North Carolina Central University
Department of Physical and Recreation

There are three options under Physical Education; Athletic Training, Exercise Sport Science, Fitness & Wellness Management, and Physical Education - Teaching.

There are three options in Parks and Recreation Management; Recreation Administration, Recreational Sport Management, and Therapeutic Recreation. 

Click the buttons to the left for more info regarding each major.

The Physical Education and Recreation undergraduate program is designed to provide students with:

• basic professional preparation for teaching Physical Education; 
• sound preparation for graduate study in Physical Education or related professions (physical therapy, exercise physiology, etc.); 
• undergraduate preparation in athletic training with the prerequisite skill and knowledge necessary to pass the National Athletic Training Certification; 
• skills essential for implementing sound physical activity programs in community agencies; and 
• necessary skills to prepare and conduct recreational and leisure services in community and private agencies. 

• (1) an understanding of the scientific and philosophical bases of physical education; 
• (2) skill in analyzing human movement; 
• (3) the ability to perform a wide range of motor and sports skills; 
• (4) skill in applying principles of learning and utilizing materials and equipment specific to the field in the teaching/learning process; 
• (5) skill in planning, organizing, supervising, evaluating, and interpreting various aspects of a balanced physical education program; 
• (6) skill in applying the basic concepts of personal, school, and community health; 
• (7) skill in applying scientific principles to the teaching/learning process when working with special populations in physical education.

• 1) Fitness and Wellness and 
• 2) Exercise and Sport Science. 

A student majoring in Recreation must complete one of three concentrations within the Recreational Administration program. The Recreation program concentrations are:

• 1) Parks and Recreation Management, 
• 2) Recreational Sport Management, and 
• 3) Therapeutic Recreation. 

A physical fitness course, CFAS 1541, offered in the Critical Foundations in the Arts and Sciences Program (CFAS) is required of all NCCU students. The physical fitness course does not count within the required hours for the majors or minors in physical education or recreation.

All Physical Education and Recreation students must pass a proficiency exam in beginning swimming and intermediate swimming (or take courses). Students majoring in Teacher Education must earn a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) in order to be admitted to the School of Education. Students within general physical education must maintain a 3.0 or better grade point average in order to be admitted to professional or graduate school. Students who want to major in Athletic Training must have a grade point average of 2.5 to be admitted to the program. A grade point average of 2.0 or higher in the recreation administration program is required for graduation. All students must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher to graduate from the University.

RECR 2120. Recreation Leadership (3) Prerequisites: Recreation 1000. An analysis of activities, techniques, principles and practices of leadership in recreation, park resources & leisure service agencies; have processes of activity leadership in conjunction with development of skills and knowledge in activity areas. 

RECR 3100. Organization and Administration of Competitive Sports (3) Prerequisites: RECR 1000 and 2120. An introduction to the organization and administration of informal, intramural, extramural and club sports competitions, with emphasis upon tournament design, personnel training and management, sport facility development, public and human relations, legal liability, and marketing techniques. 

RECR 3120. Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation (3). A survey of key concepts and 
operational definitions; theoretical constructs; therapeutic recreation processes and models; etiology of illness and disability conditions; medical and psychiatric terminology. (Three lecture hours and two laboratory hours per week). 

RECR 3230. Camping and Outdoor Recreation (3) Prerequisites: RECR 1000 & 2120. an examination of the leadership and supervisory roles of counselors in camping and outdoor recreation settings, with emphasis on camp administration and operation. 

RECR 3245. Practicum in Parks and Recreation (3) Prerequisites: RECR 1000, 2120, 3100, and 3120.A study of professional practice, this course is designed to provide directed practicum experience in a recreation and leisure service agency under the supervision of a faculty advisor and an approved agency supervisor.  Opportunities are provided for students to develop knowledge, values, and initial practice skills appropriate for entry-level practice in recreation leisure service agencies. 

RECR 3250. Non-Clinical Application of Therapeutic Recreation (3) Prerequisite: RECR 1000 or consent of instructor. A study of philosophical and basic concepts of special recreation in transitional treatment and community-based settings. Examines the nature and etiology of varied physically disabling conditions, programming standards; strategies for integration; and activities to accommodate the disabled consumer. 

RECR 3800 Special topics in Physical Education, Sport, and Recreation This course examines current issues in a variety of Physical Education, Sport, and Recreation agencies, facilities, and settings. Topics vary with the instructor and the year. Students should consult the Schedule of Classes for current information. This course may be repeated for credit if topic differs. 

RECR 3900 Management of Exercise, Sport, and Recreation Facilities (3). Prerequisites: PEDU 2000 or RECR1000 or consent of instructor. This course details an examination of maintenance requirements and management procedures needed for exercise, sport and leisure service facilities and equipment. Basic understanding of the principles and practices of planning, implementing, and evaluating facilities and areas will be included. 

