Kinesiology as a Liberal Art
Immersed in Science, but based in Liberal Arts.
At first glance, Kinesiology and the Liberal Arts may seem far apart, but you turn to the Great Books - the heart of a Saint Mary's Liberal Arts education — in many of your Kinesiology classes. In a course on the history of sport, you draw on the writings of Homer as you analyze the commitment of the ancient Greeks to athletic achievement. In a class examining social conflict in sport, you relate your knowledge of Karl Marx (you read his work in a Collegiate Seminar class) to gender equity in college athletics.
With these kinds of connections, it's only natural that the study of Kinesiology appeals to students with eclectic interests. Three emphases within the Kinesiology major let you tailor a direction that suits you best. One gives you the intellectual foundation to become an industry leader in sport and recreation management. Another provides a broad focus on exercise science and human performance through a lens of physical training and nutrition. And the third gives you impactful tools to promote health and wellness from a social and cultural approach. Should you need assistance, faculty advisors are readily available to assist you in selecting the emphasis and focused coursework that is right for you based on your interests and career goals.
Regardless of the focus you choose, your academic program will be challenging and offer opportunities to be creative. Classes go beyond lectures, incorporating a wide range of readings and lively discussion. Your study of Kinesiology also includes courses in the sciences, such as Anatomy and Physiology, which provide you with hands-on as well as academic knowledge of human movement. If a certain topic particularly interests you, explore it in depth through a personally tailored independent study. Or discover new meaning in a basic physical activity through dynamic, required coursework. For example, to understand how children acquire motor skills, students in the human motor performance class are assigned the surprisingly challenging task of learning to juggle.
Your classes also tackle today's major issues. For instance, how can society ensure that children who play sports have experiences that are positive for both their physical and emotional health? How can physical education teachers help children make choices about nutrition and exercise that provide lifelong benefits? These are only some of the important questions you become prepared to answer.
When you study Kinesiology at Saint Mary's, one thing is certain: your education will offer far more than you expect.
Videos
Image Galleries
Jan Term Adventures: Robin Dunn, Assistant Professor, Kinesiology
In this course, students explored the intersections between culturally significant Maōri traditional physical activities and storytelling, historical trauma, as well as enculturation and emotional and physical well-being among indigenous Maōri and New Zealanders (Kiwi) in Aotearoa (New Zealand).
click image to enlarge
Kines-110 Sp '21 Exercise Physiology
Exercise Physiology students and Professor Chi-An Emhoff in the Human Performance Lab.
Jan Term Adventures: Craig Riordan, Adjunct Faculty
During the Jan Term class, Parks and Rack, students read about, discussed and experienced public parks in Northern California including Yosemite National Park, John Muir NHS, Rosie the Riveter NHP, The Marin Headlands, Ardenwood Regional Park, Mount Tamalpais State Park, the Historic West Point Inn and the California Wine Country. The class learned about the history and philosophy of parks and the history and significance of The California Wine Country. Students experienced how parks and the wine country affect the sustainability of natural and cultural resources, the economy, and quality of life. Students also learned about professional opportunities in the field of park management and in the wine industry.
click image to enlarge
Jan Term Adventures: Robin Dunn, Assistant Professor, Kinesiology
In this course, students explored the intersections between culturally significant Maōri traditional physical activities and storytelling, historical trauma, as well as enculturation and emotional and physical well-being among indigenous Maōri and New Zealanders (Kiwi) in Aotearoa (New Zealand).
click image to enlarge
Kines-110 Sp '21 Exercise Physiology
Exercise Physiology students and Professor Chi-An Emhoff in the Human Performance Lab.
Jan Term Adventures: Craig Riordan, Adjunct Faculty
During the Jan Term class, Parks and Rack, students read about, discussed and experienced public parks in Northern California including Yosemite National Park, John Muir NHS, Rosie the Riveter NHP, The Marin Headlands, Ardenwood Regional Park, Mount Tamalpais State Park, the Historic West Point Inn and the California Wine Country. The class learned about the history and philosophy of parks and the history and significance of The California Wine Country. Students experienced how parks and the wine country affect the sustainability of natural and cultural resources, the economy, and quality of life. Students also learned about professional opportunities in the field of park management and in the wine industry.
click image to enlarge
Jan Term Adventures: Robin Dunn, Assistant Professor, Kinesiology
In this course, students explored the intersections between culturally significant Maōri traditional physical activities and storytelling, historical trauma, as well as enculturation and emotional and physical well-being among indigenous Maōri and New Zealanders (Kiwi) in Aotearoa (New Zealand).
click image to enlarge
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