Chair: Lisa Northrop (Senior Associate)
Associate: Melanie Rodriguez
Term Associate: Cindy Lanzas, Eliana Laessig
Adjunct Associates: Stephen Shulman, India Choquette, Talese Hunt
Degree Requirement
One Physical Education course is required for the General Education requirement and must be completed by the end of the First Year. One additional point of elective Physical Education may be counted towards the 122 points required for graduation, if space is available. Transfer students must complete one semester of Physical Education by the end of the Junior Year and are not eligible for the second point of credit.
Dance technique courses also fulfill the Physical Education requirement. All Dance Technique courses receive a letter grade as opposed to an automatic pass/fail grade. Consult the Dance Department for more information.
The Physical Education requirement may be fulfilled through satisfactory participation on an intercollegiate athletic team (including the cheerleading and dance teams). A student participating on an intercollegiate team must add the team course number on their program.
Students with Disabilities:
Both disabled and non-disabled students at Barnard are expected to complete the one semester physical education requirement by the end of the first year. Students with permanent or temporary disabilities will be individually advised and placed in a suitable activity, based upon the recommendations of the Director of the Center for Accessibility Resources and Disability Services (CARDS).
Prior to Physical Education course registration, students with disabilities are encouraged to discuss their needs with the Director of the Center for Accessibility Resources and Disability Services (CARDS) or Chair of the Physical Education Department. Priority registration may be offered on a case-by-case basis to students who need to enroll in a particular class for disability-related reasons.
All students with disabilities should self-identify to their Physical Education instructors as soon as possible in the semester and discuss any disability-related needs they may have. Please register with CARDS if you have not previously done so. You may also want to consult with your private clinician and/or a clinician from the Student Health Service regarding your particular situation.
Curriculum: The curriculum is organized and administered by the faculty of the Department of Physical Education. Instruction is offered in the areas of fitness, mind/body, and self-paced courses. Courses are designed to promote the development and enjoyment of lifetime motor skills, which will afford opportunities to realize one’s potential and to provide vigorous exercise to release tensions often generated by strong academic commitments and intense urban life.
Extracurricular Fitness: Recreational use of the LeFrak Center for Well-being Fitness Center and Fitbear group fitness program is encouraged. All Barnard students, faculty, and staff are eligible to use these programs.
Intercollegiate Athletics: The Barnard/Columbia Athletic Consortium provides the opportunity for eligible undergraduate women to compete together as members of University-wide athletic teams. Sixteen varsity sports are currently sponsored: archery, basketball, crew, cross country, fencing, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, squash, swimming & diving, tennis, indoor and outdoor track & field, and volleyball. Governed by NCAA and Ivy League rules, all teams are Division I. Competition is scheduled with teams from the Ivy League, the metropolitan area, and the eastern region. In addition, students are eligible to qualify for regional and national championships. Physical Education credit may be earned through satisfactory participation on a varsity team.
Registration: Registration takes place during the assigned Registration window. Information is available in the Registrar's Office or website.
Cross Registration: Barnard students may receive credit for a Columbia Physical Education course, if space is available. Admittance is at the discretion of the Columbia Physical Education Chair.
PHED BC1004 Physical Education Courses
The Barnard Physical Education Department offers a diverse range of course activities to accommodate student interests and abilities. Barnard students must complete one Physical Education course during their designated semester in their First Year. Transfer students must complete one semester of Physical Education by the end of the Junior Year (if their transfer credit evaluation necessitates a PE course). There are no exemptions from the PE requirement. Dance technique courses, intercollegiate athletic teams, and some Columbia clubs also fulfill the Physical Education requirement and have different registration procedures. Students should contact the Physical Education Department Chair with any questions.
Students may choose from a variety of topics that focus on mind/body, muscular strength/endurance, outdoor fitness, and setting health behavior change goals. See topic descriptions for details.
MIND/BODY
Beginning Yoga:
An introduction to Hatha Yoga focusing on the development of the physical body to increase flexibility and strength. Breathing practices and meditation techniques that relax and revitalize the mind and body are included.
Pilates Mat:
A combination of Pilates-based mat exercises class to strengthen core and sculpting techniques for the entire body using various equipment. Emphasis on proper breathing and alignment.
Tai Chi:
This series of classes will provide the practice of T'ai Chi Chuan as a moving meditation and health maintenance exercise. This process involves both physical and nonphysical work and introduces T'ai Chi as an exercise of consciousness. There will also be recommended reading selections in the history and philosophical underpinnings of T'ai Chi. No pre-requisite for this course. Each class will consist of physical practice of the T'ai Chi sequence of movements / postures, also discussion including history of and principles of T'ai Chi.
Yoga and Ayurveda:
Ayurveda derives from ancient India and means the "science of life." Ayurveda consists of diet and lifestyle practices to support harmony. Yoga and Ayurveda is a course that combines the traditional yoga practices (i.e. postures, breathing, and meditation) with basic teachings from the Ayurvedic tradition.
Yoga/Meditation:
This course includes an introduction to Hatha Yoga, which focuses on the development of the physical body through asanas, or poses, and classic meditation and relaxation techniques. Regular meditation practice at home is required.
MUSCULAR STRENGTH/ENDURANCE
Body Sculpting:
This course focuses on strength and endurance exercises using hand weights, resistance bands, body bars, gliding discs and balls. Muscle toning exercises are discussed and practiced in detail to develop muscle definition for the upper and lower body. Emphasis is placed on correct body placement. Informative coloring sessions enhance physical learning. Instruction in stretching technique included
Cardio Circuits:
A studio-based course designed to improve cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and overall health. Through a variety of high-energy workouts, participants will utilize dumbbells, resistance bands, and bodyweight exercises to enhance their cardiovascular training. This course features dynamic routines, including aerobic workouts, interval and circuit training, and strength-infused cardio sessions, all tailored to accommodate varying fitness levels.
Strength Training:
Introduction to the principles of strength training and conditioning. Instruction on the use of free weights, resistance machines and cardiovascular equipment for the development of muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular conditioning and flexibility. Program tailored to individual needs with an emphasis on lifetime fitness.
Total Body Fitness:
A fitness course to increase total body fitness through cardio and strength training. Course includes proper form and usage on all types of cardio equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, arc trainers, stationary bicycles, and rowers plus a variety of muscular strength exercises. This course is designed for all fitness levels with variations and progressions so that all students can safely move through classes which will have both a cardio and strength component.
SPECIAL TOPICS:
Fitness Outside:
A fitness course based on outdoor workouts. Includes walking, jogging and basic body weight training for cardiovascular, core, and muscular endurance. Students will visit locations both on and off campus for a variety of fitness activities. This course is designed for all fitness levels. Must be willing to workout in public spaces.
Health Coaching:
This course is designed to teach students the process of identifying, setting, and achieving a specific health behavior change goal within the Wheel of Health. The course will consist of short lectures, discussions, and individual health coaching sessions. Action steps towards the health goal will be expected each week outside of class meeting times.
Independent Study (PHED BC2799)
Enrollment in a college level course of instruction not offered by the Barnard or Columbia Physical Education Departments. Department approval required prior to the first day of the Physical Education registration period.