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Physical Education Minor

The Physical Education minor provides courses to meet the needs of students interested in coaching, or who are pursuing a middle school or secondary endorsement in physical education.

Students interested in exercise science and fitness related professions may also wish to pursue this program.

The Physical Education minor is designed:

  • To provide students with skills, attitudes, and knowledge concerning sports and human movement for enjoyment now and in later years.
  • To provide experiences and activities for fostering and appreciating good health and physical fitness.
  • To prepare effective coaches and to instill in them professional attitudes and to offer coursework towards a middle school or secondary endorsement.

Physical Education Minor Sequence

The following courses are recommended for the minor. Those marked with an asterisk meet minimum requirement.

  1. Theory and Practice of Physical Education 201*
  2. Theory and Practice of Physical Education 202*
  3. Administration of Athletic and Physical Education Programs 320*
  4. Kinesiology 325*
  5. Physiology of Physical Education 330*
  6. Choose one of these three*:
    • First Aid and Athletic Training 326
    • Achieving Wellness (See Health 300)
    • Essentials of Strength and Conditioning 327

Theory Courses

Theory courses offered by the department of physical education consist of a variety of studies relating to the acquisition and teaching of movement skills, to coaching techniques and theories, to first-aid and safety, and to basic principles of the mechanics and physiology involved in human movement.

The minor in physical education consists of course primarily designated for persons desiring to teach and coach the sports most commonly encountered in the public schools, or for students pursuing a middle school or secondary endorsement in physical education.

Note: Per ISBE requirements, students must first complete the requirements for a teaching certificate to be eligible to add an endorsement (see Educational Studies for programs and requirements). Students may qualify for the physical education endorsement by completing a series of at least six courses in physical education and receiving a passing score on the Illinois State Board physical education content exam (secondary only). Contact your physical education advisor for more information.

PETH 201 - Theory and Practice of Physical Education

Teaching methods and activities and practical class participation in learning various team sports at the secondary school level.

PETH 202  - Theory and Practice of Physical Education 

The development of physical education, its history, teaching methods and activities; practical class participation in learning various individual sport activities at the secondary school level. 

210 - Coaching Baseball and Football 

Fundamentals of coaching baseball and football including drills, strategies, rules, and conditioning. 

211 - Coaching Basketball and Track 

Fundamentals of coaching basketball including modern offenses and defenses, strategies, and drills. Coaching track and field events including modern methods in conditioning and training. 

216  - Coaching Volleyball and Softball 

Basic and advanced skills, techniques, tactics, and strategies of competitive softball and volleyball along with techniques of coaching individual and team play. 

290 - Introduction to Coaching 

The study of basic scientific principles of Biomechanics, Psychology, and Physiology as they relate to coaching sports skills. Basic discussions regarding scientific training methods and conditioning, motivational techniques, nutrition, environmental conditions, and handling the pressures of competition. 

297/397 - Internships 

Opportunity for field work at community non-profit agencies, alternative school settings, parks and recreation departments, and camping facilities.  Prerequisite: P. E. Theory 201, 290, 320 or consent of Department Chair. 

300 - (Health) Achieving Wellness: Issues and Choices 

An analysis of those factors affecting individual control of health. Students explore self-care health principles of detecting illness, major threats to health and alternatives to care. Emphasis is placed on the wide range of options available to each individual, within and outside the traditional health care system, when making informed decisions regarding personal health. 

320 - Organization and Administration of Athletic and Physical Education Programs 

The administrative problems involved in organization of the athletic, recreation, and physical education programs, will cover curriculum design. Practical applications in intramural sports and athletic organization and management.  Recommended: 201 and 202. 

PETH 325 - Kinesiology 

Use of mechanics and muscular action in balance and movement of the human body. 

326 - First Aid and Athletic Training 

Instruction in administering accepted first aid practices in emergencies and accepted methods for the prevention and corrective treatment of athletic injuries. 

327 - Essentials of Strength and Conditioning

An application oriented course that provides useful information for students with a background in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and other exercise sciences. Useful for those who intend to pursue professional work as a personal trainer or become involved with exercise prescription.  Prerequisite: PE Theory 325, 330, or consent of instructor. 

330 - Physiology of Physical Education and Athletics

Study of basic scientific principles concerning the physiology of exercise to provide the student with an understanding of the theories underlying particular training methods. 

400 - Independent Study 

Independent research and study beyond courses offered in any particular area of physical education.  Prerequisite: consent of department chairman. 

Norm Eash - Head Football Coach, Chair of Physical Education, Associate Athletic Director and Professor of Physical Education

Department - Physical Education