Course Descriptions

PE1000: Bike Exploration
Credits: 1.000 - This one credit summer course introduces students to the fundamentals of various bike riding techniques while emphasizing safe group riding and emergency bicycle repair. The course relies on twice weekly mountain bike rides when weather permits. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1010: Yoga
Credits: 1.000 - This course supports students interested in exploring mind/body integration and offers an appealing option for balancing academic work with a healthy lifestyle. Conditioning, breathing techniques and self-awareness are covered. Assessment is based on a willingness to explore yoga practice through regular attendance and participation. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1020: Stress Reduction and Relaxation
Credits: 1.000 - This course will introduce students to techniques for relaxing physical and mental tension through aerobic exercise, breathing, guided relaxation and visualization, movement, sound and learning to listen and respond to their body/mind messages. Students will also learn ways to calm the mind and focus concentration to enhance learning potential. There will be an emphasis on developing a personal system of tension release based on self-assessment. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1030: Kickboxing/Self Defense
Credits: 1.000 - Students will learn the basic skills, rules, and physical conditioning necessary to participate in kickboxing. The physical conditioning will consist of development of the student's cardiovascular fitness, strength and flexibility, as well as their agility, coordination, and self-confidence. Additionally, the student will learn basic self-defense techniques, strategies, and principles that could be utilized, if necessary, outside the classroom. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1040: Karate/Self Defense
Credits: 1.000 - Students will learn the basic skills, principles, and values associated with this ancient Okinawan martial art. The word "Karate" can be translated as "empty hand technique." Through physical training the student strives for balance of the mind, body, and spirit. Additionally, the student will learn basic self-defense techniques, strategies, and principles that could be utilized, if necessary, outside the classroom. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1050: Sitting and Moving Meditation
Credits: 1.000 - Students will learn the fundamentals of two styles of meditation, both sitting and moving, in three short sessions every week. This course is designed to be especially beneficial for those students working with attention issues. Sitting meditation will include meditation posture, breath awareness, and opening to awareness of all the senses in the present moment. Moving meditation will include gestures of awareness and classic walking meditation. Class participation is essential; not only to learn techniques, but to ensure that there is enough practice experience to actually receive the benefits of training. Brief self reflections in class are the other elements of evaluation. This course is offered on a pass/fail basis, based on attendance. Pre-Requisites: None

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PE1060: T'ai Chi Chuan
Credits: 1.000 - In this one credit course, students will learn the Yang Style Short Form. The entire form consists of 37 sequential postures. The class will focus on the first third of the form while exploring the basic principles that underlie this meditative practice. The goal of the class is to help students focus on their own inner activity, develop a greater sense of being centered in the world, and to discover a system that promotes overall health. Students must be willing to participate in a slow moving, silent, meditative practice. The course will not include any required reading, but references to Taoist philosophy (Lao-Tzu) and commentaries by T'ai Chi masters will be an integral part of the class. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1070: Coaching Skills
Credits: 1.000 - This course will address the philosophy, strategies, and approaches used in the field of coaching athletics. Through a variety of modalities, students will explore the field of coaching, and develop a better understanding of the role of coaches in a variety of sports. The course will use a text written by Les Leggett. There will be written assignments, and game reviews based on attending a variety of events for different age levels. The students will evaluate both practices and event performances. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1080: Introduction to Rock Climbing
Credits: 1.000 - Rock climbing skills will be taught. These include knots, climbing techniques, safety and both outdoor and indoor skills. Two weekend outings will follow indoor instruction. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1090: Basketball Skills
Credits: 1.000 - Dribbling, passing, shooting, rebounding, endurance, strategy and the rules of the game are areas that will be covered during the course. There will also be an outing to the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1100: Tennis Skills
Credits: 1.000 - Serving, volleying, position, balance, racquet preparation, foot work, variation of shots (overhead, lob, dink, etc), scoring, doubles play, etiquette and rules are areas that may be covered, depending on the expertise of the students. Course runs two times per week, first or second half of the semester. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1110: Golf Skills
Credits: 1.000 - Golf instruction is intended for beginners and is divided into several disciplines: the short game, the swing, and tactics/trouble shots. Classes for the short game (chipping and pitching) are held on campus. The swing and ball striking is held at a local driving range. Reference for the class is from Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible. This is the most comprehensive and widely used reference for shots inside of 100 yards. The goal of the course is to have students make solid contact with the ball, understand the tactics of the game including club selection, and to make them competent and ready for the golf course. Pre-Requisites: None

