Kinesiology

Overview

Kinesiology encompasses the study of human development, anatomy, physiology, mechanics, and motor learning. Within each sub discipline students study positive and negative stressors that govern human performance. In addition, discussions focus on numerous clinical conditions, and the exercise, nutritional, and medical techniques used to prevent and control these problems. The purpose of this major is to develop and integrate the concepts and principles from each sub-discipline to understand the complexity of the human mind and body. This major prepares students for advanced studies in medicine, physical therapy, dentistry, kinesiology, and other related life science programs.

Departmental Mission Statement: Our mission is to foster in a diverse group of students an understanding and appreciation of human functions and to encourage and develop learning skills that enhance their personal and professional growth.

Goals:

• Critical Thinking. Students should learn how to engage in critical, evidence-based thinking.
• Integration across Levels of Analysis. Students should understand and integrate different levels of analysis in their working model of human form and function.
• Mastery of Core Knowledge. Students are expected to master a significant proportion of the vocabulary and core body of knowledge in Kinesiology.
• Mastery of Discipline-Specific Conventions. Majors should be able to read and understand the primary source literature in Kinesiology (journals and books) and to integrate and present that information in prescribed, discipline-specific ways, including oral and written exposition.

Major Requirements

COURSEWORK

In addition to the 37 units of Kinesiology coursework (33 units of required coursework and one Kinesiology elective), the major requires additional course work in Psychology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Biology.

Fundamental coursework:

Additional Elective:

Choose one additional Kinesiology course:

Psychology Component

Psychology 101 is a prerequisite for KINE 309, KINE 310, and KINE 311.

Chemistry Component:

Choose one option:

Option 1

Option 2

Mathematics Component:

Physics Component:

Choose one course:

Biology Component:

Choose one option:

Option 1

Option 2

Pre-professional students are strongly encouraged to consult with the Health Professions Office and with their academic advisor early in their career. Students planning to apply to medical schools should take two semesters of Physics and four semesters of Chemistry. Students planning to apply to physical therapy schools should take two semesters of Physics and at least two upper-division Psychology courses.

SECOND-STAGE WRITING REQUIREMENT

Students majoring in Kinesiology will satisfy the second-stage writing requirement by successfully completing the written research paper requirements with a letter grade of "B" or better for two of the following 300-level courses: KINE 302, KINE 305, KINE 306, KINE 309, KINE 311 and KINE 395. A student who does not successfully received a letter grade of B or better will be allowed to revise the paper to satisfy the requirement. Students should familiarize themselves with the writing requirement at the time of declaring the major. See the department chair for additional information regarding writing standards for the department. 

COMPREHENSIVE REQUIREMENT

The comprehensive experience is fulfilled by the successful completion of the requirements in KINE 490.

HONORS

Honors in Kinesiology may be awarded at graduation to qualified students. Students eligible for College honors are those who have: 1) earned an overall College grade point average of 3.25 or better, 2) earned a grade point average in departmental courses of 3.5 or better, and have 3) performed independent research and presented their findings at an undergraduate conference (e.g., Occidental’s summer research program or the Southwest Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine Conference).

Minor Requirements

COURSEWORK

Five courses (22-24 units) are required for the Kinesiology minor.

Fundamental Coursework:

Additional Electives:

Choose two courses (and co-curricular lab where relevant.)

Courses

Kinesiology Courses

Faculty

Regular Faculty

Stuart Rugg, chair

Professor, Kinesiology

B.S., University of California, Davis; Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles

Lynn Mehl

Professor, Kinesiology and Psychology

B.S., M.S., Ph.D., University of Southern California

Marcella Raney

Associate Professor, Kinesiology; Advisory Committee, Biochemistry

A.B., Occidental College; Ph.D., University of Southern California

On Special Appointment

Kirk Bentzen

Non-Tenure Track Assistant Professor, Kinesiology

A.B., Occidental College; M.P.T., University of Southern California; M.B.A., La Sierra University; D.P.T., University of Southern California

Melinda Houston

Non-Tenure Track Assistant Professor, Kinesiology

B.A., University of California, Los Angeles; M.S., California State University, Fullerton; Ph.D., University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Advisory Committee

Elizabeth Braker

Professor, Biology; Advisory Committee, Urban and Environmental Policy; Affiliated Faculty, Latino/a and Latin American Studies

B.A., Colorado College; Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley

Nancy Dess

Professor, Psychology

B.A., University of California, Los Angeles; Ph.D., University of Minnesota