
Renee Linder
Department Assistant, Data Manager & School of Education Licensure Officer
What is physical education and health?
About
At their core, physical education and health are the principles of understanding and promoting physical literacy. Physical education focuses on studying human movement, and the role sports and physical activity have on the quality of life and the community.
A deep dive into health and fitness can help promote body positivity, improve students’ self-esteem, and create an uplifting school curriculum.
Why study physical education and health at Baker University?
As a physical education and health major at Baker University, you will have the opportunity for real-world experiences built on the foundation of theory and teaching principles that promote physical literacy. The blend of theory and classroom practices will give you tools to teach health concepts to school-aged learners. Baker University’s small classes offer personal attention from faculty and encourage robust discussions with classmates. All with ample time to assist and observe local teachers in the classroom.


What can you do with a physical education degree?
Imagine making a positive impact on young people and your community by encouraging them to make healthy decisions. Not only will you earn a teaching degree and be workforce ready, but you will also have the option to apply for graduate school to become an administrator. Either way, you can contribute to a body-positive generation of new learners. As a PE teacher, you’ll use critical thinking skills to emphasize the importance of mental and physical health. Equally important, you’ll create inclusive learning environments that set healthy examples for the mind and body.
Physical Education and Health Scholarships
The Department of Education gives these awards with financial prizes to be applied to the following year’s tuition:
- Mildred Hunt Riddle Departmental Recognition Scholarship for Education
- Mildred Hunt Riddle Departmental Recognition Scholarship for Health and Physical Education
- Carol Lee Miller and Carla Miller Reynolds Scholarship
- E. Vincent “Doc” Reichley Scholarship
- Helen Bauer Endowed Scholarship
- Rose Lister Goertz Scholarship
- Clara Louise Johanning-Dufrene Scholarship
- Dan and Peggy Harris Scholarship

