Course Description
This course provides students with a broad understanding of European perspectives in kinesiology and sport, including physical education, health-enhancing physical activity, and elite sports. Application-based, oral and written assignments, and class discussions to focus on students' ability to understand the topics related.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
For graduate-level students, an additional project is required.
Athena Title
European Perspectives in Kines
Non-Traditional Format
The course is designed as a study abroad experience, thus the student will be exposed to seminars and experiences with local faculty, practitioners, and professionals. These experiences will be arranged as part of the study abroad experience and the UGA faculty associated with the program.
Undergraduate Prerequisite
Permission of department
Graduate Prerequisite
Permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered summer semester every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will be able: 1. To understand European perspectives pertaining to health-enhancing physical activity and sport and its effect on population health. 2. To be aware of cross-country differences in regard to kinesiology to inform public health in the U.S. 3. To demonstrate basic knowledge about physical education teacher education in Finland and Belgium and be able to demonstrate how this information can be applied in U.S. health and physical education teacher education. 4. To demonstrate knowledge about key content areas of school physical education in Finland and Belgium and be able to apply this knowledge appropriately in U.S. school settings. 5. To understand and compare European elite sports systems and be able to evaluate the effectiveness of the systems from the athlete development standpoint. 6. To recognize and identify the features of successful elite sport enterprises. 7. To demonstrate an ability to think and communicate one’s thoughts effectively in written format. (course objective for graduate level). 8. To synthesize a specific key content area as it relates to health and physical education teacher education, school physical education, physical activity/public health policy, athlete development/sport school systems, or sport enterprise business in Finland and Belgium (course objective for graduate level).
Topical Outline
1. Overview of physical activity and population health policies in Finnish society 2. Introduction to elite athlete school system in Finland 3. Insights on Finnish top-sport industry 4. Overview of Finnish physical education teacher education 5. Introduction to Finnish physical education curriculum and instruction 6. Overview of physical activity and population health policies in Belgian society 7. Introduction to elite athlete sport and coaching in Belgium 8. Insights on Belgian top-sport industry 9. Overview of Belgian physical education teacher education 10. Introduction to Belgian physical education curriculum and instruction
Syllabus