Kinesiology

Description of the Major. The discipline of kinesiology is the study of the art and science of human movement. This organized body of knowledge emphasizes scientific and educational research. General areas of study include the biophysical, sociocultural and behavioral spheres of kinesiology. Within these spheres are numerous subdisciplines, including biomechanics, physiology of exercise, motor learning, sport psychology, sport sociology, and pedagogy. The clinical arm of kinesiology includes the subdisciplines such as clinical nutrition, clinical exercise physiology and gerontology.

The major curriculum provides a sound liberal arts background and an area of academic specialization. The department offers a B.S. (Movement and Exercise Science), emphasizing exercise science, pre- physical and occupational therapies, pre-medical training, physician assistant, cardiac rehabilitation and other allied health fields.

Distinctive Features of the Major. The kinesiology major gives the student the opportunity to study the many disciplines associated with the allied health professions and approach this discipline with a liberal arts and science focus. There are early practicums where students have the chance to elect options in the work place (e.g. occupational therapy, physical therapy aid; assisting in the training room; assisting in a medical clinic). This helps students with self selection of professional choices early in their academic experience. Seminar and small group discussion, multi-media use, and active learning characterize theory courses.

The Kinesiology Department recognizes the tremendous value of an off-campus experience. In addition to campus-wide programs available to all students, two programs are available which offer unique application to the discipline of kinesiology. Courses in each of these programs meet requirements for the kinesiology major.

The San Francisco-based Urban Program offers unique opportunities to select internship experiences in physical and occupational therapy, corporate fitness, and physician assistant programs. In addition, an optional research tutorial is available for students.

On the Europe Mayterm Program, students visit some of the top sport science facilities in Europe and dialog with prominent professionals in many fields related to kinesiology. Sport science institutes in England, Sweden, Germany and Switzerland welcome our students in this cutting edge program in the sport sciences. This popular program is offered every other Mayterm.

Career Choices. The purpose of this liberal arts major is to provide a foundation of understanding and competencies in the discipline with an integrated Christian world view. Career options include: adapted physical education, cardiac rehabilitation, coaching, corporate fitness, fitness management, gerontology services for older adults, graduate studies in the sport or health sciences, health science, medicine, medical technician, nurse practitioner, occupational therapy, personal trainer, physical therapy, physician assistant, sports medicine, and teaching.

Distinctive Features of PEA. Physical education activity classes at Westmont encourage successful psychomotor development and provide a rationale for making exercise a priority in the stewardship of our bodies. Courses give students skills and principles for continuing a physically active life, including an exercise program to maintain physical well-being. The instruction-based program is diverse and developmental, and it encourages healthful, active, lifetime, leisure-time activities.

Requirements for the B.S. Major, Movement & Exercise Science Emphasis: 61 units

Required Lower-Division Courses: 8 units

Non-Department Requirements: 12 units

Required Upper-Division Courses: 29 units

Electives: 12 units

Requirements for a Minor: 22-24 units

Minor tracks are offered in coaching, teaching, fitness/wellness, and movement science.

Movement Science Minor: 24 units

Fitness/Wellness Minor: 22 units

Coaching Minor: 22-24 units

Major Courses

Lower-Division Course Descriptions

KNS 54 First Aid and CPR (2) American Red Cross certification course designed to develop competence in the emergency treatment of victims of injury or sudden illness and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

KNS 72 Foundations (4) Recommended for students considering a kinesiology major or minor. Includes an exploration of facts and principles in the discipline, an historical survey, an investigation of vocational and professional opportunities, and a connected field experience of the student’s choice.

Upper-Division Course Descriptions

KNS 101 Basic Biomechanics (4) Prerequisites: BIO 11 and BIO 12. Juniors and seniors only. Functional anatomy of the human skeletal and muscular systems. Muscle and joint action with emphasis on the mechanical concepts and physical laws involved. PEAK Performance (computer motion analysis) technology is emphasized. Lab required.

KNS 105 Physiology of Exercise (4) Prerequisites: BIO 11 and BIO 12. Juniors and seniors only. Metabolic, circulatory, and respiratory responses of the human body as related to skill, endurance, fatigue, and other phenomena resulting from physical activity. Lab required.

KNS 110 Cardiovascular Dynamics (4) Prerequisite: BIO 12, KNS 105 or by permission. Physiology of the cardiorespiratory system. Includes ECG interpretation, stress test, administration, exercise prescription, pharmacology, and pathophysiology.

KNS 119 Measurement and Evaluation (4) Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. Collection and construction of tests for evaluating motor ability, strength, speed, and endurance in physical activity. Theory and use of scientific instruments and statistical data in kinesiological research.