Physical Education & Health Course Descriptions
PE 111 – Yoga 1 hr.
The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the philosophy, asanas (postures), and other benefits of yoga. Class time will be spent practicing the asanas and pranayama (breathing). Outside readings about the philosophy of yoga will be required.
PE 141 – Flag Football 1 hr.
This course involves instruction in football skills through student participation in practice and game situations. Students will learn and develop specific game goals and strategies in a variety of touch football games.
PE 145 – Tennis 1 hr.
Participants in this course will receive instruction in the basic skills of tennis and will gain an understanding of the rules and scoring.
PE 146 – Recreational Soccer 1 hr.
The soccer activity course will provide experience for the novice participant. The course is designed to teach soccer skills, strategy, and interest in the sport.
PE 148 – Weight Lifting 1 hr.
This beginning course for the novice lifter develops knowledge of lifting techniques, weight room safety, and structured strength programs. The course will provide an understanding of the purpose of each lift and identify the specific muscle group used.
PE 151 – Basketball 1 hr.
Students will receive instruction on offensive and defensive skills of basketball for all levels of ability. Participants will learn the rules of the game and will gain an understanding of officiating.
PE 152 – Volleyball 1 hr.
Students will be exposed to game strategies and team concepts. The course may be modified to include sand volleyball skills.
PE 155 – Racquetball 1 hr.
Students will learn the techniques and strategies of this quick, explosive, and competitive game and develop an understanding of singles, doubles, and tournament play.
PE 156 – Badminton 1 hr.
Badminton is a leisure activity that requires quick reactions and game strategy. Students will play singles and doubles and participate in tournaments.
PE 158 – Softball/Kickball 1 hr.
Students will learn the basics of throwing, catching, hitting, and fielding while taking part in coed softball. Students will also participate in kickball as a recreational team sport.
PE 162 – Adapted Activities 1 hr.
Approval of the Department Chair is required. This course is designed for any student not able to participate in regular activity courses due to physically limiting conditions. Participants will work with the instructor to adapt a program to serve their personal fitness and skill needs. Prerequisite: Department Chair approval. R
PE 167 – Cross Training 1 hr.
Students will use the Fitness Center equipment to learn proper performance techniques, measurement procedures to assess their level of fitness, and program development for lifetime participation. The course content will include a combination of cardiovascular work, strength training techniques, and running activity.
PE 180 – Concepts of Health 3 hrs. Spring only
This course fosters an understanding of conditions and situations which effect an individual’s health and well-being in order to provide the student with the skills needed to promote better personal and community health.
PE 210 – Introduction to Teaching Physical Education, Health, and Recreation 3 hrs. Fall only
This course content includes instruction in the social, historical, and philosophical foundations of physical education, as well as components of lesson design. Course emphasis is placed on professional attitudes crucial for those working with young people: awareness of the value of physical education and health, respect for all students, acceptance of diversity and its impact on learning, and an awareness of the teacher’s role as the facilitator of student learning. The course will focus on the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective development of learners PreK-12. The use of technology will be embedded in the content of this course. Pre- or co-requisite: ED 100.
PE 211 – Advanced Yoga 1 hr.
The purpose of this course is to enhance students’ previous experience with the philosophy, asanas (postures), and other benefits of yoga. Class time will be spent practicing more advanced asanas and pranayama (breathing). Outside reading about the philosophy of yoga will be required.
PE 230 – Movement and Rhythm 2 hrs. Spring only, odd years
This course covers methods of teaching basic dance routines and movement patterns in the educational environment. The impact of dance on growth and development of school-age children will be a part of the presentations. Prerequisite: ED 100.
PE 240 – Techniques of Teaching Team Sports 3 hrs. Spring only
Students will gain knowledge of teaching techniques for team sports traditionally found in physical education curricula. Rules of sport, strategy of team play, and individual skill performance are components of the course. Prerequisite: ED 100. Pre- or co-requisite: PE 210.
PE 241 – Techniques of Teaching Individual and Dual Sports 3 hrs. Fall only
This course provides students with the skills to teach individual and dual sport activities traditionally found in physical education curricula. Rules of sport, strategy of team play, and skill performance are components of the course. Prerequisite: ED 100. Pre- or co-requisite: PE 210.
PE 252 – Practicum Experience in Health 1 hr.
This course is designed to provide Physical Education and Health majors with the opportunity to collaborate and engage in various health settings outside the PreK-12 school setting. The student will devote a minimum of 20 clock hours to this course. The student will work with an advisor and establish objectives for the experience, maintain a time log of the specific activities involved, and prepare a summarizing statement of the total experience. Prerequisite: Junior or senior status and Department Chair approval. P/NC
PE 303 – Methods of Teaching Early Childhood and Elementary Physical Education and Health 3 hrs. Fall only, odd years
This course is a study of the principles related to the selection and use of teaching techniques for early childhood and elementary physical education and health. This includes understanding the values of physical activity for the promotion of healthy lifestyles, current trends in elementary physical education and health instruction, planning for instruction at the elementary level, providing a safe learning environment, and assessing student learning. The course will include the development of lesson plans, unit plans, and measurement techniques along with effective teaching skills for the elementary physical education and health classroom. The course will also include a field experience component at the elementary level. The course will involve many activities related to teaching, including a) selecting instructional strategies that will enhance learning, b) designing and delivering lessons, c) technology applications, d) identifying student outcomes and appropriate assessments, e) teaching to diverse learners, and f) communicating with parents. In addition to class meeting times, candidates will also be required to participate in 20 clock hours of practicum experience. Prerequisites: PE 240 and PE 241 or permission of the instructor.
PE 305 – Methods of Teaching Secondary Physical Education and Health 3 hrs. Fall only, even years
This course is a study of the principles related to the selection and use of teaching techniques for secondary physical education and health in sixth grade through high school. This includes understanding the characteristics of secondary students, the values of physical activity for the promotion of healthy lifestyles, current trends in secondary physical education and health instruction, planning for instruction at the secondary level, providing a safe learning environment, and assessing student learning. The course will include the development of lesson plans, unit plans, and measurement techniques along with effective teaching skills for the secondary physical education and health classroom. The course will also include a field experience component at the secondary level. The course will involve many activities related to teaching, including a) selecting instructional strategies that will enhance learning, b) designing and delivering lessons, c) technology applications, d) identifying student outcomes and appropriate assessments, e) teaching to diverse learners, and f) communicating with parents. In addition to class meeting times, candidates will also be required to participate in 20 clock hours of practicum experience. Prerequisites: PE 240 and PE 241 or permission of the instructor.
PE 309 – Tests and Measurements in Physical Education and Health 3 hrs. Spring only, even years
The purpose of Tests and Measurements for Physical Education and Health is to support learners in their development of understanding measurement and evaluation in the classrooms of physical and health educators. The course will provide practical application for assessing students in three different domains: psychomotor, affective, and cognitive. Students will understand the differences between formative, interim, and summative assessment. Students will also understand how to construct test items and interpret test results. Prerequisite: PE 210.
PE 327 – Kinesiology for Physical Education and Health 3 hrs. Fall only
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to movement concepts as applied to various sports. Laws of motion, principles of forces, equilibrium concepts, and laws governing projectiles will be introduced and applied. The anatomy and function of the musculoskeletal system and concept of levers will also be learned. The student will learn how to analyze skill movement in sport activities. In addition to class meeting times, students will also be required to participate in lab experiences. Prerequisites: BI 246, EX 181, and EX 184. Note: This course is not open to Exercise Science majors.
PE 332 – Physical Education and Health for Special Populations 3 hrs. Spring only, odd years
This course involves the theoretical and practical approaches to adapted physical activity. Students will not only examine disabilities, conditions, and diseases which might affect an individual’s ability to participate in a variety of activities, but they will also learn how to modify activities for individuals within a variety of settings.
PE 351 – Exercise Physiology for Physical Education and Health 3 hrs. Spring only
This course is a study of how the human body responds to exercise and sports performance. Content that will be covered during this course includes: nutrition and the impact of a quality diet on human performance, stress (good and bad), aerobic and anaerobic movement, and the related areas of fitness such as strength, muscular endurance, body composition, and flexibility. Prerequisites: BI 246 and PE 327. Note: This course is not open to Exercise Science majors.
Meet the Faculty

Dr. Regan Dodd
Assistant Professor of Physical Education
B.S. Northwest Missouri State University, M.S. Northwest Missouri State University, M.B.A. Baker University, Ph.D. University of Kansas
Expertise: health and physical education
Office: Case 201