Faculty Syllabus

This class is an activity and participation course in which stretches, correct posture, alignment and breathing techniques are taught through videos, readings, and feedback. Students complete  movements to the best of their ability and work within their own comfort level and pace. Different levels of difficulty shall be taught for the same exercise to accommodate for varying levels and abilities of students. Participants are encouraged to challenge themselves, but work within their own body limits.

Required Materials:
yoga or Pilates mat
optional: blocks: may substitute with books,
straps: may substitute with a large towel, tie, or dog leash

Apparel:
Loose fitting clothes that do not restrict movement.  No shoes required.

Technology: PC, MAC, laptop, or iPad and Internet accessibility. Please DO NOT submit assignments using a cell phone, because format will be out of order.

Class Procedures:
1. Log in each week and submit your weekly assignment.  You will do great in this class as long as you are consistent in working out on a regular basis. Consistency is the key to keeping up with the class and being a success in this online course!
2. Work out any time that is convenient, although it is suggested you schedule the same times each week to work out to stay on track.
3. Work out a minimum of twice a week, an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes each session.
4. A maximum of three missed weekly assignments is permitted for the semester. Please contact the professor to work with you for any extenuating circumstances by emailing: dkess@austincc.edu. Any missed assignments past 3 will be a deduction of 5 points for every missed assignment.
5. For your safety, please do not chew gum or eat while working out.
6. Check your ACC email on a regular basis for general announcements or individual emails.
7. It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw from this class or make arrangements with the instructor to receive an incomplete grade if they cannot continue the course for any reason.

Grades:
Grades are based on weekly assignments (75%), describing 3 stretches for the midterm (10%) and 5 of your Favorite Stretches for the final (15%). Any missed weekly assignments past 3 will be a deduction of 5 points for every missed entry, unless accommodations were discussed with the instructor.

        A = 90 – 100%
        B = 80 – 89%
        C = 70 – 79%
        D = 60 –69%
        F = 0 – 59%

Continuing Education (CE): If you are a CE student and not taking this course for college credit, your requirements are to submit the required forms and turn in your weekly assignments. Either a SATISFACTORY or UNSATISFACTORY will be awarded at the end of the semester in CE credits.

If you are not sure whether you registered for college credit or Continuing Education (CE), check your registration form, counselor, or contact your professor at: dkess@austincc.edu.

Ethical Use of AI:

• Understand the limitations:

AI should be used as a tool to assist learning, not as a replacement for critical thinking and personal effort. Students should verify information provided by AI with reliable sources. 

• Be transparent:

Disclose when and how AI tools are used in assignments, especially in writing or research. 

• Avoid plagiarism:

AI should not be used to generate complete essays or assignments without proper attribution and understanding of the content. 

• Check for biases:

AI models can sometimes perpetuate existing societal biases. Students should be aware of this and critically evaluate the information generated by AI. 

• Focus on learning:

Use AI to identify areas where improvement is needed and actively work on those areas through personal effort and engagement with the material. 

• Reflect on learning:

After using AI tools, students should reflect on what they have learned and how the AI contributed to their understanding. 

• Follow course policies:

Always adhere to the specific AI usage policies set by instructors and the institution. 

Here is a link to a guide to using Chat GPT ethically as a student: https://custom-writing.org/blog/ai-for-students-tips-using-chatgpt-ethically

Suggested Text (not required to purchase, but an excellent resource):

“Stretching”, by Bob Anderson. ISBN#2020941173

Course Objectives:
1. Develop the techniques, fundamentals, and skills for stretching, including good form and posture.
2. Students work within their own comfort level and pace.
3. Develop flexibility from varied modalities such as athletic stretches, dance, Pilates, and Yoga.
4. Illustrate sufficient knowledge to develop a stretching program designed specifically for their needs and interests.

Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Develop the techniques, fundamentals, and skills for stretching.
2. Demonstrate the ability to develop a stretching program designed specifically for individual needs and interests.
3. Comprehend how stretching relates to a healthy individual lifestyle.