Health and Exercise Science

The Department of Health and Exercise Science provides students an in-depth exposure to the scientific basics of human movement with an emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving and hands-on learning experiences. The major in Health and Exercise Science requires the study of structural, functional and behavioral phenomena related to participation in exercise in sport, clinical and community settings. The educational experiences are diverse and include knowledge related to anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, exercise physiology, motor learning, exercise prescription, sport psychology, physical fitness and wellness, human sexuality and a professional internship experience. The major in Health and Physical Education offers a K-12 teacher certification. This program provides the academic class work and the pre-professional public and private school experiences necessary to become an effective teacher. The department also prepares its majors for admission to graduate school in various exercise science fields and allied health programs such as physical and occupational therapy.

Major Requirements for the B.S. in Health and Physical Education (Teacher Certification)

Major Requirements for the B.S. in Health and Exercise Science

  1. Twenty-seven hours in Exercise Science including HLTH 103, EXSC 223, 301-302, 324, 325, 326, 400 (Internship, 3 hours).
  2. EXSC 900
  3. Choose tweleve from the following list: HLTH 221, 271, 303, EXSC 201, 241, 242, 320, 335S. PSY 319.
  4. EXSC 303/313, PSY/SOC 303/313, or ECON 303/313
  5. Supportive requirements include fifteen hours including Biology (8 hours), Chemistry (4 hours), and Psychology 211, Human Growth and Development.

Departmental Honors in Health and Exercise Science

For a student to be considered for admission to the Honors Program in Health and Exercise Science, he or she must meet the general college requirements for admissions to such programs. In addition to the general requirements, a student in the Health and Exercise Science Honors Program must undertake a year-long independent research project under the direction of a Centenary faculty member and be enrolled in EXSC/HLTH 491-496 (Independent Study) while working on the project. The results of the research must be presented orally at the Centenary College Student Research Forum or at a similar professional forum and in written form acceptable for publication.

Minor Requirements

Exercise Science Minor:
* Twenty-two hours in Health and Exercise Science including EXSC 223, 301-302, 324, 325, 335S, and HLTH 221.

Health Minor:
*Nineteen hours in Health and Exercise Science including HLTH 103, 221, 357, and EXSC 301-302.

Exercise Science Courses (EXSC)

101,102. Varsity Athletics (1,1)
Activity course for individuals engaged in varsity athletics and cheerleading.

121-122. Ballet (Beginning) (1-1)
Introduction to the fundamentals of classical ballet and vocabulary. (Same as THSP 121-122)

123-124. Tap (Beginning) (1-1)
Basic tap technique and vocabulary. (Same as THSP 123-124)

125-126. Jazz (Beginning) (1-1)
Introduction to basic modern jazz technique and vocabulary with emphasis on body placement and exercises to increase the flexibility of the body. (Same as THSP 125-126)

127-128. Modern Dance (Beginning) (1-1)
Introduction to basic modern dance technique, terminology, and philosophy. (Same as THSP 127-128)

201. Life-Time Sports (1)
Aerobic Conditioning, Badminton, Bowling, Fencing, Golf for Business and Life, Outdoor Adventure Activities, Racquetball, Self-defense,
Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball, and Weight Training.

202. Intermediate Fencing (1)
Prerequisite: EXSC 201. An advanced version of EXSC 201, Fencing, for those who have completed the introductory course. Spring.

223. History and Principles of Sport, Physical Education, and Fitness (3)
An introductory course designed to acquaint students with the biological, psychological, and sociological foundations of physical education, and to provide historical reference sufficient for intelligent interpretation and evaluation of current practices in the field. Yearly.

239. Materials and Methods of Health and P.E. for the Elementary Grades (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 211 or equivalent. A study of factors influencing effective organization and instruction of health and physical education in the modern elementary school setting with emphasis on knowledge, understanding, and use of major concepts in the study of health education and human movement and physical activity. This course will include 6 hours of field-based experience.

241. Skills and Techniques of Teaching Individual Sports (3)
A course designed to develop knowledge, teaching techniques, and skills in individual sports and appropriate to the physical education teacher.

242. Skills and Techniques of Teaching Team Sports (3)
A course designed to develop knowledge, teaching techniques, and skills in team sports and appropriate to the physical education teacher.

243-244. Tap (Intermediate) (2-2)
Permission of instructor required. Concentration of riffs, pull-backs, wings, turns, and other specific advanced movements. (Same as THSP 243-244)

245-246. Jazz (Intermediate) (2-2)
Permission of instructor required. In-depth exploration of basic jazz movements with emphasis on rhythmic patterns, dynamics, space, and levels. (Same as THSP 245-246.)

