INTRODUCTION

This web site contains the general instructions and lessons for PESS 204--History & Principles of Physical Education.

This course deals with the essential concepts and principles that underlie modern practices in physical education, sport, fitness, intramurals, and athletics. In an effort to promote a better understanding of our modern programs, we will consider the origin and development of various physical and sport activities of selected peoples and cultures. Emphasis is given to the growth and development of physical education and sport in America from the colonial period to the modern era.

Prerequisite: Professional standing in Sport Sciences.

Structure of this Course

There are thirteen lessons in the course which include eleven assignments, a midcourse examination, and a final examination. In several of the lessons you are given the opportunity to use a variety of materials and resources in order to fulfill the stated objectives. The text readings, discussion notes, graphics and color prints in the various lessons are correlated to the objectives at the beginning of each lesson.

Learning resources, materials, and/or activities used in the course include the following:

Study questions Graphics Color prints

Textbook readings Discussion and supplemental readings

  REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

Mechikoff, R. and Estes, S., A History and Philosophy of Sport and Physical Education, 4th ed., McGraw-Hill, 2006.

  LESSON ASSIGNMENTS

Before you answer the questions in the writing assignments, read the lesson objectives first! You should be aware of the expected outcomes at the very beginning of the lesson. In many of the lessons, supplementary notes have been provided to improve your understanding of the concepts. Lessons 2 and 6 use color prints. These prints are intended to support the discussion notes, glossaries and textbook chapters by providing a visual image of the concepts pertaining to the Greeks, the Olympic Games, and the Romans. In addition several lessons include graphics, figures, and appendices to assist you in understanding the ideas presented in the textbook and course guide. As you read the text and discussion notes, write concise but complete answers to the writing assignments. The answers you write are your “class notes” and should be valuable to you in studying for the midcourse and final examinations. Write answers in your own words–avoid writing long direct quota­tions and passages from the text. In some instances it is not necessary to send all questions for the writing assignments. Be sure to check the instructions in each of the lessons for further information on what items must be submitted for grading.