GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

School of Recreation, Health, & Tourism

PHED 130 – Intermediate Yoga (1)

Fall 2009

DAYS/TIMES:

/ Tues/Thurs 10/22-12/17: 9:00-10:15AM / /

LOCATION:

/

RAC Rm 2202

PROFESSOR:

/ Audrey Schoomaker, R.Y.T. / /

EMAIL:

/

OFFICE HOURS:

/

By Appointment

/ /

PHONE:

/ 703-312-1036

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 Namaskar (the Sun Salutation vinyasana). Review contraindicated positions and/or stretches. /

Chapter 9

2 / Introduction to the practice of the Sun Salutation. Core Stabilization. New postures and posture practice. Pranayama. / Chapter 10
3 / New postures and practice of Sun Salutations. / Chapter 11
4 / Yoga history and philosophy. New postures and posture practice. Alternative Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana). / Chapter 12 Essay due Nov 12.
5 / Yoga Philosophy. New postures and posture practice. / Chapter 13
6 / Yoga Philosophy. New postures and posture practice. Skull Shining Breath (Kapalabhati). / Chapter 15 (women may opt to read 14)
7 / Yoga Philosophy and posture review. Final exam. / Due December 17.

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

/ v  All students are held to the standards of the George Mason University Honor Code [See http://www.gmu.edu/catalog/apolicies/#Anchor12]
v  University policy states that all sound emitting devices shall be turned off during class unless otherwise authorized by the professor
v  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]
v  For additional School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism information, please visit the website at http://rht.gmu.edu