This course is for students that have had previous playing experience. The
basic fundamentals are taught at an accelerated pace allowing participants to
learn more about game strategy and fine tuning their skills.
Course Catalog
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The following is a list of activities offered by the Physical Education Program. Many classes are seasonal or are not offered every quarter. For a current class schedule view the current course offerings.
Aquatics - Advanced Techniques This class is for students who wish to learn the competitive strokes and/or improve their current swimming technique. Class will focus on increasing swimmers’ endurance and developing skills for all 4 competitive swimming strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly.
Prerequisite: Students should be able to swim 50 yards with rotary breathing Equipment: bathing suit required and goggles recommended Class Limit: 15 Course Fee: None
Aquatics - Beginner Swimming This class is for those who are at ease in shallow water but are not safe in deep water and is designed to teach the non-swimmer the basics of swimming. There will be instruction on floating, gliding, kicking and elementary backstroke. Front crawl stroke will be introduced. Most instruction, particularly in the beginning, takes place in the shallow pool and later may progress to the deep pool as individuals progress.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: bathing suit required and goggles recommended Class Limit: 12 Course Fee: None
Aquatics - Beginner Swimming in Single-Gender Setting This is an opportunity to learn how to swim in a single-gender class. This course will teach the non-swimmer the basics of swimming. There will be instruction on floating, gliding, kicking and elementary backstroke. Front crawl stroke will be introduced. Most instruction, particularly in the beginning, takes place in the shallow water and later may progress to the deep pool. Please dress in a manner in which you feel comfortable. Instructors and lifeguards will be same gender as class. This class is offered during IAP with male and female classes offered in alternate years. (In 2010, Men’s only class will be offered, in 2011, Women's only class will be offered).
Prerequisite: None Equipment: bathing suit required and goggles recommended Class Limit: 12 Course Fee: None
In this class students will learn the practical skills to be a safe open-water SCUBA diver. Class is split into two parts; the why and how of scuba diving which involves classroom and pool training, and open water swims. Upon completion of the course students will receive a Scuba Schools International (SSI) certification. More information can be found at http://www.uniteddivers.com/
Prerequisite: Must pass SCUBA pre-test on first day of class (200 yard swim and tread water for 10 minutes); must be 18 years of age; must complete both medical and diving experience forms to United Divers Equipment: bathing suit and goggles; a mask, fins and a snorkel will be necessary for open water dives Class Limit: 18 Course Fee: $350.00 billed to student account; course fee includes pool sessions, instruction, classroom meetings with all appropriate equipment, transportation and all other appropriate equipment.
Archery This is a basic course in fundamentals of target shooting. This class is designed for a beginner or novice archer and uses recurve indoor target bows and equipment. Class introduces students to the basic techniques of indoor target archery emphasizing the care and use of equipment, range safety, stance, shooting techniques, scoring and competition.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 14 Course Fee: $15.00 billed to student account
Backpacking / Hiking Whether you're a seasoned backcountry adventurer or are looking to learn more about safely recreating in the outdoors, this program offers the opportunity to build solid skills. The course takes place at Crawford Notch, located in the heart of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Appalachian Mountain Club’s outdoor educators will lead training sessions on safe backcountry travel, proper gear and equipment use, basic first aid, map and compass unit and LNT (Leave No Trace) practices. Following a brief instructional period, trip participants will put their new skills and knowledge to the test with excursions in the field. Columbus Day Weekend: Saturday, October 9 (8am) - Monday, October 11 (7pm).
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 30 Course Fee: TBD billed to student account
Badminton - Beginner This is a course for beginners covering the basic fundamentals of badminton. Upon completion of this course students should be able to demonstrate and execute the different strokes used in a game, understand the rules and basic strategies associated with the game, and understand the terminology associated with the game.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: clothing should be loose and comfortable (i.e. shorts or sweat pants). Court shoes preferred. Class Limit: 14 Course Fee: $5
This course is for students that have had previous playing experience. The
basic fundamentals are taught at an accelerated pace allowing participants to
learn more about game strategy and fine tuning their skills.
