The Department of Sports Sciences examines the field from an interdisciplinary perspective including marketing and management, medicine, sociology, psychology, ethics, and nutrition. The courses are intended to introduce how these disciplines are practiced and applied specifically in the field of sports. The curriculum examines both theoretic and practical case study approaches course topics.
3 semester credits. Wellness is the search for enhanced quality of life, personal and potential growth, through the choice of positive lifestyle behaviors and attitudes. Health can be improved on a daily basis by taking responsibility for our own well being. This course will teach students how our state of wellness is deeply influenced by a variety of factors including nutrition, physical activity, stress-coping methods, good relationships, and career success. Emphasis will be placed on the benefits of a constant and planned physical activity and on the understanding how each of these benefits is important to long-term health. The course provides students with the basic knowledge of primary (cardiorespiratory ability, muscular ability, flexibility, and body composition) and secondary (balance, coordination, agility, reaction time, speed, power, mental capability) components of fitness as well as the basics of anatomy. The course will teach students how to combine a targeted nutrition and physical activity for the pursue of good health as well as develop physical skills that also enhance the psychological and emotional wellbeing. Emphasis will be placed on the differences between health-related fitness and skill-related fitness. The course includes physical activity sessions focused on general physical wellness.
3 semester credits. This course is a comprehensive program designed to empower individuals with practical skills and knowledge for personal safety. Across lessons that bridge theory and practice, participants will delve into physical techniques, mental resilience, and self-defense strategies. Topics cover fundamental martial arts principles, situational awareness, and tactical decision-making. Practical scenarios and mindfulness exercises contribute to a well-rounded learning experience. This, this course seeks to go beyond physical techniques, fostering a holistic approach to personal security.
3 semester credits. Fitness professionals spend a great deal of time inspiring and assisting others in their pursuit of improved health. The course grounds students in the fundamentals of personal training by exposing them to both the theory and practice of this dynamic field. Students will learn the primary function of muscles and joints and the mechanics of movements through an analysis of human physiology applied to motion, elements of bioenergetics, principles of training. The course offers an overview of training for cardio–respiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. Students will learn the use and purpose of specific commercial fitness machines and equipment utilizing appropriate exercise guidelines and spotting techniques. Topics covered include guidelines to plan targeted exercises in order to work on specific projects and aims. Students will also understand the importance of good communication and motivation skills in order to coach individuals and establish a positive trust-based relationship, as well as how to design and implement a customized exercise program based on the individual needs. The course will also emphasize the importance of cooperations with specialized professionals and will include physical activity sessions with a dedicated focus. Prerequisites: Introductory course on health, wellness, or sports, or equivalent.
3 semester credits. What happens when the mind and the body disengage with each other? While the brain is at the center of the nervous system, it must act in unison with the body; a disconnect between the two can impact both physical and mental health. This course is dedicated to the exploration of mind-body interdependence and its relationship to wellness practices from a holistic perspective. Students will focus on both physical as well as cognitive activities to assess the mind-body interconnection. The role of positive psychology and mindfulness, and the positive and negative effects of stress will be explored through experiential and fitness activities to develop a greater understanding of how body awareness can influence wellbeing.
3 semester credits. This course is aimed to offer students already possessing a solid foundation of yoga knowledge and practice the tools to use the therapeutic functions of Hatha yoga in overcoming physical, mental, and emotional distress. Students will become familiar with health, wellness, and stress management topics through yoga practice in a therapeutic context. Through the hands-on approach to asanas, pranayama breathing exercises, and meditation techniques, students understand how to integrate yoga as a complementary treatment to medicine and a vital role in maintaining a healthy body and mind. The constant practice of awareness and observation combined with an analysis of anatomy and physiology applied to common pains and distresses will development the application of yoga therapy in individual and group contexts throughout the duration of the course.
3 semester credits. This course provides the opportunity to understand and appreciate the facility operations and event management in the sport industry. Course topics will focus on various aspects of business, legal, and operational practices in the sports field. The class will feature lecture hours as well as real-life practice through the development of both facility management and sports events projects. Students will be engaged within the community and will be able to learn-by-doing, applying business theories and frameworks to the projects development. Coursework will enhance the students' perspective and awareness of business issues from both a technical and a cultural point of view.
3 semester credits. Through this special project course, students will learn from the organization and operation of a sport facility such as a fitness center. The student will learn by assisting with daily operations: checking access records, machine maintenance standards, organization and management of fitness activities. Students will collaborate with a sports director to organize gym classes, review fitness instructor candidacies, and collaborate with a communications team for the production of promotional materials. Throughout the course, the student will also research relevant sports-related activities in the city of Florence in order to enhance the student's connection with the hosting culture and environment. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. The placement may require weekend hours or ongoing research-based activities for remote placements. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Remote option students will gain international community exposure through a virtual setting. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Main tasks: Sport Industry research and market trends analysis, sport and fitness practices development and management, operational involvement and analysis, customer care standards and practices, consumer trend observations and projections, strategic planning for the sports industry, final portfolio. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code. Sports gear required for some placement activities and tasks. Not applicable to remote option. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.