George Mason University s3

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY School of Recreation, Health, & Tourism

PHED 130-002 – Intermdiate Yoga (1) Fall 2009

Wed/Fri. 10/23-12/17 1:30- DAYS/TIMES: LOCATION: RAC Rm 2202 2:45PM PROFESSOR: Marjorie Calhoun, RYT 500 EMAIL: [email protected]

OFFICE HOURS: By Appointment PHONE: 703-509-8535

PREREQUISITES: PHED 129 or Permission of the Instructor

COURSE DESCRIPTION This course expands on the yoga practices taught in PHED 129. Class emphasis will be on mastering yoga asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques) to enhance physical fitness and mental concentration. Students will learn 10 new yoga poses and practice the complete “Sun Salutation” as well as review those exercises and/or poses that should not be done because they are contraindicated relative to their harmful effects on the musculoskeletal system.

COURSE OBJECTIVES At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate at least 25 asanas, including proper alignment. 2. Identify the poses and demonstrate proficiency in the “Sun Salutation” (Surya Namaskar). 3. Classify asanas as to their types. 4. Name benefits and contra-indications of asanas. 5. Develop proficiency in the practice of three types of pranayama. 6. Define the “limbs” of the “Eightfold Path” outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. 7. Demonstrate personal experience with one of yoga’s yamas or niyamas (restraints and observances specified in the Yoga Sutras).

REQUIRED TEXT/READINGS Budilovsky, J., &Adamson, E. (2003). The complete idiot’s guide to yoga (3rd ed.). Indianapolis: Alpha Books.

Miscellaneous Handouts

COURSE INFORMATION 1. Students with injuries or pre-existing conditions that may affect performance must inform the instructor. 2. Students with specific medication conditions, limited flexibility or injuries will learn appropriate modifications of poses for their own practices. 3. All communication will be through GMU e-mail – the Patriot Web Site. 4. Students are required to bring to each class a yoga mat (minimum 68 inches), and yoga blanket (wool). Students can bring their own, or these can be purchased at the first class. 5. Warm-up suits, gym shorts and shirt, or leotards and shirt are appropriate; however, no “cut-off” pants or street clothes may be worn.

REQUIREMENTS Lab Exercises (80%) – Daily attendance and participation are required. Absences and late arrivals make it difficult to complete the information presented in this class due to the detailed amount of practice required to develop the poses.

Mid-term Essay (10%) – Students will hand in a three page essay mid-way through the course on one of the following: A record of their experiences in a journal depicting internal changes that occur throughout the semester such as increased focus, mental awareness, renewed sense of strength or determination, a deeper ability to self-monitor~describe in detail examples such as these. Otherwise, a description of another aspect of Yoga of interest to the student, for example, yoga philosophy, the Chakras, Tantra, Mantra, Mudras, Gunas, one of the Yogic Texts~perhaps a reading that made a great impact, etc.

Final Exam (Written) (10%)

Grading Scale A 90-100 B 80-89 C 70-79 D 60-69 F <59

TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE

WEEK TOPICS READINGS/ASSIGNMENT DUE 1 Review of yoga warm-ups, safe practice, basic pranayama (breathing) and relaxation techniques, and the primary poses in Surya Chapter 9 Namaskar (the Sun Salutation vinyasana). Review contraindicated positions and/or stretches. 2 Introduction to the practice of the Sun Salutation. Core Stabilization. New postures Chapter 10 and posture practice. Pranayama. 3 New postures and practice of Sun Chapter 11 Salutations. 4 Yoga history and philosophy. New postures and posture practice. Alternative Nostril Chapter 12 Essay due Nov 12. Breathing (Nadi Shodhana). 5 Yoga Philosophy. New postures and posture Chapter 13 practice. 6 Yoga Philosophy. New postures and posture Chapter 15 (women may opt practice. Skull Shining Breath to read 14) (Kapalabhati). WEEK TOPICS READINGS/ASSIGNMENT DUE 7 Yoga Philosophy and posture review. Final Due December 17. exam.

Note: Faculty reserves the right to alter the schedule as necessary.

 All students are held to the standards of the George Mason University Honor Code [See http://www.gmu.edu/catalog/apolicies/#Anchor12]

 University policy states that all sound emitting devices shall be turned off during class unless otherwise authorized by the professor

 Students with disabilities who seek accommodations in a course must be registered with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) and inform the instructor, in writing, at the beginning of the semester [See www.gmu.edu/student/drc]

 For additional School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism information, please visit the website at http://rht.gmu.edu