RECR 4100. Supervision and Management of Recreation and Leisure Services (3) 
Prerequisites: RECR 1000/2000 or consent of instructor. A study of the principles and practices of operating parks and recreation service delivery areas is detailed.  Emphasis is placed on management of playgrounds, community centers, swimming pools, sports centers, and other related facilities with particular attention to the role of the parks and/or recreation supervisor. 

RECR 4140. Program Design and Evaluation in Therapeutic Recreation (3). Prerequisites: RECR 3120 or consent of the instructor. A study of the philosophical concepts underlying therapeutic recreation service along a continuum of care. System design and evaluation of habilitation/rehabilitation programs using systems terminology. Activity and task analysis assessment, and documentation in therapeutic recreation, and summative and formative evaluation concerns are addressed. 

RECR 4150. Recreation and Leisure Services Programming (3) Prerequisites: RECR 1000 or consent of the instructor. An analysis of concepts and principles of recreation and leisure services program development, with attention to examination of recreation activity taxonomies, methods of assessing needs, the process of program planning, and development, evaluation, and promotion of a master program plan. 

RECR 4270. Advanced Concepts in Recreation and Leisure Studies (3). - Prerequisites: RECR 1000/2000 or consent of instructor. A critical analysis and study of selected theories and concepts, which influence the development of leisure behavior and the delivery of recreation services is detailed. This course is divided into two sections.  The first section will concentrate on marketing in leisure service organizations and public relations from the administrative perspective. The second section will deal with legal liability in leisure services, as well as legal foundations and risk management components.

RECR 4600. Organization and Administration of Park, Recreation & Leisure Service Agencies (3) Prerequisites: RECR 100, 2120, 4100 or consent of instructor. A study of administrative processes, the internal organization of the recreation/park department broad and executive relationships, legal foundations and legal liability considerations, risk management components, public relations, marketing from the administrative perspective.

RECR 4610. Finance in Parks, Recreation and Leisure Service Organizations (3) Prerequisites: RECR 1000, 4100, 4610 or instructor's consent. A study of recreation and park fiscal administration; sources of finance for operating & capital expenditures; revenue producing activities; financial planning, budgeting, expenditure policies & procedures, auditing process &
planning for recreation & leisure services. 

RECR 4630. Internship in Parks and Recreation (6) Prerequisite: Permission by faculty advisor or recreation faculty. An examination of professional practice. Designed to individually assign the student to a ten to twelve week program in an approved public, private or health care agency. Internship consists of a full-time placement for a minimum of 400 clock hours. (Senior status required; 18 semester hours in the park and recreation curriculum). 

Physical Education Courses 

PEDU 1010-1190. A study of the basic principles of lifetime fitness and the fundamentals 
of a lifetime sport. 

PEDU 1010. Archery (2) 
PEDU 1020. Bowling (2) lab fee 
PEDU 1030. Jogging (2) 
PEDU 1050. Elementary Golf (2) 
PEDU 1060. Basketball (2) 
PEDU 1070. Softball (2) 
PEDU 1080. Rhythmic Aerobics/Aerobic Training (2) 
PEDU 1090. Stunts, Tumbling and Trampoline (2) 
PEDU 1100. Elementary Swimming (2) 
PEDU 1110. Tennis (2) 
PEDU 1120. Volleyball/Badminton (2) 
PEDU 1130. Weight Training (2) 
PEDU 1140. Adapted Activities (2) (Individuals w/disabilities) 
PEDU 1190. Racquetball (2) 
 

PEDU 2000. Introduction to Physical Education (3). A study of personal competencies essential for effective teaching, research, coaching, and non-teaching options. Investigation of areas of concentration; history and philosophy; and relationship with other disciplines. Three lecture and two laboratory hours. 

PEDU 2020. Advanced Bowling (2). Prerequisite: 125 average. An advanced study of the 
bowling technique and an introduction to the concepts of team bowling, handicap bowling and league bowling. (Lab fee required). 

PEDU 2050. Advanced Golf (2). Prerequisite: Handicap of 12 or less. An advanced study of the skills of golf and consideration of concepts related to tournament play. 

PEDU 2060. Advanced Motor Skills (2). An examination of soccer and speedball technique 
with emphasis upon methods of teaching skills and strategies. 

PEDU 2070. Advanced Weight Training (2). Prerequisites: PEDU 1130. An advanced 
study of the principles of weight training regiment including diet, proper supplementation, and flexibility. Designed to give an overview of the principles of training and the proper position. 

PEDU 2080. Advanced Rhythmic Aerobics/Aerobic Training (2). Prerequisite: PEDU 1080.A study of health-related concepts and aerobic fitness activities, with emphasis on 
cardiovascular endurance. Leadership and instructional skills required for certification in aerobic dance will also be considered. 