Prerequisite: Beginner Badminton or equivalent Equipment: clothing should be loose and
comfortable (i.e. shorts or sweat pants). Court shoes preferred. Class
Limit: 14 Course Fee: $5
Basketball This is an instructional course covering the basic fundamentals of basketball for those with little or no previous experience. Various drills will be utilized to teach students both offensive and defensive skills leading up to game scrimmaging. The rules of basketball will also be covered as well as the basic strategy of the game.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 20 Course Fee: None
Chemistry of the Body This class relates Chemistry to sports, specifically to swimming, cycling and running. There is a classroom and laboratory component of class; the classroom component will introduce the students to the chemistry of their own biological system. We will be looking at nutrition, anatomy and physiology and also how the body can be improved (or hurt) through physical activities. To better understand the three sports, we will examine the chemistry of equipment and the event, including: swimming (wetsuit making, swimsuit manufacturing, how chlorine affects you), bicycling (including a field trip to a bicycle shop), and running (hopefully including a guest speaker to come and talk to us about how running shoes are manufactured). We will also look at ways your body deals with exercise through building up and repair of muscles, improvement in lung and cardiovascular capacity and the chemistry of supplements and their effectiveness. Students will earn PE credit upon completion of the Mooseman Triathlon; International distance for 2 points, half-ironman for 4 points. http://www.timbermantri.com/moosemanindex.html
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 20 Course Fee: None
Climbing – Top Ropes In this class students will learn how to climb in an indoor climbing facility at MetroRock in Everett, MA. Students will develop their climbing skills throughout the course and have fun with friends on a Friday afternoon. There are four 4 hour classes that take place on consecutive Fridays.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 30 Course Fee: $110.00 billed to the student account
Dance – Israeli Folk Israeli folk dance is a fun, ever-evolving form that draws movement and music styles from all over and mashes them into something unique. In this introductory course we'll learn to dance to a mixture of traditional Israeli folk and modern Israeli pop music, all influenced by musical styles from many countries in Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America. Students will learn the basic steps that recur in many dances, and will also learn the three major dance forms: circle, line and partner dances.
Prerequisite: No previous experience necessary Equipment: None. Dress for running and jumping. Class Limit: 30 Course Fee: None
Dance - Middle Eastern This class teaches Middle Eastern dance whose tradition is vivacious, supple, graceful, and sublime. Classes consist of warm-ups, exercises focusing on isolation and coordination, followed by dance combinations.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: Wear leotard, tights, or loose-fitting clothes Class Limit: 20 Course Fee: None
Dance - Modern Squares This challenging class teaches students mainstream level square dancing set to a wide range of modern music. The mainstream program consists of the first 69 calls, and is widely danced all over the world. Each week, students learn additional calls from the mainstream program, which they then apply throughout the course. A group of eight dancers works together in this unique form of American dance. Focus is on fast and rigorous learning, reaction time, and flow. Location changes: First class in Lodbell, the remaining Tuesday classes also in the Student Center. Thursday classes will be in 5-233.
Prerequisite: No experience or partner necessary. Equipment: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Class Limit: 24 Course Fee: None
Dance - Tango (Argentine) This is the original form of tango that developed in Argentina in the early 20th century. It is characterized by elegant leg movements, in combination with a still and quiet upper body. Argentine tango is an improvisational dance in the sense that dancers themselves link the elements, thus creating their unique dance through the connection between leader and follower. The focus of the class is on proper walking technique, posture, and figures that will enable the students to enjoy tango dance events (milongas). The class is suitable for complete beginners as well as more experienced dancers who wish to perfect the basics.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 20 Course Fee: None
Fencing - Foil Class includes instruction in the basic fundamentals of fencing using a light and flexible weapon, including footwork, attacks and parries. After learning the rules, including scoring, students will participate in competitive bouts.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 14 Course Fee: None
Fencing - Sabre Class includes instruction in the basic fundamentals of fencing using the “cutting” weapon which is stiffer than the light foil, including footwork, attacks and parries. After learning the rules, including scoring, students will participate in competitive bouts.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 14 Course Fee: None
