is to identify and explore a job in kinesiology or sport that interests you. Through this assignment you will also learn to navigate and prepare for the job market.

Exemplar Assignment

Assignment Description

Student career portfolios

Part III: Applying the Sub-disciplines of Kinesiology and Sport

We conclude the course by introducing students to the sub-disciplines of kinesiology (sport and exercise sociology, psychology, motor learning, physiology, and biomechanics). They use this information to compose an essay that describes how each sub-discipline is valuable and useful for a career in kinesiology/sport that interests them.

Athletic trainer

Sociology

"Athletic training is predominantly a male field. As a female AT, I'll have to be able to stand my ground and not get overruled or undermined by coaches or administrators."

Cognitive performance specialist

Exercise psychology

"Under the cognitive performance specialist in the army, I would work closely with a squad, watching and assessing their communication, teamwork, performance, and conflict resolution."