Physical Education
Linda Nigles, Chair
The Department of Physical Education offers a B.S. degree in physical education and a minor in school athletic coaching.
Admission to Professional Programs
Students must be formally admitted to the professional programs in teacher certification. Specific requirements are listed below.
Teacher Certification
The teacher certification program is an CAEP-approved program that prepares people to teach physical education and coach in public and private schools from grades K to 12. The requirements for acceptance into the professional program in teacher certification include a minimum 2.75 overall GPA, a passing score on the South Carolina required basic skills assessment, a passing score on the Educational and Economic Development Act (EEDA) assessment, a minimum of 60 credit hours, and a C or better in EDFI 300, EDPY 401, PEDU 570, ENGL 101, and ENGL 102. For a complete listing and description of all program requirements, please refer to the USC Department of Physical Education Student Handbook.
Transfer admission into degree programs in the Department of Physical Education
Physical Education Teacher Certification
- Students from regionally accredited colleges and universities must have a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.50 (on a 4.00 scale) to enter preprofessional programs in physical education. Note: To be eligible to take upper level Physical Education coursework and for progression into the Professional Program in Education, students must achieve a minimum 2.75 overall GPA.
- A grade of C or better must be earned on all courses listed for admission to the professional program in physical education.
- Students may not transfer credit for any course which carries a grade less than C.
Progression Requirements
A student in physical education must earn a C or better in all major course work, including major and minor emphases, education courses, required sciences, analytical reasoning option, and ENGL 101 and ENGL 102.
Students may attempt to earn a satisfactory grade in a major course no more than two times. Only if a valid case for taking the course a third time is established will such be allowed. Validity of a case will be determined by departmental review of a formal petition. Completion of remedial course work may be required.
Standards for general eligibility to continue in the University are described in the bulletin. The Department of Physical Education has additional standards.
Teacher Certification in Physical Education
- If the semester, yearly, or cumulative grade point average of a student is below 2.75, the student will receive notification in writing from the department of the GPA jeopardy.
- If a student has two consecutive semesters of grade point averages below 2.75 and a cumulative grade point average below 2.75, the student will be suspended from academic programs in the Department of Physical Education.
- To be reinstated the student must achieve an overall grade point average of 2.75 and have the endorsement of the Department of Physical Education.
Courses
Development of skills in an identified area. Course content will vary and be announced by title. May be repeated as topics vary.
Basic knowledge and understanding of the culture and context in which interpersonal violence occurs, the root causes and patterns of behavior within violent relationships, self defense against forcible attacks, making immediate decisions when confronted with an assault, and the procedures necessary after an assault has occurred.
Course contact will vary and be announced by title. May be repeated as topics vary.
Exercise, lectures, and self-evaluation for weight control and fitness improvement.
Advanced techniques for controlling weight and improving fitness through exercise, lectures, and self-evaluation.
Fundamentals of progressive resistance exercise training.
Advanced techniques.
Cardio-respiratory fitness, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, and agility through various group exercise formats while utilizing a variety of equipment.
Individualized physical conditioning through lap swimming and aquatic calisthenics, games, and activities.
Exercise testing, technique, and leadership, program design and implementation, nutrition, individual and team competitions, and other forms of training.
Experiences in a variety of physical-activity areas.
Basic strokes and introduction to the history, rules, and strategy of the game.
Fundamental skills of game performance. Strategy, rules, and basic offenses and defenses.
Fundamental skills and techniques of bowling.
Basic strokes, rules, and strategy of golf.
Fundamentals of gymnastics on the trampoline and balance beam; tumbling, parallel bars, rings, and the horse.
Fundamentals, strategy, and rules of handball.
Fundamentals.
Fundamental skills for game performance.
Fundamental skills for game performance; history, rules, and game strategy.
Fundamental skills for game performance; history, rules, and game strategy.
Basic strokes, history, rules, and strategy of the game.
Recreational and competitive volleyball skills.
Focus is placed on mind-body exercises which help strengthen and condition the muscles. Each exercise will focus on building core strength, lengthening muscles, and improving flexibility. Proper breathing will also be demonstrated for each exercise in order to achieve the maximum benefits.
Basic foil-fencing techniques, rules, terminology, history, and etiquette.
Students will learn to perform basic skills as well as to implement game strategies. Major consideration will be given on how to teach each sport.
