Course Listings
JAN 049-Optimal Wellness
Derek Marks
dwm1@stmarys-ca.edu
In the quest for optimal health, consideration must be given to maximizing the wellness of the mind, body, and spirit. The purpose of this course is to explore the effectiveness of various alternative therapies in achieving optimal wellness. This course examines the practice, theory, and effectiveness of yoga, acupuncture, meditation, nutrition, thought control, acupressure, herbal medicine, and chiropractic, among other therapies. Several professional practitioners will visit the class to provide presentations and hands-on experiences with their areas of specialty. Yoga and stress management techniques will be practiced on a regular basis. Field trips to local alternative therapy clinics will be made as well. The class project requires an in-depth examination of a selected alternative therapy with the production of a brief informational video presenting its usefulness to the Saint Mary's College student population. Personal health assessments will be performed to provide students with health status information that can be used to apply alternative therapies more effectively. Assessments will include: cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, cardiovascular fitness, and stress level.
NOTE: This course will be offered only if Professor Marks's travel class is cancelled.
Division: Lower
Prerequisites: Lower
Informational Meetings: Lower
Reading List:
Burton Goldberg, Alternative Medicine Guide to Heart Disease (1997)
Basis for Final Grade: Quality of participation; daily reflection journal; 5-10 minute video production and presentation; written summary of research; cumulative final exam.
Course Fee: $40
(Cost includes lab supplies for wellness assessments, and "wellness feast".)
Travel Dates: No
Dates on Campus: No
Course Schedule: MTuThF, 9:15 - 11:45 AMMTuWTh, 2:45 - 5:15 PM
Spaces Reserved for Freshmen: 10
NOTE: This course will be offered only if Professor Marks's travel class is cancelled.
Division: Lower
Prerequisites: Lower
Informational Meetings: Lower
Reading List:
Burton Goldberg, Alternative Medicine Guide to Heart Disease (1997)
Robbins G., Powers D., Burgess D, A Wellness Way of Life (2005, 6th Edition)
Basis for Final Grade: Quality of participation; daily reflection journal; 5-10 minute video production and presentation; written summary of research; cumulative final exam.
Course Fee: $40
(Cost includes lab supplies for wellness assessments, and "wellness feast".)
Travel Dates: No
Dates on Campus: No
Course Schedule: MTuThF, 9:15 - 11:45 AMMTuWTh, 2:45 - 5:15 PM
Spaces Reserved for Freshmen: 10