PEDU 2100. Intermediate Swimming (1). Prerequisite: PEDU 1100 or equivalent skill. A study of swimming techniques at the intermediate level as defined by the American Red Cross. 

PEDU 2200. Practicum in Exercise Science (1-2) Prerequisite: PEDU 2080 or RECR 3120. An early field experience in exercise leadership, fitness assessment and nutritional analysis. 

PEDU 2300. Practicum in Athletic Training (1-4 hours) Prerequisite: Admission to Athletic Training Program. An early field experience in athletic training to meet the required hours toward N.A.T.A. certification exam as well as practical experience in taping & evaluation. Student is registered for 1-4 hours per semester in which 250 hours must be obtained in the training room, team practices and clinical experiences. 

PEDU 2400. Methods and Materials for Teaching Physical Education in the Elementary School (3). An examination of methods, techniques and materials of teaching elementary 
physical education, with attention to the movement education approach and the games approach. Emphasis on the observation and analysis of movement. Students will experience an early practicum. 

PEDU 2450. Motor Development (3). Prerequisites: PEDU 2000, 2400. The study of the changes in motor behavior over the lifespan, the processes that underlie these changes and the factors that affect them. 

PEDU 3000. Motor Learning (3). Prerequisites: PEDU 2000. An analysis of skill acquisition. Primary consideration given to the cognitive and motor processes underlying the learning of motor skills, and factors that influence motor skill learning. 

PEDU 3100. Individual Motor Skills in Games (2). An examination of tennis, archery, badminton, handball, paddle tennis and table tennis with emphasis upon techniques of teaching. 

PEDU 3200. Introduction to Athletic Training (3) Prerequisite: Biology 1610 An introduction to Athletic Training, with consideration to standards of practice, legal liability, and ethics in athletic training. Additional attention to the unique vocabulary of athletic training, the role of conditioning, equipment, and protective padding. Designed to meet National Athletic Training Certification requirements. Individual project on taping techniques required. 

PEDU 3300. Gymnastics (2). An introduction to the nature and scope of the basic skills in 
gymnastics. 

PEDU 3320. Advanced Gymnastics (2). Prerequisite: PEDU 3300. An advanced study of 
techniques in gymnastics. 

PEDU 3500. Emergency Care & Safety Techniques (2). An introduction to the American 
Red Cross approved skills necessary to respond in emergency situations requiring first aid and/or CPR. 

PEDU 3620. Lifeguarding (3). Prerequisite: PEDU 2100 or permission of instructor An introduction to lifeguarding techniques and water safety skills with emphasis upon acquiring lifeguarding and water safety techniques required for the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification. 

PEDU 3630. Water Safety Instruction (3). Prerequisite: PEDU 3620 or permission of instructor. An introduction to techniques of teaching aquatic skills. Certification by the American Red Cross as a Water Safety Instructor is available upon completion of the course. 

PEDU 3640. Administration and Management of Aquatic Programs and Facilities (3). A 
study of the operation and maintenance of aquatic facilities for schools, municipalities and other organizations with additional consideration to the organization and administration of aquatic programs. 

PEDU 3650. Methods in Adapted Aquatics (3). An examination of instructional techniques 
used to teach swimming to individuals with disabilities. 

PEDU 3710. Officiating and Judging Individual and Dual Sports (1). Prerequisite: PEDU 3100. An overview of techniques in officiating aquatics, tennis, gymnastics wrestling and golf. 

PEDU 3730. Officiating and Judging Team Sports (1). Prerequisite: PEDU 2060. An overview of techniques in officiating football, basketball, track and field, soccer and volleyball. 

PEDU 3750. Team Sports I (1). Prerequisite PEDU 2000 or permission of instructor. An 
advanced study of skills and techniques of teaching football, basketball, and soccer. Instructional unit planning for each sport will be required. 

PEDU 3760. Team Sports II (1). Prerequisite PEDU 2000 or permission of instructor. An 
advanced study of skills and techniques of teaching track and field, volleyball, and baseball/softball. Instructional unit planning for each sport will be required. 

PEDU 4020. Physical Education Program Organization/Administration and Curriculum Design (3). An investigation of practices and problems of organization and administration of instructional and extra-curricular programs in physical education, with attention to curriculum design and development for grades one through twelve. 

PEDU 4030. Psycho-Socio Aspects of Physical Activity and Leisure (3). Prerequisites: PEDU 2000, 3000, RECR 1000 or consent of instructor. A study of psychological and sociological factors that affect participation and behavior in physical activity and leisure. 

PEDU 4110. Kinesiology (3). Prerequisites: BIOL 1610 & 1620. An investigative analysis 
of human motion and application of anatomical, physiological, and mechanical principles to prescriptions for improving performance of motor skills. 