Fundamental skills, rules, and terminology of field hockey.
Fundamental skills, rules, and terminology.
Fundamental skills, rules, and terminology.
Intermediate strokes and strategies; heavier emphasis on the total golf swing.
Students will learn to perform basic skills as well as to implement game strategies. Major consideration will be given on how to teach each sport.
Intermediate skills and strategies.
Fundamental skills, rules, and terminology.
Fundamentals and strategies of disc golf, ultimate and various physical activities using flying discs in recreational and competitive situations.
Students will learn to perform basic Tai-Chi-Chuan skills. Major consideration will be given to breathing skills and meditation to relieve stress.
Fundamental skills and terminology.
Fundamental skills of Tae Kwon Do.
Students will learn to perform basic skills as well as to implement game strategies. Major consideration will be given on how to teach each sport.
Students will learn to perform basic skills as well as to implement game strategies. Major consideration will be given on how to teach each sport.
Skills for safety and recreation.
Skills of lifesaving.
Skills, methods, and techniques to teach Red Cross Swimming and Life Saving.
Basic dives and aesthetics of springboard diving.
Safe and effective use of equipment with emphasis on principles and physical laws of diving.
Certification program in open water scuba instruction: safety, emergency procedures, equipment handling, navigation, and air consumption. Includes five open water dives.
History and development of stand-up paddleboarding as a sport, safety protocol, paddleboard construction and design, terminology, fitness attributes and paddling techniques.
Fundamental skills, rules, and strategies for participation in team water sports.
Skills and techniques for survival under adverse conditions.
The course is designed to teach students to safely skipper and crew on a 20 to 27 foot sailboat with a tiller and outboard engine on lakes, bays, and sheltered waters in moderate weather conditions. Theory, history, safety, and teamwork will be emphasized.
History, rules, etiquette and techniques of skateboarding.
Vigorous yoga utilizing breath and movement to improve strength and flexibility.
Knowledge and skills in providing artificial respiration, first aid for foreign body obstruction, one and two rescuer CPR for adults, infants, and children.
Development skills beyond open water diving: underwater navigation, night diving, and deep diving.
Safe and effective methods of exercise by the application of theories and principles of exercise science. Discussion of facility organization, legal liability, and injury prevention and treatment within the score of becoming a fitness professional.
This course is designed to provide the historical and philosophical context of Mindfulness and how it relates to classical yoga of Pantanjali. Students will be guided in deepening their mindfulness meditation practice that includes analysis of the Four Establishments of Mindfulness and will develop an advanced asana sequence as part of their practice.
Basic footwork and bladework for foil and épée along with more complex skills, concepts, terminology, strategy, and understanding of the rules.
Principles of fitness interval training and resistance training applied to maximize caloric output, fat burning and total body toning with a fusion of Latin and International music-dance themes.
History, rules, terminology, and strategy of geocaching. Strategies for seeking as well as creating geocaches.
Introductory course to multiple styles of social Latin dancing including Salsa, Merengue and Bachatta. Designed to develop the skills and techniques necessary for social level Latin dancing. Emphasis will be placed on basic social elements of dance, patterns, music, and leading and following.
Introduction to swing dances originating from the first half of the 20th century such as the Charleston, East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Jive, and The Big Apple.
Safe climbing and bouldering techniques. Movement on rock, rope systems, anchors, rappelling, belaying, risk management, spotting and lead climbing philosophy. Save use of equipment required for sport climbing and bouldering.
Fundamental skills and terminology.
Fundamental skills and terminology.
Development of skills to an intermediate level in six dances: fox trot, waltz, tango, swing, cha cha, rumba.
History, folklore, and skills; individual steps and team routines.
Techniques and history of the Shag, South Carolina's state dance. Chronicled development, style variations, and cultural contributions are emphasized.
Introduction to more challenging shag moves for couples, based on steps, turns, spins, and passes. Emphasis on good shag form and rhythm, male lead, female follow, and tight couple positions going through step variations. Steps include Sugarfoot, Boogie Walk, Stagger, Walkup and others.
Techniques, history, terminology, and dance combinations/choreography associated with Belly Dance at the fundamental level.
Fundamentals of target and field archery shooting, history, scoring, and rules.
English hunter-style riding for intermediate students.
Living in the out-of-doors; gear selection, map and compass reading, backpacking, hiking, and camping.