247-248. Modern Dance (Intermediate) (2-2)
Prerequisite: THSP 127 and 128 or permission of instructor. Concentration on technical proficiency with emphasis on individual creativity. (Same as THSP 247-248)

261-262. Ballet (Intermediate) (2-2)
Permission of instructor required. Designed to increase the student’s knowledge of ballet by extending his vocabulary of classical movement with emphasis on the importance of precision and proficiency. (Same as THSP 261-262)

301-302. Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (4,4)
Prerequisites: Eight hours of biology credit, including BIOL 101, or permission of instructor. A systematic study of the
structure and function of the healthy human body. This is a basic course designed primarily for students interested
in allied health fields. Fall of even-numbered years and spring of odd-numbered years. (Same as EXSC 301-302)

303. Statistics (3)
A study of tests designed to measure health, physical fitness, strength, motor ability, game skills and the use of the results of the tests. Yearly.

313. Statistics Lab. (1)
Prerequisites: CSC 101 or computer proficiency, concurrent enrollment in EXSC 303. This course gives students practical applications in the effective use of measurement and evaluation techniques. Students will be provided training and practice in computer applications of descriptive and inferential analyses used in human performance testing.

320. Psychology of Sport and Exercise (3)
Prerequisites: PSY 101 or PSY 211. This course is an Introduction to the theories and principles explaining factors influencing human behavior in sport. Specifically, students will explore three major areas: social psychology, psychological interventions, and psycho-physiology. On demand.

324. Kinesiology (3)
Prerequisites: EXSC 301-302. A study of the factors influencing bodily movement. Consideration is given to the mechanical and physiological actions of joints and muscles. Yearly.

325. Physiology of Exercise (4)
Prerequisites: EXSC 301-302 or permission of instructor. A study of the physiological effects of physical activity on the body systems. Emphasis is placed on the physiological response of the muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems to physical exercise. Yearly.

326. Motor Learning (3)
A presentation of the basic learning principles which underlie motor skill performances associated with physical activity and sports and an examination of the variables affecting skill learning. On demand.

331. Swimming and Lifesaving Techniques (2)
A course designed to develop basic skills in swimming as well as the ability to aid others in distress in water. Senior Lifesaving Certificate of the American National Red Cross may be obtained. On demand.

335S. Wellness and Human Performance in the Private Sector (3)
Prerequisite: EXSC 325. A study of the application of theory and skills necessary for successful implementation of wellness and fitness programs. Emphasis will be on assessment and research techniques. Yearly.

361-362. Ballet (Advanced) (2-2)
Concentration on advanced skills and the performance aspects of ballet. (Permission of instructor required.) (Same as DANC 361-362)

363-364. Tap (Advanced) (2-2)
Permission of instructor required. Exploration of various styles of tap such as soft shoe, ballet-tap and buck-and-wing with concentration on performance aspects and choreographic uses. (Same as THSP 363-364)

365-366. Jazz (Advanced) (2-2)
Permission of instructor required. Exploration of various styles of jazz dance such as lyrical, rock and musical comedy varieties with concentration on performance aspects and choreographic uses. (Same as THSP 365-366)

367-368. Modern Dance (Advanced) (2-2)
Prerequisite: THSP 247-248 or permission of instructor. Exploration of various styles of modern technique with concentration on performance and choreography (Same as THSP 367-368)

395,396. Selected Topics (3-3)
A detailed study of an area of physical education not normally covered in regular physical education courses. On demand.

400. Internship in Exercise Science (1-6)
Prerequisite: Health and Exercise Science major or permission of department chair. This course will provide the opportunity for the student to work in a practical situation and gain knowledge by first-hand experience in various areas of fitness and wellness. Yearly.

491-496. Independent Study (1-6)
Prerequisite: Permission of department. A course of directed study and independent work under the supervision of a member of the department. In certain cases credit may be given for supervised work in community and college activities in the field of physical education. On demand.

199. Module Studies (3)
Special topics offered during the Module.

Health Courses (HLTH)

103. Fitness and Wellness (3)
An introduction to factors influencing and determining personal and community health with emphasis upon major health problems of adults and environmental health problems. This course encourages students to take control of their personal health and lifestyle habits by a personal fitness program. Attention is given to the topics of cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, body composition, flexibility, nutrition, and weight control.

221. First Aid and Personal Safety (2)
Designed to develop competence in rendering immediate and temporary aid to a victim of accident, sudden illness, or athletic injury. Theoretical and practical approach. Covers both standard and advanced courses of the American National Red Cross, with certificates granted for satisfactory work. Meets three hours each week. Yearly.

271. Medical Terminology (2)
Introduction to the vocabulary of today's health sciences. This course is designed primarily for students interested in graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistance, speech language pathology and audiology. Evaluation in this course will involve both written and oral examinations.

303. Human Sexuality (3)
This course is designed to introduce current concepts and issues in human sexuality. In addition to increasing knowledge about sexuality, opportunities are provided for reflecting and evaluating personal values and attitudes about sexuality, which is an important aspect of sexual development and teaching sexuality education. Prerequisites: HLTH 101

357. Consumer and Nutrition Education (3)
A study of health services, products, and nutrition with emphasis upon methods and materials pertinent to health education. Yearly.

400. Internship in Health (1-6)
Prerequisite: Health and Exercise Science major or permission of department chair. This course will provide the opportunity for the student to work in a
practical situation and gain knowledge by first-hand experience in various areas of fitness and wellness. Yearly.

Last updated May 23, 2007.