Fall/Winter 2011-2012 Course Descriptions

Fall 2011

9031a Sport Management: Marketing - K. Danylchuk

This course focuses on research in various aspects of sport marketing--strategic sport marketing, market research, sport consumerism, and the elements of the marketing mix.  Class format is seminar-based and will consist of a brief mini-lecture followed by class discussion and presentations of the required readings. 

9046a Sport and Value Theory - A. Schneider

A critical examination of the philosophical literature related to value theory (axiology) and human participation in sport play and games. Topics include extended analyses of both ethical and aesthetic issues.

9076a Social Theory of Sport and Exercise - M. Heine

This course examines, from a pragmatic and practical perspective, the foundations, concepts and utility for cultural studies of sport, of the theories of Pierre Bourdieu and collaborators. Throughout, the course will address some of the fundamental issues in socio-cultural theory placed into view by Bourdieu’s work: the epistemological grounding of theory; the subject-object and structure-agency dichotomies; explanation and interpretation. Of particular interest in this context will be a consideration of the status of Bourdieu’s theory vis-à-vis current discussions concerning the concept of ‘post-structuralism’ and / or ‘post-modernity.’ Throughout, we will examine the practical applicability of these theories and concepts for social and cultural research on sporting and recreational practices.

9233a Selected Topics in Group Dynamics- B. Carron

The purpose of the course is to introduce the student to current research in selected topics in the group dynamics of sport and physical activity.  The topics include (but are not limited to) group cohesion, team building, adherence and performance.

9430a Neuromuscular Function and Metabolism - C.Rice/G. Marsh

(Co-course with undergrad; 4430a)
This course will focus on the structure and function of the neuromuscular system and musculoskeletal systems with emphases on the motor unit, fatigue, and basic muscle and bone metabolism.

Prerequisites: Physiology 2130 (Human Physiology), Kinesiology 2230a/b (Exercise Physiology). 

9434a Exercise Nutrition - P.Lemon

(Co-course with undergrad; 3339a)
This is an advanced course investigating the important food/food components for individuals involved in chronic (regular) exercise programs and/or competition, i.e., athletes.  The focus is on understanding how dietary needs are affected by regular, vigorous physical activity and the mechanisms responsible for any performance enhancement/decrement resulting from the supplementation of specific foods or food components.  Students will be given the opportunity to research a topic of interest, to make a short presentation to the class, and to write a brief review paper.

Note: Foods and Nutrition 373b (Nutrition for a Physically Active Lifestyle) is recommended.

9435a Advanced Exercise Physiology: Cardiovascular & Metabolic Control & Adaptations - J. Kowalchu

This course will provide an examination of the integration between muscle metabolic and cardiovascular (and respiratory) systems and their control.  An over-riding theme for the course will be the movement of O2 from the atmosphere to the muscle mitochondria, and as such, discussion will focus on blood flow to and its distribution within muscle, blood pressure control, O2 carriage and delivery, and muscle O2 uptake and utilization.  To help demonstrate some of the concepts introduced in the course a model of “healthy aging” used for comparative purposes.

Winter 2012

9030b Sport Management: Organizational Theory - A. Doherty

The course focuses on sport management from an organizational theory perspective.  It begins with a review of organizational effectiveness, followed by discussions of structural, cultural, environmental and strategic influences on effectiveness.  The course also examines organizational change in sport.  Class format will be a combination of lecture, discussions, and student presentations.

9033b Global Sport and Health Politics- L. Misener

A transnational comparative examination of sport and health policy and politics. Topics will include but are not limited to sport for development and peace; international physical activity policies; the politics sport for disease prevention and health promotion (i.e. aids awareness, obesity); and sport for urban and community development. Students will critically examine sport and its role in international development, health promotion, and global politics. 

9062b Rethinking the Olympics: Graduate Seminar in Olympic Studies - B. Barney

Rethinking the Olympics focuses on three broad dimensions of the cultural history of the Modern Olympic Movement: 1) The Games heritage and modern evolution, 2) the problematic issues inherent in the history of the Games, and 3) the present age of globalization and a future faced by its challenges.