Fundamentals of lake, river, and whitewater canoeing.
Fundamental skills and techniques.
Fundamentals of whitewater kayaking including equipment selection and use, safety techniques, strokes, Eskimo roll, river strategies, rescue procedures, and trip planning.
Fundamental skills and techniques.
Fundamentals of rock and mountain climbing including gear selection and use, knots and rope management, anchoring systems, belaying, rappelling, climbing techniques, and safety considerations.
Intensive conditioning and cross training to achieve a high level cardiovascular fitness. Biking, running, and swimming in preparation for triathlon event.
Spinning to obtain physiological and psychological benefits.
Analysis and performance of fundamental motor skills.
Development of knowledge and skill in educational gymnastics. Designed to establish a content base for elementary and middle school physical education programs.
Development of knowledge and skill in game activities appropriate for the elementary and middle school physical education game setting.
Development of personal skills in the use of movement for expressive purposes. Designed to establish a content base for elementary school physical education programs.
Basic concepts associated with physical activity and the opportunities in community environments to engage in health-promoting and wellness activities.
Selection and development of appropriate content for elementary school physical education experiences.
Historical background, current problems, and publications.
Techniques and skills used in the prevention or protection of injury.
Knowledge and skill of orthopedic anatomy relative to muscle, ligament, and tendon origin, insertion, innervation, and action.
Knowledge and skills necessary to meet the guidelines for professional certification. Skills include AED, adult, child, and infant CPR, breathing emergencies, and first aid.
Supervised field experiences for physical educators. Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department head is required for undergraduate students.
The philosophical bases, leadership theory, administrative practice, and organizational problems of competitive athletics.
Anatomical, kinesiological, and biomechanical principles affecting performance in competitive athletics; use of biomechanical analysis techniques. Primarily for non-physical education majors who wish to coach.
Physiological, psychological, ethical, and sport medicine principles affecting performance in competitive athletics; application of scientific principles. Primarily for non-physical education majors who desire to coach.
Knowledge and skills necessary to work as an emergency medical responder (EMR) to help sustain life, reduce pain and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness until more advanced medical help takes over. Appropriate decision making about the care to provide in a medical emergency; skills an EMR needs to act as a crucial link in the emergency medical services (EMS) system.
Supervised practical experience in interscholastic coaching settings; concurrent seminar.
Application of instructional principles to small peer group settings using open and closed gross motor skills.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Internships
Current program elements and techniques in recreational sports.
Various topics related to current events in physical education.
Open to sophomores and above. Enrollment and topic to be approved in advance by advisor and instructor. Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department head is required.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
Application of cognitive, sensory, and motor processes related to learning motor skills in physical education and sport settings.
The historic background of measurement in physical education; statistical techniques to be used in scoring and interpreting tests; evaluation of measures now available in the field; and the administration of a testing program. Available for undergraduate credit only.
The study of K-12 physical education school curriculum theory, issues, and design.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Internships
Experiential Learning: Experiential Learning Opportunity
Advanced learning opportunities in professional physical education. and permission of instructor.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
Organization of instructional, intramural, interscholastic, and recreational programs, with emphasis on criteria for the evaluation and selection of activities.
Appropriate movement experiences for children. Not available for physical education majors.
Rehearsal, choreographic analysis, and dance performance. All components of dance production--including music, costume, lighting, and scenery--will be considered.
Cross-listed course: DANC 577
Development of physical education programs using the South Carolina Physical Education Curriculum Materials.
An intensive investigation of current theories of offensive and defensive football. Generalship, strategy, conditioning, staff utilization, film analysis, and practice organization are covered in depth.
An intensive investigation of the latest techniques and theories of coaching basketball. Systems of offense and defense, generalship, conditioning, staff utilization, film analysis, and practice organization are covered in depth.
A thorough study of the latest techniques of coaching track and field events. Isometric, isotonic, and interval conditioning theories involving the cardiovascular and muscular systems are examined to acquaint the student with varying physiological approaches to conditioning.
A thorough study of the latest techniques of teaching and officiating girls' gymnastics. Balance beam, vaulting, uneven bars, tumbling, dance skills and routines, and officiating methods.
Coaching principles and application to sport programs across a variety of developmental levels.
Issues facing student athletes regarding their personal and career development beyond athletics.
Cross-listed course: EDCE 650