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PE1120: Volleyball Skills
Credits: 1.000 - This course includes all the basic volleyball techniques including spiking, digging, volleying and serving. Especially recommended for those who participate in competitive volleyball. Beginners, however, are welcome as well. Offered in the first half of the semester only. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1130: Hiking and Cross Country Skiing
Credits: 1.000 - This course will use the Putney School cross country trails and various hiking milieus to teach cross-country skiing and hiking for aesthetic and fitness reasons. The course meets once per week for the entire semester. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1140: Baseball Skills
Credits: 1.000 - In the Baseball Skills course, the basic areas of the sport will be reviewed and remediated. Areas such as batting, fielding, throwing, base running, strategizing, and conditioning will be covered. The class will utilize the Click Center Gymnasium, the fields on campus, and will also spend time in a batting cage hitting against a pitching machine. The goal is to help build both skills and confidence in the sport of baseball, as well as offering a foundation of knowledge for this athletic endeavor. Students will need to provide their own glove and be prepared to run in each class. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1150: Intro to Practical Equine Management
Credits: 1.000 - Students will begin this one-credit class with Safety Instruction, Equine Behaviorism, and the philosophy of “Natural Horsemanship.” Students will learn skills such as correct leading, tacking, feeding and general work around horses in diverse situations. Students will then move on to managing a range of horse behaviors that occur on an average level, such as aggression, fear, and spooky behavior. Students will learn unique skill sets that allow them to manage horses in difficult situations, both on the ground and under saddle. This course differs from others in that students will delve specifically into behavior modification for horses that are not aggressive—or punishment-oriented in any way. The methods that will be introduced instead create control through bonding and building trust between horse and rider. For this program, a student will be introduced to the available horses and will choose one to work with for the whole semester. This ensures that students can measure the goals and achievements that they attain during the course. There is a $200.00 stable fee. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1160: Women's Basketball Skills
Credits: 1.000 - In this course, you'll practice the basic basketball skills that are necessary for competing, such as dribbling, passing, shooting, defense and teamwork. Members of the class are strongly encouraged (but not required) to be a part of the women's intercollegiate basketball team. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1170: Women's Softball Skills
Credits: 1.000 - In this course, you'll practice the basic softball skills that are necessary for competing, such as throwing, catching, fielding and hitting. You'll learn the rules of the game and develop teamwork. Members of the class are encouraged (but not required) to be a part of Landmark's women's softball team. Pre-Requisites: None

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PE1180: Fencing
Credits: 1.000 - In this one-credit class, students will learn the basic theory and techniques of 17th century Italian fencing using a sword called a Rapier. While some history will be taught to provide context, the majority of the class will be dedicated towards physical, hands-on work. Classes will consist of a roughly even mixture of drill/lesson and sparring and will be presented from a martial arts and educational perspective, rather than as a competitive sport. As a result, this fencing class is ideal for students who are seeking a physical activity outside of a team sport. All equipment will be provided. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1190: Fly Fishing
Credits: 1.000 - Students will begin class with safety instruction, stream entomology, reading water, and fly selection. We will move on to casting technique in the gymnasium and outside when weather permits. We will plan outings to nearby sites to try our luck with what has been taught. Students must be able to wield a fly rod, wade in knee-deep running water, and come prepared to buy a Vermont non-resident fishing license at $41.00. All rods, reels, leaders and flies will be supplied. Pre-Requisites: None


