USC
University of Southern California
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Physical Education

Physical Education Building 108
(213) 740-2488
Fax: (213) 821-1058
Email: phed@usc.edu
www.usc.edu/dept/LAS/phed

Director: Steve VanKanegan, M.S.

Administrative Coordinator: Amber Harris

Faculty

Lecturers: John Jessee, M.S.; Julie Sprague, M.S.; Steve VanKanegan, M.S.; Michael Voight, Ph.D.

The physical education program provides a variety of offerings in fitness and activities classes designed to promote health and general fitness based upon individual goals and needs. Fitness classes focus primarily on development of muscle strength, muscle endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, general wellness principles and nutritional guidelines. Activities classes stress fundamental techniques, tactics, rules, etiquette and the importance of leisure time activities to physical, mental and social well-being.

General Requirements

No more than four units of physical education activity courses may be applied to a student’s overall unit requirement, toward his or her USC degree.

Registration in courses PHED 102ab-156 is contingent upon assessment of students’ knowledge and competence in performance during the first two class meetings. Students who wear glasses while participating in vigorous activities must secure departmental approval of provisions made for eye protection in courses PHED 140-143. Course PHED 165 is reserved for students who are reporting for regular freshman or varsity athletic squads.

To obtain a prerequisite waiver to take a b class before having taken the a section, the instructor’s approval and signature are needed. Students should be aware that in the future they cannot take the prerequisite course in the activity for credit after having it waived.

Courses of Instruction

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (PHED)

The terms indicated are expected but are not guaranteed. For the courses offered during any given term, consult the Schedule of Classes.

102ab Weight Training (1-1, FaSp) a: Improvement of body shape, muscle endurance, and muscle strength; understanding of weight training and nutrition principles that can be utilized for future weight training development. b: Advanced weight training principles emphasizing continuing development of muscle endurance, muscle size, and muscle strength.

104ab Self-Defense (1-1, FaSp) a: Basic instruction of self-defense for beginners; strategies for standing and ground fighting situations with and without weapons. b: Intermediate instruction involving more advanced fighting strategies and techniques.

106ab Physical Conditioning (1-1, FaSp) a: Improvement in cardiorespiratory endurance, body composition, muscle endurance and flexibility; running, circuit training, resistance exercises; fitness principles and nutrition to develop individualized program. b: Advanced training methods focusing on continuing gains in fitness level.

108 High Stress Physical Conditioning (1) Rigorous physical conditioning with emphasis on distance running and development of cardiovascular and upper body strength. A challenging regimen to enhance stamina and endurance. Prerequisite: PHED 106b or permission of instructor.

110ab Swimming (1-1, FaSp) a: Instruction and practice in basic strokes for beginners and intermediate swimmers; elementary springboard diving; water safety techniques; endurance training as a fitness program. b: Advanced instruction and practice of strokes; advanced endurance training.

114 Lifesaving (1) American Red Cross Senior Lifesaving. Prerequisite: PHED 110ab or ability to pass Skills Test II.

120 Yoga (1, FaSp) Introduction to meditation, breathing techniques and postures as a means towards relaxation; increase muscle strength and flexibility; understanding of basic anatomy and nutritional guidelines.

129ab Aerobics (1-1, FaSp) a: Aerobic exercise designed to improve cardiorespiratory endurance; high/low impact aerobics; body sculpting; circuit training; nutritional guidelines. b: Aerobic exercise emphasizing increased fitness levels; learn group exercise teaching techniques; counting, cueing, and choreography.

131 Step Aerobics (1, FaSp) Development of physical fitness components through step aerobics; total body workout utilizing step movements and body sculpting exercises.

137 Gymnastics (1, FaSp) Basic techniques of tumbling and apparatus work; rope climbing, stunts, pyramids; history, rules, scoring, and etiquette of gymnastic competition.

139ab Volleyball (1-1, FaSp) a: Introduction to beginning and intermediate volleyball skills, rules, game tactics, and strategies. Emphasis on the development of: passing, setting, hitting, serving, blocking, and digging. b: Advanced techniques; focus on offenses and defenses used in game situations.

140abc Tennis (1-1-1, FaSp) a: Fundamental instruction of basic strokes for beginners and intermediate players; rules, scoring, court etiquette, strategies; singles and doubles; practice and match play. b: Reinforcement of basic strokes and instruction of advanced strokes; advanced strategies; singles and doubles; practice and match play. c: Development of strokes and strategies for advanced tournament players; drills and matches.

143ab Racquetball (1-1, FaSp) a: Instruction of basic stroke technique for beginners and intermediate players; rules, scoring, game tactics; practice of strokes and competition. b: Development of advanced skills and strategies; singles and doubles practice and competition.

154ab Soccer (1-1, FaSp) a: Development of basic skills for beginners, intermediate and advanced players; rules, positioning elements of play, small group and team tactics; full field scrimmages. b: Advanced development of skills, positioning, tactics and conditioning.

156ab Basketball (1-1, FaSp) a: Basic skill development in dribbling, passing, shooting, rebounding and defense; rules, history, and etiquette; drills and full court games. b: Development of advanced skills; team strategy; offenses and zone defenses; drills and full court games.

160 Stress Management for Healthy Living (2, FaSp) Instruction on the effects of stress as it relates to work, sport and academics; coping strategies are discussed and applied through physical conditioning interventions.

165 Varsity Athletics (1, max 4) Participation in the university’s inter-collegiate programs as sanctioned and governed by the PAC-10 Conference and/or the NCAA. Graded CR/NC. Prerequisite: departmental approval.

171 First Aid (1, Fa) American Red Cross Standard and Advanced First Aid.