Spring 2009 Course Schedule
Course Descriptions

Spring 2009 Course Schedule

Physical Education courses are designed to promote the development and enjoyment of lifetime motor skills which will afford opportunities to realize one's potential while providing vigorous exercise to release tensions generated by strong academic commitments and intense urban life. Some classes are organized in homogeneous skill groups for optimal learning. Students are advised to register according to their specific skill level.

Not all classes are offered each semester. Check the current semester schedule for current offerings.

AQUATICS
CARDIOVASCULAR
MIND-BODY
MUSCULAR STRENGTH/ENDURANCE
SPORTS
SELF-PACED

AQUATICS

Aqua Exercise
PHED BC 2125x, y
Introduction to water exercise principles and activities. Various implements will be used to increase support and provide optimal resistance. Aquatic exercise increases strength, endurance and flexibility. No prior swimming experience necessary.

Beginning Swim
PHED BC 1120x, y
Development of confidence and safety skills in the water. Introduction of front crawl, elementary backstroke, and deep water skills. No previous experience required. Women only.

Advanced Beginning Swimming
PHED BC 1121x, y
Review of safety skills, front crawl, and elementary backstroke. Further development of deep water skills. Introduction of breaststroke, sidestroke, and backstroke.

Intermediate Swim
PHED BC 2122x, y
Refinement of front/back crawl and backstroke. Further development of breaststroke and sidestroke. Introduction to butterfly and workout swims. Students must be able to swim in deep water and have a basic understanding of all strokes.

Lifeguard Training
PHED BC 3131x
Preventive life guarding and swimming rescues. Leads to American Red Cross certification in Lifeguard Training, First Aid, and CPR for the Professional Rescuer. Swimming test for class admission given during first class meeting.

Water Safety Instructor
PHED BC 2129x, y
American Red Cross course prepares instructors to teach swimming lessons to individuals of all ages. Students receive ARC certification in WSI at completion of the course. Swimming test given during the first class meeting; at the pre-test, student must demonstrate front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke, butterfly and basic rescue skills.

CARDIOVASCULAR

Cardio Mix
PHED BC 1582x, y
A combination of group cardiovascular exercises performed to a variety of music. Examples include high, low, step, hip hop, and kickbox. Abdominal exercises and stretching included. All levels.

Step
PHED 1587x, y
Cardiovascular exercise using a step platform. Abdominal exercises and stretching included. Requires some fitness experience.

Step Sculpt/Cardio Sculpt
PHED 1590/1591x,y
Combination class combining cardiovascular workouts with muscle-toning workouts. Step Sculpt requires some fitness experience.

Power Mix
PHED 2581x,y
Intermediate to advanced group fitness training level set to a variety of music. Choreographed combinations of low/high impact aerobics, step, strength training, and flexibility exercises are included.

Fitness Instructor
PHED 1103x,y
Learn all the basics of fitness training including how to teach group fitness activities (aerobics, step, sculpt) and one-on-one program design. Other topics include anatomy, nutrition, injury prevention and flexibility training. Students prepare for national certification. Course is part lecture and part activity; teaching presentations are built into the course.

MIND-BODY

Alexander Technique
PHED BC 1687x, y
Introduction to the principles and practice of the Alexander Technique, a process of self-observation, experimentation, and change. Guided by verbal and hands-on cues, students learn to prevent habits of tension that arise when they perform their everyday activities and thereby move with more lightness, ease, and freedom.
Click here for more information about the Alexander Technique.

Qigong
PHED BC 1692x, y
The expression ‘qigong’ is a general term which applies to a wide range of health-exercise practices derived from traditional Chinese culture. The word ‘qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’), was used by ancient philosophers to describe the formless material (energy) which pervades the whole universe, but also the breath and vitality essential to human life. The word ‘gong’ means “work” or “training”; the compound might be translated as “cultivation of life energy.”.

Self-Defense
PHED BC 1690x, y
Introduction to the essentials of street self-dense; physical activities and mental preparation.

T'ai Chi
PHED BC 1691x, y
An introduction to the movements and crucial elements of Tai Chi and the completion of a short Chen-style form.

Yoga
PHED BC 1693x, y
An introduction to Hatha yoga focusing on the development of the physical body to increase flexibility and strength. Breathing practices and meditation techniques that relax and revitalize the mind and body are included.

Adv. Beginning Yoga
PHED BC 1695x, y
A continuation of the intro level Yoga course with a focus on asana flow and an increased pace.

Yoga Sculpt
PHED BC 1694x, y
Basic Hatha yoga postures are combined with body strengthening, relaxation, and breathing techniques. Yoga philosophy, Sanskrit terms, chanting and meditation are not included.

Intermediate Yoga
PHED BC 2694x, y
Intermediate and advanced Hatha yoga, with emphasis on increasing muscular endurance and flexibility required to maintain the poses. Breathing practices and meditation techniques are included.

