School of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport
Department website: http://www.wku.edu/krs
Paula Upright, Director
Smith Stadium East 1004
(270) 745-3347
krs@wku.edu
Faculty
Professor
Kenneth J. Crandall PhD (Exercise and Sport Science), University of Utah, 2004
Raymond A. Poff PhD (Leisure Behavior), Indiana University-Bloomington, 2001
Mark A. Schafer PhD (Health and Physical Activity, Exercise Physio Clin Res Trac), University of Pitts Pittsburgh Camp, 2007
Associate Professor
Scott W. Arnett PhD (Exercise Science), University of Georgia, 2007
Stacey A. Forsythe EdD (Educational Leadership), Western Kentucky University, 2015
Thomas B. Stinnett PhD (Educational Leadership and Organizational Development), University of Louisville, 2013
Whitley J. Stone PhD (Health Sciences), Middle Tennessee State University, 2017
Rachel A. Tinius PhD (Movement Science), Washington University, 2015
Paula A. Upright PhD (Educational Leadership & Organizational Development), University of Louisville, 2009
Assistant Professor
William A. Czekanski PhD (Physical Activity and Education Services), The Ohio State University Main Campus, 2012
Brian S. Myers PhD (PHYS ED: SPECIAL PHYS EDUCATION), Eastern Michigan University, 2019
Silvio Polly Da Costa Valladao PhD, University of Mississippi, 2024
Kinesiology Courses
KIN 501 Research Methods in Kinesiology 3 Hours
An examination of the methods, materials, techniques, and planning of research studies used and conducted in the various disciplines of kinesiology. (To be taken in the first term of enrollment.)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; spring 2024
KIN 503 Advanced Motor Learning and Control 3 Hours
Theories and principles of learning as they apply to the acquisition of gross motor skills. Emphasizes the interpretation and practical application of experimental data.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023
KIN 504 Advanced Exercise Physiology 3 Hours
A comprehensive study of the acute responses and chronic adaptations resulting from exercise or other stressors on the physiological function of the human body. Particular attention will be given to applied learning, as well as to review and critique current research.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; spring 2024
KIN 505 Foundations of Curriculum Construction 3 Hours
Principles, procedures, and criteria for curriculum construction and revision, course building, and lesson planning.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
KIN 508 Adaptive Physical Education 3 Hours
In-depth study of instruction of disabled children in mainstream and/or special physical education classes. Knowledge and skills necessary to assess, plan intervention, and instruct mild, moderate, severely/profoundly disabled children in physical education.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
KIN 509 Sport in Multicultural Society 3 Hours
An examination/understanding of the role of sport in America, its impact on the social structure and the leadership behaviors needed to ensure that the societal impact of sport is congruent with traditional American values.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
KIN 512 Advanced Strength & Conditioning 3 Hours
Designed to develop advanced knowledge of strength and conditioning principles and practices. The aim of the course is to understand the process behind development, implementation, and evaluation of strength and conditioning programs for elite, collegiate, high school, and/or recreational athletic populations. The course will include professional writing and a hands-on learning component with professionals in the field of strength & conditioning.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2023
KIN 513 Coaching Theory 3 Hours
The theory and analysis of leadership behavior in interscholastic athletics with an emphasis on developing leadership knowledge, personal behavior qualities and job related skills applicable in diverse interscholastic athletic settings.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
KIN 514 Lab Methods in Exercise Physiology 3 Hours
Theory and application of laboratory techniques germane to research in Exercise Physiology. Includes musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, metabolic, and human performance testing.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024
KIN 515 Advanced Measurement and Evaluation 3 Hours
Study and application of assessment tools and statistical techniques commonly used in kinesiology research. Includes regression modeling, single and multi-factor analysis of variance, and repeated measures designs.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
KIN 516 Administrative Practice in KRS 3 Hours
Provide useful information and techniques related to the administration of physical education programs in both school and other settings. Students will focus on leadership that enhances the organization, management, planning and implanting programs and facilities.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
KIN 518 Advanced Statistics in Kinesiology 3 Hours
Study and application of statistical techniques commonly used in kinesiology research. Includes regression modeling, single and multifactor analysis of variance, and repeated measures designs.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Kinesiology (0454)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2023; fall 2024
KIN 520 Teaching Strategies in Physical Education 3 Hours
Study and application of teaching strategies utilized in the elementary and secondary physical education setting.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
KIN 521 Analysis and Criticism of Professional Literature in Physical Education 3 Hours
Analysis and critical evaluation of professional literature in the field of physical education and exercise science.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
KIN 522 Advanced Exercise Testing and Prescription 3 Hours
Focuses on the use of exercise in the treatment and diagnosis of various major disease states. Provides the student with an advanced understanding of electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, interpretation, graded exercise testing, blood pressure measurement, interviewing skills, screening, risk stratification, and pharmacology. Emphasizes exercise prescription for clinical populations, such as those with endocrinological/metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and neuromuscular disorders.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2023
KIN 523 Seminar in Exercise Physiology 3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Advanced study of contemporary knowledge and current professional research centering on various selected topics to the field of exercise science.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2024
KIN 524 Applied Biomechanics 3 Hours
Advanced study of the mechanical, neuromuscular, and anatomical bases of human movement.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2024
KIN 525 Fitness Management 3 Hours
The course will provide content addressing the current industry standards and guidelines for operating private, corporate and clinical fitness facilities and fitness management scenarios and case studies will be used to apply the course content to the field setting.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Kinesiology (0454)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