KNS 150 Topics Courses (2-4) These courses are taught periodically and may be used as elective hours for a particular emphasis in the major or minor. Offerings in the KNS 150 series include:

KNS 151 Care and Conditioning of Athletic Injuries I (3) Prerequisite: Juniors and seniors only. Students learn to organize and administrate a training room, acquire theoretical understanding and practical skills in first-aid protocol, injury evaluation, rehabilitation techniques, and recognize common injury pathologies.

KNS 153 Dance Theory and Technique (2) Prerequisite: Juniors and seniors only. The process of learning the philosophical, theoretical, and technical aspects of dance in education covering Movement Fundamentals, Folk Forms, Ballet, Creative Modern, Jazz, and Social Dance.

KNS 155 Fundamentals of Movement (2) Examines the psychomotor performance of children, including: basic movement patterns with complex applications, cognitive and affective dimensions, fitness, and choosing appropriate pedagogy.

KNS 156 Health Education for the Classroom Teacher (2) Overview of health-related issues based on the philosophical model of wellness education. Includes strategies and curriculum ideas for teaching health education. Meets the health education requirement for the California Teaching Credential.

KNS 157 Psychology of Movement (2) Application of psychological principles to the sporting and exercise environment. Topics include exercise adherance, personality research, motivation, anxiety, stress and aggression, as well as basic intervention strategies.

KNS 158 Sociology of Sport (2) An in-depth study of sport as a mirror of American society. Topics include competitive ethics, youth sport, professional sport, minority participation and the changing role of women in sport.

KNS 160 Strength and Conditioning (2) Prerequisite: KNS 101 and KNS 105 or by permission. This course is designed to integrate exercise physiology, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, and care and conditioning. Students will analyze strength and conditioning methodology, biomechanics, and the physiologic changes that occur with training. Participation in designing, instructing, and monitoring strength and conditioning programs for varied populations is an integral part of this course.

KNS 161 Fitness for Older Adults (2) This course is designed to give the student theoretical knowledge and opportunities for practical application involving exercise for diverse populations, with special emphasis on older adults. Particular attention will be given to the impact of exercise on the aging process and the overall quality of life.

KNS 166 Movement: Pedagogy and Leadership (4) Prerequisites: Junior standing or by permission. This course is designed to analyze and develop pedagogy theories and leadership skills. The strategies and tools for facilitating successful psychomotor outcomes for client, patient or learner are explored. Students are given opportunities to enhance their competencies in the role of facilitator through observations of a professional leader and by taking part in a cooperative learning and leadership role.

KNS 170 Coaching Theory (2) An in-depth study of the theories and philosophies related to a variety of coaching settings, including school, college, professional, and youth sport environments. Topics covered include a Christian perspective on coaching, brain types related to psychomotor development, application of psychological and sociological principles to the team setting and specific strategies for successful leadership in the sporting environment.

KNS 181 Special Populations (4) (includes one unit practicum) The study of disabilities encountered in medical and educational settings. Exploration of theories, strategies and methods based on current legislative mandates.

KNS 185 Motor Behavior (2) Prerequisites: Junior standing or by permission, KNS 72. Understanding the neurophysiological bases of learning and performance, with applications to clinical and other instructional settings.

KNS 190 Practicum (1-4) Prerequisite: KNS 185 or consent of instructor. Laboratory for juniors and seniors only. The department chair and the practicum supervisor must approve laboratory teaching and other field practicums.

KNS 195 Senior Seminar (2) Prerequisite: Senior standing. Survey of relevant issues and trends in the discipline. Students begin networking interviews, construct a professional resume, and write a culminating senior paper.

KNS 198 Research (1-4) Laboratory and/or field research with a faculty member. Students will conduct experiments, analyze data and present written and/or oral findings based on their work.

Physical Education Activity Courses

(General Education Requirement: PEA 32, Fitness for Life, required of all entering students during the first or second semester of attendance. A total of four different PEA courses must be completed.)

PEA (1-99) Physical Activity (1) Schedule of classes will indicate course numbers. General offerings for all students: Aerobics, Archery, Badminton, Ballet Basics, Ballroom/Swing, Basketball, Creative Modern Dance, Dance Technique, Fencing, Fitness for Life, Fitness by the Sea, Folk Dance, Golf, Gymnastics, Jazz Basics, Mountain Biking, Outrigger Canoeing, New Games, Outdoor Education, Physical Conditioning, Pickle-Ball, Sailing, Self-Defense, Softball, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Triathlon Training, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Water Aerobics, Water Polo, Weight Training. Special courses are offered depending on the availability of instructors.

PEA 32 Fitness for Life (1) The study and practical application of the health-related components of fitness. Founded on the “wellness model,” the course emphasizes lifestyle changes and decisions leading to good health. Emphasis is on individualized programs based on pre-assessed fitness needs. The student will complete a 9-week program of aerobic activities selected by the student with instructor approval.