California State University, Fullerton

Department of Kinesiology Tai Chi Fall 2013

Course: KNES 156 Room: KHS 109 Phone: (714) 876-8101

Instructor: Patrick Freeman, M.S.W. Office: KHS 109 Office Hours: M-TR 3:15-3:45, M & W 11:00-12:00(also before & after class, as needed) E-mail: pfreeman@fullerton.edu

Course Description: 156 Tai Chi (1 credit)

Tai Chi (also known as Tai Chi or Taijiquan) is a traditional Chinese Exercise system that combines martial arts movements with Qi (or Chi) circulation, breathing and stretching exercises. Regular practice of Tai Chi produces multiple health benefits.

Course Objective
Students will learn the beginning Tai Chi fundamentals posture, breath and movement. We will be learning the first half of the 108 Yang Long Form. Emphasis will be placed on moving with relaxation, poise, and deep concentration. We will learn Qi Gong postures and meditation.

Materials
Suggested Video Tai Chi for Health Yang Long Form with Terence Dunn available on Amazon.com Note Book Optional Reading Taijiquan the Art of Nurturing, the Science of Power by Yang Yang, Ph.D.

Proper Attire
Loose, comfortable clothing that allows for full range of movement should be worn to class. Flatsoled, light shoes are preferred.

Attendance and Participation

This is largely an experiential learning course; as such attendance and regularity and consistency of practice are highly valued. Please arrive on time with an open mind and heart. Tardiness will have a negative effect on ones grade. Leave the world behind for this short period of practice. Please unplug from all electronic devices. Most importantly Do Your Best. Attendance and Participation are a minimum for completing a performance course and are therefore taken into consideration when determining final grades. Each student will be allowed to miss the equivalent of one weeks worth of class without penalty. Each absence thereafter will result in the students final grade being lowered by one half grade. Furthermore, students are required to attend a minimum of 70% of class sessions in order to receive a passing grade in the course. A performance course meeting two times each week will require that the student attend a minimum of 21 classes to pass the class. Failure to do so will result in an automatic F in the course.

Participation in class includes paying attention, taking notes, good seated posture (do not lie down during lecture) and verbal contribution to class discussions. Lack of class participation negatively impacts ones grade. Common courtesy and respect are shown by not chatting with your neighbor while the teacher or another student has the floor. You will feel better about yourself if you concentrate and listen with attention. It is highly valued when students volunteer to lead the practice. I do not feel there is any adequate replacement for the actual experience of being in class. Occasionally extraordinary circumstances prevent a student from attending class (such as hospitalization or the need to receive a Nobel Peace Prize). Please see me in person and these situations will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

Grading

(100 points total)

Performance Testing of Postures (60 points) Three performance tests (20 points each). See dates below. Emphasis is on ability to follow instructional guidelines with concentration, focus and enthusiasm. Pick one of the following 7 Projects (40 points) 1. Power Point Presentation Be Creative. Let the Tao flow through you. Choose some area of interest and present it in class.

2. Journal I suggest 2 entries per week. Summarize in 1 or 2 pages and hand in at the end of the semester Be Creative. Let the Tao flow through you.

3. Tai Chi Workshops Attend a Tai Chi or Qui Gong workshop and share your experience.

4. Written Report Research an area of interest and write a 2-page report.

5. Video Presentation Look with wonder at the universe. Humor is welcomed. Keep it clean.

6. Music Be in harmony with the Tao. Perform for the class or bring in a mix and involve the class in learning to move with your music.
7. Art

Create an artwork to express an aspect of chi or meditation or harmony with nature. We will discus these in class and I am open to students being creative and having fun.

Remember that tardiness, absenteeism, inappropriate class behavior and lack of enthusiasm and participation in the class exercises and discussions will negatively impact your grade.

Grading Scale
A plus/minus system will be used. Tai Chi connects us with universal energy so lets help each other and this will uplift all of us and bring our class grade average up.

Course Outline Spring 2012

Weeks 1-5 Posture, Breathing Exercises, Meditation, QiGong Exercises, Warrior Advances, Basic Stances, Begin Yang Long Form Weeks 6-10 First third of Yang Long Form Weeks 11-16 Second third of Yang Long Form

Important Dates
Performance Tests 1. Sept. 26 - Tai Chi Basics 2. Oct. 31- Yang Long Form Part I 3.Dec. 12 - Yang Long Form Part II (Last Day of Class) Reports/Projects 1.Nov. 21 - All reports/projects due No make-ups will be granted for the above dates.

Important Notes
Academic Dishonest: A student who employs dishonest tactics shall be subject to action ranging from reprimand to a grade of F. Refer to: http://www.fullerton.edu/deanofstudents/Judicial/policies.htm Assumption of Risk: Having been informed of the general risks associated with physical activity and the specific risks associated with the particular performance course, classroom activity, and field experience, the student assumes the potential risks and consequences described. Important Note on insurance: The University does not have or provide health or non-travel accident insurance for students. Matriculated CSUF students are entitled to use services available at the campus Student Health Center during its normal hours of operation only. Student is advised to carry an adequate health insurance policy of their own. Reasonably prices limited coverage is available through the Associated Students (Contact the information desk in the University Center). Disabled Student/Special Needs: Please inform the instructor about any disability or special need that you have that may require specific arrangements. Disabled Student Center: http://www.fullerton.edu/disabledservices Caveat: The above schedule and procedures in this syllabus are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. Performance courses may be taken twice for grade and four more times for credit/no credit. Performance courses may be taken twice for a letter grade and then four times for credit/no credit

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