KINES 100The Cultural and Behavioral Foundations of Kinesiology

3 credits · Kinesiology · Penn State

Philosophical, ethical, historical, cultural, psychological, and behavioral foundations of human movement, health, wellness and exercise. KINES 100 The Cultural and Behavioral Foundations of Kinesiology (3) This course introduces and integrates the philosophical, ethical, historical, cultural, and psychological foundations of kinesiology. Kinesiology is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary area devoted to the study of human movement. Kinesiology is unique in that it covers the "three cultures" of academia: the sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities. This foundational, entry-level survey course introduces students to social scientific and the humanistic approaches to sport, exercise, health, wellness, and physical activity. Topic areas include the psychology of exercise and sport, the history of sport and physical activity, and the philosophy and ethics of sport and physical activity. Throughout the course, applications and integration to human health, physical activity, and to health and fitness professions are provided. The Philosophical & Ethical Foundations of Human MovementThis section introduces students to the philosophical and ethical aspects of kinesiology. This includes fundamental question of human movement, explorations of dualism and holism, ethical decision-making in sport, games and play, and an introduction to the ethical obligations of kinesiology and health/wellness professionals The Cultural Foundations of Human Movement This section introduces to the historical, cultural, and social dynamics of kinesiology. Building off a philosophical foundation, it includes questions about why and humans move, the effects of historical and cultural influences on sport, physical activity, health, and human movement, as well as the roles that social identities play in these processes. In addition, this course module explores significant cultural considerations for kinesiology and health/wellness professionals. The Psychological Foundations of Human Movement This section introduces students to the psychological dimensions of kinesiology. This includes information about psychological orientations and enhancement in exercise and sport and foundations of health and psychological well-being. This section also addresses principles of behavior change, reinforcement, motivation, intervention, and performance enhancement and emphasizes psychological and health theories to explain physical activity behavior. It also includes information about the importance of sport and exercise psychology for kinesiology and health/wellness professionals.