9066b Special Topics: Cultural Studies

  • Section 001 Physical Culture and Health at Indian Residential Schools - J. Forsyth
    In this course, we will examine the history of physical culture and health at Indian residential schools in Canada. Topics will include, but not be limited to, critical interpretations of residential school histories, the relationship between physical cultural regulation and government objectives for the residential school system, policy analyses of health at various residential schools, student experiences, and the role of sports and games in the larger program of assimilation at these institutions. While the focus will be on the Canadian system, we will draw on research from other countries where Indigenous residential schools were established (e.g., US, Australia, New Zealand) to enhance our understanding of the history and effects of residential schooling in Canada.
  • Section 002 Cultural Inquiry in Sport - M. Heine
    This course examines different approaches to cultural inquiry in sports studies. We will explore the conceptual and theoretical foundations of cultural inquiry, and examine the practical problems involved in academic research with different populations in the field of sports and physical activity. The focus will be on the practical and logistical implications our research faces as we examine the spaces of the visual and the personal narrative, and the landscape of cultural significations. Throughout, we will pay attention to the political relationships that link the researcher to the ‘objects’ of her inquiry, the researched.

9077b Sport and Physical Activity in Cuba- D. Semotiuk

The School of Kinesiology at Western has linked with members of the Cuba’s national sports organization, the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER), to develop this 9-day study abroad international experience offered yearly from 2007-2012.  Over the course, students will be exposed to:1) elite sport at the national, international, and Olympic levels - visit Cerro Pelao, Cuba’s most elite training center; 2) physical education in schools, community centers, and other public facilities – travel to Escuela Internacional de Educacion Fisica (EIEFD); 3) mass sport, recreation, and leisure; 4) institutions that train coaches, sport researchers, and physical education teachers – tour the Instituto de Cultura Fisica Manuel Fajardo.  The aims of this experience are: to expose students to Cuba’s sport system; to enhance their awareness of Cuba’s emphasis on physical health and wellness; and to provide the opportunity for young sports scholars and administrators to learn about another sport system, culture, and governmental approach to organizing sport and physical activity.  This experience will be interwoven into the Kinesiology program and students will earn academic credit for their participation in the study abroad program.

9230b Psychological Interventions in Sport, Exercise and Injury Rehabilitation - C.  Hall

The course is designed to increase the student’s understanding of the psychological interventions that can be employed to increase participation and performance in various physical activity settings.

9631b Strategy and Tactics in Sport – E. Buckolz

The emphasis is upon understanding why certain tactics are effective and demonstrating how many tactics are common to a variety of sports.

9446b Musculo-skeletal Injury in Sport – L. Fischer

Weekly three hour seminar covering selected topics in musculo-skeletal injuries. Lectures will be complemented by case presentation and practical sessions on diagnosis and treatment. Open to graduates in Kinesiology, Physiotherapy, Medicine and related fields.

9447b Topics in Orthopedic Biomechanics - T. Jenkyn

Clinical science: role of biomechanics in osteoarthritis, traumatic and repetitive strain injury of joints of the lower limbs, upper limbs and spine (especially ankle, knees and shoulders), ligament and meniscal tears and ruptures.

Full Year

9101y Advanced Topics in the Sociocultural Area-Seminar - K. Shoemaker

An analysis and discussion of current issues in history, philosophy and psychology. The course involves a seminar format with presentations by students and/or invited guests. Note: This is mandatory for all doctoral sociocultural students, to be taken until graduation.

9201y Advanced Topics in the Psychological Bases-Seminar- K. Shoemaker

The course focuses on an analysis and discussion of current issues in the sport and exercise psychology and motor learning and motor control.  A seminar format is employed with presentations by students, faculty, and/or invited guests. Note: This is mandatory for all students in the Psychological Bases stream, to be taken until graduation.

9401y Bioscience Seminar - K. Shoemaker

Listen, meet and discuss with basic and applied scientists interested in exercise as a modality.  Note: This is a mandatory course for Masters Bioscience students for one academic year.

9501y Bioscience Seminar - K. Shoemaker

Listen, meet and discuss with basic and applied scientists interested in exercise as a modality.  Note: This is a mandatory course for Doctoral Bioscience students and must be taken for two years.

9411y Introduction to Research (Master's) - M. Mottola

The course is designed to provide graduate students with information dealing with the processes of research and its presentation/communication.  Students will gain experience in various aspects of research writing and presentation.

9511y Introduction to Research (PhD) - M. Mottola

The course is designed to provide graduate students with information dealing with the processes of research and its presentation/communication.  Students will gain experience in various aspects of research writing and presentation. Note: This is a mandatory course for Doctoral Bioscience students.

9630y Art and Science of Coaching - R. LaRose

An application of research in any disciplines as it applies to the coaching profession at various levels.

Western provides the best student experience among Canada's leading research-intensive universities.