Wellness
PHED 1100x,y
An introduction and exploration of the dimensions of wellness necessary for optimal health and well-being. The class format will consist of discussion, group activities, and limited physical activity. Presentations by health and wellness specialists within the Barnard community will be an integral part of the class.

MUSCULAR STRENGTH/ENDURANCE

Body Sculpting
PHED BC 1581x, y
Muscle definition exercises using weights and bands for the whole body.

Core Strength
PHED BC 1532x, y
Pilates-based mat class to strengthen and lengthen the 'core' (abs, back, hips). Emphasis on proper breathing and alignment.

Intermediate Weight Training
PHED BC 1586x, y
Advanced instruction on the use of free weights, resistance machines and other strength training equipment for the development of muscular strength and endurance.

Personal Fitness
PHED BC 1102x, y
An introduction to fitness activities for improvement in muscular strength and endurance, cardio-respiratory fitness, flexibility, and body composition.

Weight Training
PHED BC 1585x, y
Introduction to principles of weight training; use of Cybex resistance machines and free weights. Programs tailored to individual needs.

SPORTS

Archery
PHED BC 1350x, y
Techniques of shooting target archery. Individualized instruction for all levels; selection and care of equipment; safety; intraclass tournaments and novelty shoots.

Badminton
PHED BC 1353x, y
An introduction to the basic strokes, rules, etiquette, and strategies of singles and doubles play. Advanced skills and strategies introduced as appropriate.

Basketball
PHED1455x, y
Emphasis on the development of fundamental skills and sport-specific conditioning, rules, team play and strategies.

Foil Fencing
PHED BC 1366x, y
Techniques of fencing with the foil. Basic offensive and defensive blade skills as well as fencing etiquette, equipment selection, safety, footwork, rules, officiating and bouting are included. Introduction to electrical apparatus as time permits.

Foil/Sabre Fencing
PHED BC 1367x, y
Techniques of fencing with the sabre. Basic offensive and defensive skills, etiquette, equipment selection, safety, footwork, rules, officiating, and bouting are included.

Fundamentals of Sports
PHED BC 1300x, y
This development of fundamental motor skills and movement patterns necessary to participate in a variety of sports and activities.

Golf
PHED BC 1362x, y
Introduction to the game of golf through a variety of indoor drills to develop all facets of the game. Includes building an effective swing, the "long and short" game, and rules of play. Field trip to Chelsea Piers Driving Range included.

Lacrosse
PHED BC 1465x, y
Development of the fundamental skills and strategies used in lacrosse; rules, team play, and sport-specific conditioning.

Tennis
PHED BC 1364x,y
Introduction to the basic ground strokes, serve, rules, scoring, strategy, and etiquette of singles and doubles play.

Intermediate Tennis
PHED BC 2366x,y
Intermediate and advanced tennis strokes and strategy for competitive and recreational play. Students will learn to critically evaluate their own play and learn self-correcting techniques.

Soccer
PHED BC 1363x,y
Introduction and development of the fundamental skills used in soccer, including ball control, passing and shooting. Introduction to the rules, terminology and etiquette of the game of soccer. Instruction on strategies to be applied within the game of soccer. Sport specific training for increased muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and cardiovascular conditioning.

Volleyball
PHED BC 1470x,y
Development of the fundamental skills and strategies of volleyball. Serving, passing, attacking, blocking, team offense, and defense.

SELF-PACED

Independent Study
PHED BC 2799x, y
Enrollment in a course of instruction not offered by the Barnard or Columbia Physical Education Departments. No first-year students are permitted. Department approval required.

Self-Paced Cardio
PHED BC 2514x, y
Cardiovascular workouts on Stairmaster, stationary bike, elliptical, or treadmill. Pretest: 4.0 miles on a stationary bike in 15 minutes.

Self-Paced Cycling
PHED BC 2516x, y
Aerobic workouts on stationary bike. Pretest: 2.5 miles on a stationary bike in 12 minutes.

Self-Paced Fitness
PHED BC 2518x, y
Individualized workouts that address the five components of physical fitness: muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, flexibiity, and body composition. Prerequisite: Weight Training. PHED 1585x,y, or PHED 1102 Personal Fitness course in a previous semester at Barnard. Pretest: 1 RM Bench Press and Leg Press.

Self-Paced Lap Swim
PHED BC 3125x, y
Students develop an individualized training program with an instructor. Stroke and turn clinics will be offered throughout the semester. Pretest: 500 yards (25 pool lengths) in 12 minutes.

Self-Paced Running
PHED BC 2512x, y
Indoor/outdoor running. No treadmill. Group runs throughout the semester. Pretest: 1.5 miles in 15 minutes.

Self-Paced Weight Training
PHED BC 2510x, y
Individualized weight room program. Pretest: 1 RM Bench Press and Leg Press. Prerequisite: PHED BC 1585x,y Weight Training, or PHED 1102x,y, Personal Fitness or permission of the instructor.