PE1201: Plyometrics/Conditioning
Credits: 2.000 - Plyometrics is a fast-paced, demanding, twice-weekly session for highly self-motivated, athletically mature students wishing to improve their strength and conditioning for sports. Although the course requires some reading and a few quizzes, pass/fail status is determined largely by attendance and full, active participation. Students just beginning a fitness program would be better served in PE1301: Fitness for Education and Life. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1202: Bike Exploration
Credits: 2.000 - This two credit course will cover various mountain bike riding techniques and allow students many opportunities to explore the beautiful and challenging local trails. It will also cover the fundamentals of bike maintenance and repair so that riders will develop self-sufficiency with their equipment. Students should be prepared for above average aerobic physical fitness requirements, as well as to follow the safety requirements of group bike riding. Depending on weather, weekend rides may be required. At least one Saturday day-long field trip to Mount Snow will also be scheduled. Students should plan to bring their own bike and gear if possible. Landmark College does have a limited number of mountain bikes for student use. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1203: Wilderness First Aid
Credits: 2.000 - As part of the curriculum, the course will draw from Red Cross courses in CPR, Standard First Aid and "when help is delayed". During the course, there will be three first aid simulations in which students will practice their skills. In this mode, students will put their learning to the test under controlled settings to give them the feel for real-life medical emergencies. Testing will be given on four separate dates, including a final exam and a skills assessment practicum. Pre-Requisites: None


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PE1300: Equestrian Team
Credits: 1.000 - Landmark's equestrian team members take horseback riding lessons at local stables here in Putney and have the option of competing in Intercollegiate Horse Show Association sanctioned events if the riding coach deems the rider is eligible. The training is planned to prepare the riders to compete at individual levels of ability. Beginners through advanced are welcome. Students must accompany the team to at least two IHSA horse shows and participate in at least ten lessons per semester to receive one PE credit. Non-refundable payment is required prior to taking the first lesson. Contact Bethe Jankelson for updated prices as they are subject to change. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1301: Fitness for Education and Life
Credits: 3.000 - Students will engage in aerobic, strength, endurance and flexibility exercises focusing on walking, running, weight training and use of Landmark College machines. Students complement their physical activities by exploring fitness and health-related topics through regular readings and the maintenance of a personal daily journal. Students are assessed on attendance, weekly quizzes, journal and effort in class. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1400: Cross Country Team
Credits: 1.000 - Landmark's runners compete in about five meets per season (September-October), and can expect to train at least five times per week. The training is planned to prepare the runners to be able to compete at individual levels of ability. Pre-Requisites: None


PE1410: Walking for Health
Credits: 1.000 - This course is designed for students who are interested in beginning a low-impact exercise regimen of walking on varied terrain, using optimal striding and breathing techniques. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1420: Ski and Snowboard
Credits: 1.000 - This one-credit course is designed exclusively for students enrolled in the January Term who are interested in improving their skiing or snowboarding/pipe skills. See advisor for costs. Duration January 4, 11, and 18, 2012 10:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1430: Ballroom Dancing
Credits: 1.000 - This one-credit pass/fail course is designed for students who are interested in learning how to ballroom dance for its physical, social, and mental health benefits. This course will cover the following topics: basic biomechanics of how the human body works; nonverbal communication with a partner through the use of body language and proper dance etiquette in a social setting. Popular dance forms such as the Waltz, Foxtrot, Swing, Tango, Rumba, Salsa, etc. will be explored. No special equipment is required and there are no additional costs. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1440: Golf Skills Spring Break
Credits: 1.000 - This one-credit course will run during Spring Break in Myrtle Beach, SC. Golf's history, equipment, rules, and basic fundamentals will be covered. Each day students will receive one hour of golf instruction at a practice facility in addition to three rounds of golf on a regulation course, a modified pitch and putt course or at a miniature golf course. Pre-Requisites: None


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PE1500: Intercollegiate Soccer
Credits: 1.000 - The soccer team begins practice at the start of Fall semester. Twenty-two players are chosen based on ability. Games are played on Saturdays. Practices are four days per week, Monday - Thursday 4:15 - 5:30 p.m.. Soccer is coed. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1600: Intercollegiate Basketball
Credits: 1.000 - If you are selected to play for the Intercollegiate team you will develop skills in practice and in game conditions. The team plays approximately thirty games in the season and a wide variety of competitions. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1700: Women's Basketball
Credits: 1.000 - If you are selected to play for the Intercollegiate team, you will develop skills in practice and game conditions. The team plays approximately ten games per season (November-December) against women's teams from other colleges, and practices at least four times per week in the evenings. Our focus is on skills, teamwork and sportsmanship. Pre-Requisites: None

PE1800: Intercollegiate Softball
Credits: 1.000 - Pre-Requisites: None

PE1900: Intercollegiate Baseball
Credits: 1.000 - Pre-Requisites: None


Questions? Ask me for more information.

Eric Evans
Chair, PE Dept
802.345.8627
eevans@landmark.edu