KIN 528 Dynamics of Injury Management 3 Hours
Integrates the knowledge, skills and values that Certified Athletic Trainers must possess to evaluate and treat athletic injuries and refer to appropriate medical personnel.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Recreation and Sport Admin (095)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
KIN 530 Independent Investigation in Kinesiology 1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 3 hrs)
Research problems or projects in the scientific, organizational, administrative, or supervisory areas of kinesiology.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; summer 2023
KIN 536 Applied Sport Science 3 Hours
Comprehensive exploration of sports science essentials to make data-driven decisions to optimize athlete performance. Students will acquire a deep understanding of the intricate and multifaceted nature of athletic performance, equipping them to effectively evaluate and communicate their insights.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
KIN 596 Internship in Exercise Physiology 1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Work and/or laboratory experience in Exercise Physiology practical settings in progression towards completion of the graduate program. Liability insurance is required.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023
KIN 598 Capstone Research Experience in Exercise Physiology 1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Designed for non-thesis students in the master's program in kinesiology to gain appropriate research experience prior to completing the program. Taken in the final semester of the program.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Kinesiology (0454)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
KIN 599 Thesis Research/Writing 1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
The master's thesis is to be directed by a member of the Graduate Faculty of the Department. (Each semester)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024
KIN 600 Maintain Matriculation 1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Continued enrollment for thesis completion.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2023; summer 2024
Recreation Courses
REC 404G Recreation Facility Management 3 Hours
A practical orientation to management for a variety of recreation facilities.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
REC 420G Commercial Recreation Tourism 3 Hours
Commercial recreation and tourism, including the establishment, supervision, and operation of areas and facilities.
Prerequisite(s): REC 200 and REC 302 and REC 306
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
REC 424G Camp and Conference Center Administration 3 Hours
Organization and administration of camp and conference center programs and facilities including history, trends, staffing, client needs, finance, marketing, and legal issues.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
REC 426G Facility Planning and Design 3 Hours
Facility planning and design process with emphasis on the unique features on many different areas and types of facilities. Field experiences required. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to off campus meetings. University transportation provided when possible.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
REC 428G Community Centers and Playgrounds 3 Hours
An intensive investigation of playground and community center operations.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
REC 430G Recreation Resource Management 3 Hours
Multi-use natural resource management concepts, issues in resource management and the synthesis of concept and practical knowledge into real and simulated applications of land use and environmental problems related to the leisure service industry. Field trips required. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to off campus meetings. University transportation provided when possible.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
REC 434G Environmental Interpretation 3 Hours
Environmental interpretation in leisure and educational settings. Includes interpretive design of exhibits and facilities. Emphasizes the development of presentation and program skills.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
REC 435G Outdoor Expedition Planning 3 Hours
Principles and techniques for planning, designing, implementing and evaluating extended outdoor expedition programs. Overnight field trips required. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to off campus meetings. University transportation provided when possible.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
REC 437G Outdoor Leadership Expedition 3 Hours
Outdoor Leadership capstone course involving a backcountry expedition, leadership development, and teaching techniques. Successful students will receive the Wilderness Education Association Outdoor Leader Certification. Overnight, extended field-trips required. Field experiences required. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to off campus meetings. University transportation provided when possible.
Prerequisite(s): REC 435G (may be taken concurrently) or permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
REC 482G Recreation Workshop 1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 9 hrs)
Workshops are designed to study special areas relating to the recreation profession. Workshops may be experiential in nature or may follow a traditional class format. Field experiences and/or study at regional campus locations are usually required. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to off-campus meetings. University transportation provided when possible.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
Recreation and Sport Administration Courses
RSA 501 Research Methods in Recreation and Sport 3 Hours
Research terminology, design, methods, data analysis, and manuscript preparation in recreation and sport.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024
RSA 513 Recreation and Sport Administration 3 Hours
Leadership and management of recreation and sport agencies with emphases on strategic planning, policy, human resources, programming, governance, and organizational behavior and culture.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024
RSA 515 Recreation and Sport Facility Development 3 Hours
Facility development process with emphasis on the unique features of many different types of facilities. Field experiences required. Students are responsible for their own transportation to off campus meetings. University transportation provided when possible.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024
RSA 517 Legal Issues in Recreation and Sport 3 Hours
Legal systems, legal concepts, and landmark cases influencing the recreation and sport industry.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024
RSA 519 Fiscal Practices in Recreation and Sport 3 Hours
Financial principles and practices relevant in recreation settings. Topics include economic principles, financial management and organization, income sources, fundraising, pricing, and budgeting.
Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; summer 2024
RSA 521 Public Relations in Recreation and Sport 3 Hours
Specialized application of effective communication techniques for building relationships with internal and external constituencies that support marketing from the general practice of public relations.
Equivalent(s): PR 521
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024
RSA 523 Theoretical Foundations of Recreation and Sport 3 Hours
Philosophy, theory, and ethics of recreation and sport, including current professional trends in the field.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; summer 2024; fall 2024
RSA 530 Advanced Studies in Recreation and Sport 3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Specific and detailed analysis of issues in recreation and sport incorporating individualized instruction between student and faculty.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
RSA 532 Environmental Education Resources 3 Hours
Experiential learning with environmental education resources. Emphasis is placed on Kentucky based interpretation of the natural environment. Field experiences required and students are required to provide their own means of transportation to field sites.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
RSA 534 Facility Management 3 Hours
This course integrates the various management functions of public assembly facilities. Students focus on advanced management principles, practices and methods.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024
RSA 536 Event Management 3 Hours
This course integrates the various management functions associated with conducting successful events. Students focus on advanced management principles, practices and methods.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024
RSA 538 Facility and Event Security Management 3 Hours
Emphasis on efficient methods of security management in the recreation and sport (facility and event) industry, with a focus on an interagency approach.
Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; winter 2023; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; winter 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024
RSA 542 Investigation of Current Interscholastic Athletics Issues 3 Hours
A capstone experience for the concentration in IAA that will involve an in depth investigation of the various issues addressed throughout this program of study. Does not count toward certification of rank change in Kentucky.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024
RSA 543 Sports Medicine Administration for Interscholastic Athletics 3 Hours
An in-depth study of the many issues administrators and coaches face in supporting and developing an interscholastic sports medicine program within a school or school district. Does not count towards certification or rank change in Kentucky.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024
RSA 544 Practicum in Interscholastic Sport 3 Hours
Cooperative field experiences in approved interscholastic sport settings where students obtain professional administrative and/or programming experiences with agency and university supervision.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
RSA 546 Leadership and Ethics in Sports Health Care 3 Hours
Provides knowledge and skills related to leadership and ethical behavior and decision making in a variety of athletic training employment settings.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Recreation and Sport Admin (095)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
RSA 554 Student-Athlete Development 3 Hours
Develop an understanding of the historical and contemporary issues faced by student-athletes at colleges and universities. Content includes support services guidelines in the areas of academics, personal issues, and career preparation/planning.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024
RSA 556 Governance in Intercollegiate Athletics 3 Hours
Provides for a thorough examination of intercollegiate athletics governing bodies (i.e., NCAA, NAIA, NAAC, NJCAA). Emphasis placed upon governing hierarchy, responsibilities of individual institutions, conference affiliations, and membership requirements.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024
RSA 558 Compliance in Intercollegiate Athletics 3 Hours
Provides an in-depth analysis of NCAA rules and regulations relating to intercollegiate athletics. Topics include ethical conduct, employment issues, amateurism, recruiting, eligibility (academic and general requirements), financial aid, awards and benefits, playing and practice schedules, and enforcement.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024
RSA 560 Issues in Nonprofit Administration 3 Hours
Historical, philosophical, and theoretical examination of the nonprofit sector, voluntary action, and philanthropy. Including the comparative perspectives, scope, and significance of the sector. Critical issues related to nonprofit governance, leadership, and board/committee development.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024
RSA 565 Nonprofit Grant Writing and Fundraising 3 Hours
Principles, practices, techniques, and ethics of nonprofit grant writing and fundraising. Philanthropy, relationship building, and comprehensive fund development processes. Special emphasis placed on writing grants and developing fundraising strategies.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024
RSA 570 Fiscal Administration in the Nonprofit Sector 3 Hours
Financial management, accountability, stewardship, planning, and transparency for nonprofit organizations. Financial literacy with emphasis placed on planning and reporting processes requisite for establishing and maintaining federal nonprofit status.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; spring 2024; summer 2024
RSA 585 Nonprofit Practicum 3 Hours
Capstone supervised professional experience in approved nonprofit settings where students obtain professional nonprofit experience with agency and faculty supervision.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; summer 2024
RSA 590 Practicum in Recreation and Sport 3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Cooperative field experiences in approved recreation and sport settings where students obtain professional administrative and/or programming experience with agency and faculty supervision. This course requires off campus travel. Students are responsible for their own transportation to off campus meetings.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024
RSA 598 Master's Project in Recreation and Sport 3 Hours
Directed investigation of a faculty approved topic in recreation and sport culminating with the submission of a paper for publication.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
RSA 599 Thesis Research/Writing 1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
The master's thesis is to be directed by a member of the Graduate Faculty of the Department. (Each semester)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024
RSA 600 Maintain Matriculation 1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Continued enrollment for thesis completion.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None