General Course Information

Course Description

Introduction to the concepts and principles of the coordination and control of movement and the development of skilled action. The course will focuson such topics as fundamental movement activities; movement control processes; acquisition, retention and transfer of skill; and the role of constraints to action. These topics have implications for understanding skilled performance, motor development and human performance in general. Prerequisite: Kinesiology 140 and 150, or consent of instructor. 3 hours.

Course Objectives

• To provide students with basic knowledge concerning coordination, control and skill.
• To gain an understanding of the variables and mechanisms governing the learning and performance of motor skills.
• To expose students to the interdisciplinary nature of the study of physical activity.
• To develop an awareness of recent issues in the study of skill acquisition.
• To encourage students to become familiar with relevant periodicals and texts.

Course Structure

The course is composed of two elements: a lecture/discussion section which meets on Monday and Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. and a laboratory section. The lecture will meet in 2 Education Building. The lecture will focus on concepts and principles related to skill acquisition and the coordination and control of movement. The laboratory section will focus on extending these concepts and principles in human movement settings. This will involve a number of activities and experiences including, exp erimental demonstrations of human movement principles, and movement experiences designed to give the student a fuller understanding of the course material.