Course Syllabus
Course: PE 1440
Division: Social and Behavioral Science
Department: Physical Education
Title: Aikido
Semester Approved: Spring 2020
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2025
End Semester: Fall 2025
Catalog Description: In this course students will develop skills and philosophical understanding pertaining to Aikido, a Japanese martial art that centers on ethical conflict resolution. Founded by Ueshiba Morihei, this unique self-defense system uses the force of an attack, gravity, weight distribution and momentum to unbalance and subdue an attacker. By redirecting the energy of an attack, rather than opposing the force, Aikido's techniques peacefully neutralize aggression. Aikido is an effective collection of martial techniques; however, it also incorporates philosophies involving non-aggressive spirit and harmonious daily living. This class is repeatable up to 2 times for credit.
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 1; Lab: 1
Repeatable: Yes.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Justification: Physical activity is an important component of lifetime health and wellness. Physical activity can lead to positive physiological and psychological outcomes. Obesity, cardiovascular disease, Type-II diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer risk may be reduced with physical activity. Physical activity has been identified as an effective antidepressant and treatment for depression. This class will provide access to physical activity for students enrolled.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Develop a working knowledge of dojo etiquette, terminology, history and philosophy related to Aikido. In class assessment.
Develop a basic proficiency in the execution of the covered Aikido skills and techniques. In class assessment.
Develop their personal fitness as it relates to cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, balance, coordination and agility. In class assessment.
Content:
In this course students will develop skills and philosophical understanding pertaining to Aikido, a Japanese martial art that centers on ethical conflict resolution. Founded by Ueshiba Morihei, this unique self-defense system uses the force of an attack, gravity, weight distribution and momentum to unbalance and subdue an attacker. By redirecting the energy of an attack, rather than opposing the force, Aikido's techniques peacefully neutralze aggression. Aikido is an effective collection of martial techniques; however, it also incorporates philosophies involving non-aggressive spirit and harmonious daily living.
Key Performance Indicators:
To successfully complete this course, the student will do the following:
Skills demonstrations 20 to 30%
Homework 20 to 30%
Class participation 20 to 30%
Final skills exam & essay 20 to 30%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
The Secret Teachings of Aikido by Morihei Ueshiba
Pedagogy Statement:
A traditional Aikido training format will be used for each class, which will include stretching, ukemi (falling) practice, instruction, technique demonstrations and practice. Aikido history and philosophy discussions will also be woven throughout the instruction and demonstrations. Student understanding and skills may also be assessed through reading and discussing excerpts from the course text, recording regular reflections and impressions on their learning in a reflections journal and writing a final connections essay expounding on the major takeaways from the course and the methods with which they plan to apply the principles and philosophies involving non-aggressive spirit and harmonious daily living.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture
Lab
Maximum Class Size: 25
Optimum Class Size: 15