Golf This is a basic course which includes the fundamentals of grip, stance, and swing as well as a basic understanding of rules and scoring. The short, middle, and long irons are practiced plus specialized skills of pitching, chipping, and putting. Classes take place outdoors on the west end of the athletic fields.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 12 Course Fee: $10
Group X – Kickbox 1 This class teaches the basic techniques and fundamentals of kicking and punching; half cardiovascular exercises and half interval training. Class focuses on dynamic movement, isolated limbic movement, muscle strengthening, overall conditioning, agility and reaction, stretching, sit-ups, and push-ups for a high intensity fast paced workout. No previous experience necessary; for both men and women.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 25 Course Fee: None
Group X – Kickbox 2 A more advanced version of Kickbox for students with previous experience; class continues to develop students’ proficiency at kicking and punching in this half cardiovascular and half interval training course. Class focuses on dynamic movement, isolated limbic movement, muscle strengthening, overall conditioning, agility and reaction, stretching, sit-ups, and push-ups for a high intensity fast paced workout. No previous experience necessary; for both men and women.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 25 Course Fee: None
Group X - Nia In this class, we will practice Nia and learn the basic principles of the Nia Technique, a holistic mind-body workout that draws from 9 movement forms including dance, martial arts and somatic movement including yoga. Learn how to tune into physical sensation in order to reach your potential safely. Become more connected, expressive, energetic, mindful, calm and powerful. Set to music, Nia is stress-reducing, easy to learn and fun.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 25 Course Fee: None
Group X – Pilates 1 This class teaches traditional Pilates workouts that can be done anywhere; class emphasizes movements that build a strong core (abdominal and back muscles) to enhance strength, muscular symmetry, alignment, flexibility, grace and coordination and helps students create long, lean and flexible muscles.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 25 Course Fee: None
Group X – Pilates 2 Take your Pilates to the next level; continue to enhance strength, muscular symmetry, alignment, flexibility, grace and coordination and build long, lean and flexible muscles.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 25 Course Fee: None
Group X – Pilates/Yoga (PiYo) A flowing mixture of Pilates and yoga poses designed to help you get the benefits from both styles. Enhance strength, flexibility and core work with a complete mind-body experience.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 25 Course Fee: None
Group X – Spinning Spinning is an incredible indoor cycling workout that teaches proper form, and interval and heart zone training; class takes place on stationary “spinning” bicycles. Spinning is a great opportunity to cycle without the hassles of cars and potholes on the road.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 12 Course Fee: None
Group X – Step 1 This class introduces a variety exercises using an adjustable step. Class formats include various positions of the step, using several steps side by side, and moving across all steps in the room. Perfect for all fitness levels
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 25 Course Fee: None
Group X – Step 2 Class teaches a creative, new approach to common step techniques as it takes students to the next level of fitness though step aerobics. Class formats include various positions of the step, using several steps side by side, and moving across all steps in the room. Perfect for all fitness levels.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 25 Course Fee: None
Group X – Yoga 1 In this class students will get to practice yoga, an ancient practice from India. Yoga practice will increase your energy, improve your performance, and give you an opportunity for relaxation; this will provide you with a practical toolbox of techniques and experiences. Yoga is designed to empower you to concentrate, remember, generate energy, and sleep well. The meditations give you perspective and help balance the competing demands of a fast-paced life.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 25 Course Fee: None
Group X – Yoga 2 Students can take their yoga practice to a new level with this class. Yoga will continue to increase your energy, improve your performance, and give you an opportunity for relaxation. Yoga is designed to empower you to concentrate, remember, generate energy, and sleep well. The meditations give you perspective and help balance the competing demands of a fast-paced life.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 25 Course Fee: None
Jogging / Running For students of all levels who want to improve their fitness in a motivating environment. Workouts will include technique, aerobic base, stamina and speed.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 20 Course Fee: None
Martial Arts – Aikido Aikido is a defensive, nonviolent, Japanese martial art in which you use the opponent's energy rather than your own to overcome the opponent. People of all ages and physical compositions can participate. This class is recommended for those who desire a good aerobic workout while working on the concepts involved in dealing with conflict without aggression. The work-outs have been described as "moving Yoga."