PEDU 4120. Physiology of Exercise (3). Prerequisites: BIOL 1610 & 1620. An examination of the basic metabolic processes as they occur at rest and during exercise, with emphasis on the dynamics of muscular contraction and circulation, the relationship of nutrition to physical performance, and the effect of hot, cold, altitude and water environments upon performance. 

PEDU 4130. Fitness Assessment & Exercise Prescription (3). Prerequisites PEDU 4110, 4120, BIOL 1610 & 1620. A study of methods and procedures in physiological assessment of human fitness, exercise prescription and exercise leadership. Topics related to excessive for the aging will also be discussed. 

PEDU 4150. Leisure and Fitness (1). Prerequisite: PEDU 4120. An introduction to leisure and fitness, including lecture and laboratory experiences. Designed for students to advance their skills and knowledge in contemporary, noncompetitive activities and in a series of fitness activities. Each student will be required to pass specific fitness levels and to demonstrate skill in selected noncompetitive leisure/outdoor activities. 

PEDU 4200. Advanced Athletic Training (3) Prerequisites: BIOL 1610, 1620, PEDU 3200 An advanced study of athletic injuries as they relate to cause, prevention, rehabilitative care, with emphasis on evaluation guidelines. Designed to meet National Athletic Training Certification requirements. Individual project required. 

PEDU 4410. Evaluation and Measurement (3). An introduction to cognitive, affective, and motor measurement; evaluation principles and practices, with emphasis on general motor ability, physical fitness, sports skills and elementary statistics. 

PEDU 4500. Adapted Physical Education (3) Prerequisites: BIOL 1610, 1620; PEDU 3000. A study of comprehensive and up-to-date information regarding physical activities for individuals with disabilities, with emphasis on current legislation and IEP development and assessment, physical education for infants and toddlers and programming. A laboratory experience is required in this course. 

PEDU 4510. American Sign Language for Beginners (3) - An introductory course in American Sign Language and other manual communication skills. 

PEDU 4600. Methods and Materials in Secondary Physical Education (3). Prerequisites: PEDU 3750, 3760, 4020 or permission of instructor. Lecture/laboratory experiences designed for teacher certification majors to demonstrate both knowledge and skill in their teaching and learning theory. The study of various methods will include planning, management, feedback and analysis, and assessment and evaluation of the teaching-learning process. 

PEDU 4610. Internship in Athletic Training (15). Prerequisites: Completion of all course work. An internship of 500 hours or more leading to certification in athletic training. Provides for practical experiences in an athletic training setting for the prevention and care of athletic injuries/illness. Current First Aid & CPR certification required. 

PEDU 4640. Internship in Exercise Science (12). Prerequisites: Completion of all coursework. An entry level practical experience of contractual agreement between the University supervisor, site supervisor and the student internist. Provides for 480 hours or a minimum of 12 weeks of a practicum in a clinical setting of an allied prevention health care facility. 

PEDU 4710. Coaching Theory (1) Prerequisites: PEDU 2060 and 3100. An examination of 
the critical concerns influencing athletic organizations, their administration and theoretical parameters which impact the behavior and performance of coaches, with emphasis upon applying educationally sound techniques of coaching in laboratory experiences. 

PEDU 4800. Independent Study in Physical Education & Recreation (3). Independent 
readings & research for upper level undergraduate student majors under faculty supervisor. This is an opportunity for advanced study in a special area in physical education and/or recreation. 

DANC 1010. Elementary Modern Dance (2) A study of modern dance techniques, with attention to the development or modern dance, correct posture and body alignment, dance exercises, warm-up techniques, elements of dance, traditional dance steps, and ideas for 
creating dances. 

DANC 1200. Social Dancing (1) An overview of the basic fundamentals of social dance, with 
attention to popular dances during each historical period by decades and their appearance in present day dance movements. Included are the waltz, foxtrot, two-step, cha-cha, mumbo, discotheque, etc. 

DANC 2520. Intermediate Modern Dance (1) Prerequisite: DANC 1010. A continuation of DANC 1010. A review of beginning dance techniques and an introduction to intermediate technique, beginning composition, dance experimentation and pantomime. 

DANC 3010. Advanced Modern Dance (1) Prerequisite: DANC 2520. A continuation of Dance 2520. A review of intermediate technique, an introduction of advanced technique, 
composition, beginning choreography, and jazz technique. 

DANC 4500. Methods and materials in Folk and Square Dancing in the Secondary Schools (1) An overview of fundamental skills of folk and square dance with attention to 
techniques of teaching. Required of all majors. 

DANC 4600. Methods and Materials in Tap and Clog Dancing in the Secondary Schools (1) An overview of basic steps in tap and clog dancing with attention to methods and materials for teaching tap and clog in secondary schools.