At first glance, kinesiology and the liberal arts may seem far apart. But you turn to the Great Books - the heart of a Saint Mary's liberal arts education — in many of your kinesiology classes. In a course on the history of sport, you draw on the writings of Homer as you analyze the commitment of the ancient Greeks to athletic achievement. And in a class examining social conflict in sport, you relate your knowledge of Karl Marx (you read his work in a Collegiate Seminar class) to gender equity in college athletics.

With these kinds of connections, it's only natural that the study of kinesiology appeals to students with eclectic interests. Three emphases within the kinesiology major let you tailor a direction that suits you best. One leads you toward a career as an educator and the credential you need to teach. Another gives you the intellectual foundation to become a leader in sport and recreation management. The third is the broadest, a health and human performance focus that provides knowledge of all aspects of kinesiology; If you need help deciding which emphasis to choose, your faculty advisor is ready to assist.

Regardless of your direction, your academic program will be challenging and offer opportunities to be creative. Classes go beyond lectures, incorporating a wide range of readings and lively discussion. Your study of kinesiology includes courses in the sciences, such as anatomy and physiology; giving you hands-on as well as academic knowledge of human movement. If a topic particularly interests you, explore it in depth through independent study. Or discover new meaning in a basic physical activity: For instance, to understand how children acquire motor skills, students in the human motor performance class are assigned the surprisingly challenging task of learning to juggle.

Your classes also tackle today's major issues. For instance, how can society ensure that children who play sports have experiences that are positive for both their physical and emotional health? How can physical education teachers help children make choices about nutrition and exercise that provide lifelong benefits? These are only some of the questions you become prepared to answer:

When you study kinesiology at Saint Mary's, one thing is certain: your education will offer more than you may expect.