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 30 Course Fee: None
Martial Arts – Sport Taekwondo Students will learn the basic kicking techniques used in Sport Taekwondo competition, as well as traditional forms and stances. Class is dynamic and upbeat, and students will get a good workout.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 30 Course Fee: None
Pistol – Basic Students will learn the basic rules of safety, learn the ‘anatomy’ of the gun and how it functions, learn and demonstrate the two fundamental shooting positions of pistol and progress toward shooting proficiency. Lessons on gun safety, range orientation, and shooting technique comprise the first four classes, which must be attended. Emphasis on safety continues throughout the course, and shooting technique gets refined. Shooting starts with a two-handed hold and progresses to one-handed. Target scoring is taught, and the course concludes with a fired match for score.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 13 Course Fee: $45.00 fee will be charged to student account
Pistol – Intermediate This course involves a continued emphasis on handgun safety; one-handed shooting is refined, and students will also study rules, timing, and technique. Students are introduced to three courses of fire: gallery match course, standard pistol and sport pistol. After each course of fire is trained, a match in that course is fired and scored. Course concludes with a fired match.
Prerequisite: Basic Pistol Equipment: None Class Limit: 13 Course Fee: $45.00 fee will be charged to student account
Sailing This class is an introduction to the basic fundamentals of sailing with both theory and practice. Students will learn how to rig a boat, some basic sailing techniques, as well as how to tack and jibe out on the beautiful Charles River. Learn more at sailing.mit.edu.
Prerequisite: Students must present a boat test certificate at the first class. Equipment: None Class Limit: 30 Course Fee: None
Sailing - Intermediate Learn to skipper and crew a variety of boats fast upwind and downwind. Other topics covered are: starting, tactics, strategy, right of way rules.
Prerequisite: Participants must be proficient sailors and have completed the basic sailing course or its equivalent. Equipment: None Class Limit: 30 Course Fee: None
Self-Defense for Everyone This class in an introduction to the fundamentals of physical and mental self-defense. Approximately half of this course is dedicated to violence prevention, de-escalation, confrontation avoidance, and how criminals select victims; the other half is dedicated to the development of physical self-defense skills. This class covers the four stages of a potential altercation: Developing Pre-Altercation Awareness and Avoidance, Learning to Perform Pre-Altercation Assessment and De-escalation, Developing Physical Techniques to Quickly End an Altercation, Learning What to do Afterwards. Physical techniques include: defense from grabbing-type attacks, defense from attempted muggings (armed, unarmed, or implied), defense from attempted abduction, defense if we end up on the ground, and defense from coercive-type attacks. This class is open to both men and women.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothes, appropriate for working out. Class Limit: 20 Course Fee: None
Self Defense RAD Rape Aggression Defense for women teaches practical defense techniques, as well as providing basic information on personal safety, awareness, risk reduction and avoidance. Specially trained officers of the MIT Campus Police will instruct the class.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 20 Course Fee: $20.00 fee will be charged to student account
Skate – Beginner Skating The basic fundamentals are taught which include forward and backward skating and stopping, skating in circles both forward and backward. Students are generally divided according to ability utilizing multiple instructors.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: Skates (students can rent skates at the rink) and a helmet (provided at the rink). Class Limit: 30 Course Fee: None
Skate – Intermediate Skating The intermediate skate course is designed for the student who is comfortable skating forward. The basic fundamentals are taught at an accelerated pace which include forward and backward skating and stopping, skating in circles both forward and backward. Course fee for skate rental only.
Prerequisite: Beginner Skating or equivalent Equipment: Skates (students can rent skates at the rink) and a helmet (provided at the rink). Class Limit: 30 Course Fee: None
Skate – Figure Skating This class will improve students’ style of skating, and students will learn a variety of figure skating moves, including forward and backward edges, mohawk and three turns, spirals, lunges, spins, and a variety of jumps (bunny hops, waltz jumps, toe-loops, mazurkas, salchows, etc.).
Prerequisite: students must know how to skate backwards and forwards. Equipment: figure skates (Hockey skates are unsuitable for this class.) Students can rent skates at the rink. Class Limit: 30 Course Fee: None
Skate – Ice Hockey This course is designed for the beginning hockey player. The fundamentals of passing, shooting, stick-handling, as well as positional play are taught. As the course progresses, students are given the opportunity to experience game-like situations through drills and scrimmages.
