Western New Mexico University
School of Education
Syllabus for Yang-style Tai Chi Chuan
MVSC 116/CRN 2012110
Fall 2011
Instructor: John Dye
Class Hours: 11:00 am – 11:50 am
Class Days: Tuesday and Thursday
Location: Graham Gym
Phone: 575-621-1999
Email: dyej@wnmu.edu, johncarsondye@gmail.com
Course Catalogue Description:
T'ai Chi, the most popular of the internal martial arts of China, develops grace and power in
equal measure. It confers axial strength, balance, and the ability to remain relaxed and
responsive under stress. Often called a “moving meditation”, it’s a unique exercise that produces
profound physical and mental changes. Yet at its more advanced levels, it is a true, potent martial
art. Students will learn the authentic Yang-style Long Form.
Text: None
Materials: Clothes that permit free movement, non-marking shoes appropriate to a gymnasium
floor
Course Outcomes and Activities:
The student will:
1. Participate in an initial sequence of group warm-up exercises.
2. Learn and become proficient in the Idyllwild Mountain Tai Chi Gung.
3. Learn the sequence of the Yang-style Long Form.
4. Demonstrate in his/her practice of the form an understanding of the principles of tai chi
chuan.
5. Continuing students will learn Fast Set and beginning Push-hands.
Activities: lecture, demonstration, discussion, and physical participation.
Assessment:
Performance: 40% of grade
The student must progress in the learning and mastering of the chi gung and tai chi form
throughout the course.
Attendance: 60% of grade
Expectations:
1. Please dress appropriately for class.
2. Please refrain from bringing the food oar children to class. Cell phones must be silenced.
Water in a spill-proof container is permitted although water fountains are available.
3. This is an activity course; you are expected to participate in all pertinent activities.
4. Please review the University attendance policy in the current catalogue. Please attend all
classes and arrive on time. Tai chi is learned, and only learned, through repetition.
Regular attendance at class is essential and is a major be a part of your grade. Without
attending the majority of classes, learning and adequate performance of the forms is
impossible.
5. Every reasonable accommodation will be made to assist any student with documented
special needs in meeting the requirements of the course. Evidence of special needs must
be presented to the instructor no later than the third class meeting.
6. Tai chi chuan is a martial art with real and potent self-defense applications. Some of these
applications will be demonstrated to, and a few practiced by, the students. The combat
applications of tai chi can inflict harm if so intended. It is expected that the students will
use caution and practice any applications safely, as instructed.