From left, mechanical engineering freshman Brett Vitous and marketing senior Brandon Nalezyty practice martial arts moves before taking a test in their Judo I class Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at IM Sports-West. Many students go into the class knowing it can be challenging at times.
While working to make class schedules, some students might be looking to kinesiology, or KIN, classes as an easy credit to fit their schedules. But sometimes there is more to the KIN classes than the name might convey.
MSU’s Schedule Builder website lists about 50 one-credit KIN classes for fall 2013.
Some popular classes include yoga, self defense, aerobics and bowling, said Sue Halsey, basic instruction program coordinator for the Department of Kinesiology.
Challenging factors in KIN courses might include a strict attendance policy, the time of day and weather conditions. Aerobics and general conditioning usually are physically challenging for many students, Halsey said.
“These two classes are working their cardiovascular development,” Halsey said, adding some less demanding KIN classes might include volleyball, softball and bowling.
Here are a few KIN classes for students to consider for their schedules.
Weight Training I
KIN 103R
Larissa True, a graduate teaching assistant and doctoral student, teaches the weight training course, and said there are students enrolled with and without any weight training experience.
She works with all the students by giving instruction to each skill level.
True said she tries to keep the class laid back. After mastering the skills, the students are free to work on their own at whatever level they are comfortable with.
“Some people who go into weight training and are already experienced, it’s good for them to get stronger and learn,” True said. “For someone who has never lifted before, they get a lot (out of the class).”
The pass-no grade, one credit course is offered this summer, fall and spring.
SCUBA Diving I
KIN 101T
Human biology sophomore Cassie Brignole took the class last year because thinking it would be a fun and easy to take with a friend. But she quickly realized the class was not easy.
“There were a lot of breathing exercises (and) it felt (like) you wouldn’t be able to breathe at some times,” Brignole said.
Michael Nichols, adjunct faculty member, said many students take the course to fulfill a major requirement. The class has in-class training, including learning scuba terms, and training in the pool.
“You do get a lifetime skill, (and) you are capable of diving anywhere in the world,” Nichols said.
Students can receive a diving certification in SCUBA Diving II.
SCUBA Diving I is available this summer, fall and spring as a pass-no grade, one credit course.
Power Walking
KIN 103G
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The students who sign up for power walking are all years and majors, but most take the class looking for an easy credit to fit in their schedule, said Larissa True, a graduate teaching assistant and doctoral student who teaches the course.
Students spend class time walking in an indoor track or outside with weather permitting, have a time trial every few weeks and a quiz at least once each semester, True said.
A 155-lb. person will burn 267 calories during a 3.5 mile per hour walk, according to livestrong.com.
Power Walking is a pass-no grade, one credit course offered this fall
and spring.
