The primary mission of the Department of Health and Human Performance at the College of Charleston is the academic preparation of students interested in exercise studies and health promotion. Additionally, we provide opportunities for participation in activity courses for majors and the general student body. The physical education and athletic training major programs are based upon kinesiological concepts in the core curriculum and specialized professional concepts in the concentrations for physical education (exercise science, health promotion, and teacher education) and in athletic training. Educational and research experiences in the classroom and laboratory may be combined with clinical experiences, internships, and practica. The department strongly supports the liberal arts and sciences education of its majors through the College’s general education requirements as well as through a cognate area of study.
The department makes a unique contribution to the College, as it is the only area devoted specifically to the study of human movement, development of motor/sport skills, and promotion of health and fitness. The contribution of physical education and health to students’ development in the cognitive, affective, psychomotor, and health and fitness domains not only support the mission statement of the College of Charleston, but also reflects sound educational theory and practice.
Philosophy:
Faculty members in the Department of Health and Human Performance subscribe to the Greek ideal of a sound mind in a sound body. Accordingly, we have designed a curriculum which attends to the whole person.
We believe that our activity courses, which provide skill instruction, strategic thinking, and game opportunities to the typical student, prepare participants for a lifetime of enjoyable recreational activities. We do not see health as coming out of a bottle, but as an outcome of behaviors which are known to be associated with healthy living. Our health curriculum, therefore, focuses on developing those knowledges and behaviors which are acknowledged as being requisite to good health.
Finally, we have seen physical education and health change tremendously as a profession over the past twenty-five years. We believe, therefore, above all else, that our majors must be adaptable. We have designed, and continue to design, a curriculum which is varied, balanced, and futuristic.
What should you expect? Expect to be challenged in the sciences. Expect to be required to learn complex knowledges and skills. Expect to be prepared for a profession which has yet to emerge. Expect to be challenged to define the physical education major of the 21st century.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A PHYSICALLY EDUCATED PERSON: A physically educated person can be a guiding force in contemporary society. This person can help to improve the quality of life of others by promoting and organizing activities that are enjoyable and healthful to them as they participate. Not only will their enthusiasm for an activity keep them physically active, but it will also improve their quality of life.
THE BENEFITS OF BEING A PHYSICALLY EDUCATED PERSON
- Reduced risk of depression
- Improved physical fitness levels
- Stronger, healthier bones
- Weight regulation
- Health promotion
- Improved judgment
- Self discipline
- Enhanced skill development
- Experience setting goals
- Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
- Stress reduction
- Strengthened peer relationships
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
- More active, healthier lifestyle
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