Physical Education
Faculty:
Activity, recreation, and theory offerings in the Department of Physical Education instruct students in areas that provide lifelong enrichment. Intramural, indoor and outdoor recreation, and other noncredit opportunities are available but are not listed in the catalog. Practicum credit, which counts toward graduation, is offered for the activity program, which includes instructional courses (Physical Education 100) and intercollegiate sports (Physical Education 101).
Academic credit is given for physical education theory courses, which are open to all students. These courses are specifically useful to those students planning careers in teaching, youth activities, or coaching.
Students are provided an opportunity to obtain a coaching authorization. The authorization is designed to develop the skills necessary to coach specific sports from grades K–12 and will include certification through the American Sport Education Program (ASEP).
For students who plan to pursue coaching at any level, it is recommended that they take the following courses:
- EDU 221 Educational Psychology
- PHE 200 Organization and Administration of Athletics
- PHE 201 Sport Theory Course
- PHE 202 Coaching Methods, (includes ASEP and PACE certification)
- PHE 235 Psychological Foundations of Sport
NOTE: A maximum of four credits may be earned in either Physical Education 100 or 101. Physical Education 100 and 101 both count as practica: A maximum of eight credits earned in practica may count toward graduation. Credit in Physical Education 101 is not counted as overload.
Theory Courses
An examination of factors influencing one’s health and capacity for mental and physical work. The effects of nutrition, stress, physical exercise, alcohol, and drugs are discussed. One lecture and two aerobic activities per week.
This course focuses on the more theoretical skills necessary to be an outdoor leader. The first half of class will focus on preparing for a five-day expedition over fall break. Topics include: navigation, weather, liability, outdoor history, group dynamics, teaching styles, and first aid. Labs include: water rescue, canoeing, rope work, and equipment. Participation in the fall break trip is expected.
Lecture and discussion concerning the function, organization, and administration of an athletic program. Includes philosophy and psychology of coaching.
Fundamental principles and problems of coaching the designated sport and specific administrative considerations. Methods and techniques relevant to the sport, as well as management of equipment, facilities, practice sessions, and the game. Each unit is 14 class hours in length. Some sports have a double unit. Coaching certification requires at least one of these courses.
Unit 1. Football* (Spring) 1 credit
STAFF.
Unit 2. Soccer* (Fall) 1 credit
JAWORSKI.
Unit 3. Volleyball* 1 credit
STAFF.
Unit 4. Swimming* (Fall) 1 credit
HURLEY.
Unit 5. Basketball* (Fall) 1 credit
ARSENEAULT.
Unit 6. Baseball* (Spring) 1 credit
HOLLIBAUGH.
Unit 7. Softball* (Spring) 1 credit
STAFF.
Unit 8. Golf* (Spring) 1 credit
WALLACE.
Unit 9. Cross Country and Track and Field* (Spring) 1 credit
W. FREEMAN.
Unit 10. Tennis* (Spring) 1 credit
HAMILTON.
A comprehensive study of the components of coaching. Areas of emphasis include: philosophy of coaching; sport psychology; sport first aid; exercise physiology; athletic management; and sport-specific training of tactics and techniques. Geared toward coaching the high school athlete. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a diploma from the American Sport Education Program.
Specific to rehabilitation and the care and prevention of athletic injuries. Lectures plus laboratory sections.
Designed to provide an understanding of stress and the individual responses to it, causes and consequences, and stress management methods. Effective use of time management techniques covered in-depth; also, nutritional aspects of healthy lifestyle.
An overview of various psychological concepts underlying sports performance. Pertinent social and philosophical issues also addressed. Topics include personality, anxiety and arousal, motivation, self-efficacy and confidence, individual and group dynamics, cohesion, and various cognitive intervention strategies.
The study of sport can be accomplished in many ways. At Grinnell College we approach the task from a social studies method. The faculty members who teach the sport courses are members of the physical education department, a part of the College’s social sciences division. The goal of the course is to offer students a theoretical base to study sport from a sociological standpoint and then to provide opportunity for students to engage in that study through various topics and exercises. At any given iteration of this course, there may be two or three professors teaching it and taking the students down different paths, depending on the background and interest areas of the faculty members. Topics of current focus are sport sociology theory and research, sport and the media, sports and athletic experience through the lens of gender, sex, and sexuality, the changing face of sport in 1960s America (race and class), the role of international sport and the Olympics, competition vs. cooperation.
Activity Program
- Acceleration/Agility Training
- Aerobics
- Adult CPR
- Advanced Baseball
- Advanced Conditioning
- Advanced Racquetball
- Advanced Swimming
- Advanced Tennis
- Advanced Weightlifting
- Badminton
- Basketball Skills
- Beginning Racquetball
- Beginning Swimming
- Beginning Tennis
- Beginning Weightlifting
- Bootcamp
- Bowling
- Cardio/Core
- Canoeing
- Conditioning
- Flag Football
- Floor Hockey
- Golf
- Indoor Soccer
- Introductory Kayaking
- Lifeguard Training
- Pickleball
- Power Walking
- Rock Climbing
- Sailing
- Spinning
- Swimming Technique
- Standard First Aid
- Training for Your First 5K
- Triathlon Training
- Volleyball
- Water Aerobics
- Wellness
- Women’s Health
- Yoga
Offered S/D/F only. May be taken without credit.
∞See registrar’s Schedule of Courses for credit options.
| For Men: | For Women: | ||
| Baseball | Indoor Track | Basketball | Soccer |
| Basketball | Outdoor Track | Cross Country | Softball |
| Cross Country | Soccer | Golf | Swimming |
| Football | Swimming | Indoor Track | Tennis |
| Golf | Tennis | Outdoor Track | Volleyball |
Offered S/D/F only. May be taken without credit.
Clubs (some clubs change with student interest) No credit
| Badminton | Rugby |
| Basketball | Ultimate Frisbee |
| Indoor Soccer | Volleyball |
| Lacrosse | Water Polo |
| Outdoor Soccer |
Grinnell Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) No credit
Sponsors trips and instruction in cycling, caving, climbing, kayaking, backpacking, canoeing, winter sports, and other outdoor activities, and provides most equipment required to participate safely in these outings.
Intramural Sports (Fall or Spring) No credit
Organizes competitive activities at the campus level in season.
* Indicates courses not offered every year.
