Kinesiology in Historical Perspective - Week 5

As we move into week five of the class, we begin to delve deeper into the historical aspects of sport. This particular lecture, we discussed how the topic of kinesiology evolved. During the late 19th century, physical anthropology was considered to be the first scientific area of study in order to test strength. Then going into the 20th century, there was a rise of sport as physical education. As mentioned in the Exercise and Sport Science article, "it was no longer the exception to find physical education courses included in the curricula of liberal arts colleges and universities." The popularity of of interscholastic and intercollegiate athletics was a huge factor in creating demand for physical education teachers.

The inventions of basketball and volleyball promoted the idea that team sports taught moral qualities that were of benefit to society and therefore educational. This era was called the Muscular Christianity Movement in the United States. With mind, body, and spirit being recognized symmetrically balanced, no aspect is held in greater regard. Once again, the article explains that "the drive to identify and organize the body of knowledge led to the ascendency of research, the administrative and curricular reorganization of departments in colleges and universities, and the creation of sub-disciplines and specialties."

Of course, kinesiology programs will be different wherever you look. But at UT, our PE program underwent a paradigm shift in the 1970's. The physical activity programs, health program, and PE department are now combined into one department where movement competence courses are no longer required. The UT Kinesiology program asks that their students should be knowledgeable of: physical activity in health, wellness, and quality of life; scientific foundations of physical activity; cultural, historical, and philosophical dimensions of physical activity; and the practice of physical activity. Below is the link of a degree plan for an undergraduate student at UT majoring in Kinesiology:

http://www.edb.utexas.edu/education/assets/files/KHE/KHE%20UG%20Degree%20Plans/10-12/10-12%20HP%2005-24-10.pdf

As you can see, a Health Promotion major at UT must take at least 3 physical activity classes, one historical class, etc. This type of program is a great example of what young adults should be learning about in the kinesiology world today. So in conclusion, over the past 100 years, we can look at kinesiology in a historical perspective and see how much it has changed. As a matter of fact, it will always be changing on so many different levels. It will be interesting to see, in 50 years or so, what types of classes will be required for UT kines undergrads.