Prerequisite: Beginner skating or equivalent (students can rent skates at the rink) Equipment: ice skates and hockey stick, etc Class Limit: 20 Course Fee: None
All levels are accommodated in this course, which is offered only during IAP. Fitting on Wednesday, December 8th (2010), 5-6:30pm. The course consists of six meetings, leaving MIT at 5:30pm and returning at approximately 11:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Package includes transportation, lesson, and lift ticket. Equipment rentals are available. Classes held at Nashoba Valley Ski Area. See Ski/Snowboard FAQ's
Prerequisite: None Equipment: Rental available for $100. Class Limit: 100 Course Fee: $200
Soccer - Indoor This course is designed for students with limited or no playing experience. Students will be introduced to the basic and intermediate skills of soccer, including dribbling, passing and receiving, heading, feinting, shooting and finishing, and defending, as well as small group tactics. Small-sided games will be practiced to incorporate these skills to lead up to an indoor game.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 15 Course Fee: None
Squash This class is an introduction to the rules and the basic skills of squash for beginners who wish to learn this fast moving indoor racquet sport. All necessary equipment is provided.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: Students must have non-marking court shoes Class Limit: 14 Course Fee: $5
Tennis – Beginner This is an introductory course for those with limited or no playing experience. Instruction will include the basic strokes, serve, volley, rules and scoring. Drills on the fundamentals will lead to competitive play for singles and doubles.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: Students must bring their own racquets and wear court shoes. Class Limit: 14 Course Fee: $5
Tennis - Intermediate This course is for students that have had previous playing experience and wish to improve their tennis game and fine tune their strokes.
Prerequisite: students must be able to serve and sustain a rally Equipment: Students must bring their own racquets and wear court shoes. Class Limit: 14 Course Fee: $5
Ultimate Frisbee Class will introduce students to Ultimate Frisbee. Students will learn how throw and catch a Frisbee, how to play the game, including the rules and a variety techniques. This is a transition game in which players move quickly from offense to defense on turnovers that occur with a dropped pass, an interception, a pass out of bounds, or when a player is caught holding the disc for more than ten seconds.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 20 Course Fee: None
Upgrade your Health and Happiness: Stress Management This course is designed to provide health and wellness information that is relevant to campus life, enhances and helps balance academics, athletics, and personal life and supports personally important health goals. Topics for class include the importance of sleep, stress management, healthy relationships and more as well as help on how to achieve personal goals. Throughout this course students can pick up good habits and tools that will boost their productivity. Developing personalized time management, and stress reduction plans makes it simple for all participants to surpass their current levels of efficiency and to reach their potential.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 20 Course Fee: None
Upgrade your Health and Happiness: Nutrition/Fitness Focus This course is designed to provide health and wellness information that is relevant to campus life, enhances and helps balance academics, athletics, and personal life and supports personally important health goals. Topics for class include the components and benefits of a healthy diet and physical activity as well as tips on how to achieve personal goals. Throughout this course students can pick up good habits and tools that will boost their productivity. Developing personalized fitness and nutrition plans makes it simple for all participants to surpass their current levels of efficiency and reach their potential.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 20 Course Fee: None
Volleyball – Beginner This is an introductory course for those with limited or no playing experience. Instruction will include techniques for serving, passing, setting, spiking. There will be team play during the second half of the course.
Prerequisite: None Equipment: None Class Limit: 20 Course Fee: None
Weight Training This course is designed for the beginning or novice weight lifter, or for those who have experience lifting but lack proper instruction. Class will provide students with an understanding of the biomechanics involved, muscles used for a given exercise, and program development. Class will teach students the proper techniques of lifting and spotting. Students will also be provided information for putting together individual workout programs. This course is taught as a lifetime activity as an integral part of overall fitness. Proper gym etiquette is taught and expected.
Prerequisite: Students must attend the first four classes Equipment: None Class Limit: 16 Course Fee: None
Weight Training for Women This course is designed for the beginning or novice female weight lifter, or for those who have experience lifting but lack proper instruction. Class will provide students with an understanding of the biomechanics involved, muscles used for a given exercise, and program development. Class will teach students the proper techniques of lifting and spotting. Students will also be provided information for putting together individual workout programs. This course is taught as a lifetime activity as an integral part of overall fitness. Proper gym etiquette is taught and expected.
Prerequisite: Students must attend the first four classes Equipment: None Class Limit: 16 Course Fee: None
Swim and/or small boat test offered every Tues., Wed., or Thurs. at 8am or 8pm at Z Center pool. For sailing, please print confirmation of small boat test from PE REGISTRATION SITE - HISTORY.
