COURSE SYLLABUS – PE 225 - YOGA SKILLS
Diana Cummins, MA, RYT, Instructor
Spring Semester 2013
Los Angeles City College
Office Hours: Th 3:45 – 4:15pm/by appt.
Section # - 2910, 2912, 2913
Th 4:30 – 6:35 pm, Th 6:50 – 8:55 pm
Messages: 323-953-4000, ext. 2865
E-Mail – cummindj@lacitycollege.edu
Website- faculty.lacitycollege.edu/cummindj
The purpose of Yoga is to AWAKEN THE BODY, to STILL THE MIND and CONNECT TO THE SELF B.K.S. Iyengar
COURSE OVERVIEW:
PE 225/Yoga Skills, is an introduction to the body-mind practice of the yoga system. Students learn; fundamental
yoga asanas to safely develop core strength, flexibility of muscles, joints and spine, basic PRANAYAMA (breathing)
techniques, the 8 LIMBS OF YOGA and the YOGA SUTRAS, (philosophical base of all Yoga study). The course is
designed to meet the needs of beginning and more experienced yoga practitioners to assist in deeper study and
understanding of the asanas and yoga philosophy. Everyone is encouraged to work within their current fitness level
and will receive guidance on asana modification for specific body issues.*
*Let the instructor know BEFORE CLASS if you have injuries or health conditions that need special consideration.
WOMEN – if you are on your period - let the instructor know BEFORE CLASS to better serve your needs. During
periods – no inversions, head should be supported during specific asanas.
STUDENT OUTCOMES:
CREATE and perform a 5-8 minute yoga vinyasa sequence, demonstrating correct positions of yoga poses
(asanas), body alignment and modifications, as appropriate. (solo or small group)
DEMONSTRATE understanding of fundamental Yoga Asanas. (physical postures).
IDENTIFY Yoga vocabulary, history, and the YOGA SUTRAS, the foundation of Yoga.
REQUIREMENTS:
Prompt and consistent attendance. Be on Time.
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION in each class.
YOGA BLANKET/NOTEBOOK – bring to every class. *See handout on purchasing a yoga blanket.
ATTIRE for CLASS:
Wear loose, comfortable clothing appropriate for physical activity.
NO street clothes, shoes, or socks. Students in jeans will be asked to observe/write about class.
TEXT: There is not required textbook for this class. YOGA BLANKETS – mandatory.
Download the PE225 Study Guide Handouts covering course curriculum, course syllabus copies and other
Information from my LACC faculty website: faculty.lacitycollege.edu/cummindj
Asana pictures can be found on the PE Faculty/Dance website under my instructor bio.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: This class begins on time. Sign the attendance roster at the door every week.
Roll is taken 5 minutes after class start time. The roster book will be removed when class begins.
Students arriving 15 minutes late are Tardy; 30 minutes late are absent.
Tardiness disrupts class and increases the possibility of injury.
LATE STUDENTS OBSERVE CLASS – YOU DO NOT JUMP INTO CLASS – NO EXCEPTIONS.
You may write a class observation and turn in at the end of class.
If you come in late, speak to the instructor to make sure you are noted in the attendance roster.
STUDENTS are allowed ONE ABSENCE per semester.
MISSING 3 CLASSES – can be DROPPED from class and must be reinstated to receive a grade.
CLASS MAKE-UPS: All classes missed after 1 absence can be made up in another LACC Fitness/Yoga class.
It is the student’s responsibility to complete any class make-ups before the deadline, which is 3 weeks before
the final class. Please submit a note from the make-up class instructor. Any pre-arranged written make-up
work must be discussed with the instructor, completed and turned in (hard copies only) in the final class.
Any schedule conflicts – E-MAIL or SPEAK WITH THE INSTRUCTOR BEFORE THE DEADLINES.
INCOMPLETES – Incompletes are only given in the event of documented personal illness or family emergency.
Students requesting an INCOMPLETE must speak with the instructor 3 weeks prior to the final week of the
course. An incomplete will not be given to a student because of chronic tardiness or missed classes.
Yoga Syllabus/Fall 2012/Cummins/2
ASSIGNMENTS/TESTS:
MIDTERM – Written test-covering information presented in class. Study guides available online.
Date – TBA – NO MAKEUPS
FINAL – Written VOCABULARY test, Self-Evaluation, done in final class – NO MAKE-UPS.
FINAL MOVEMENT PROJECT - Students will create and perform 5 - 8 minute yoga vinyasa
sequence that demonstrates correct positions of yoga poses (asanas), body alignment, and
modifications, as appropriate. NO MAKE-UPS.
GRADING POLICY:
Students are evaluated on the accomplishment of the stated objectives and course requirements.
GRADES - GRADES are based on a point system. Points are calculated from the following categories:
Tests and Movement Evaluations – Total points calculated from test results/evaluations.
Attendance and Participation – 10 points per class. (points deducted for tardiness)
Individual Effort and Improvement over the course.
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = 59% and Below
Students who do not attend the final class will be dropped one letter grade.
EXTRA CREDIT WORK –Interested students may discuss extra credit options with the instructor. However, written
assignments do not make up for missed physical class participation so all effort should be made to be in class or take
make-up classes. Any pre-arranged EXTRA CREDIT WORK in hard-copy format must be turned in at the final class
meeting to receive credit. No late papers, no e-mail attachments, no extensions. Class make-up and written
verification must be completed 3 weeks before the final class. NO EXCEPTIONS.
IMPORTANT- PLEASE READ
All physical activity classes in the LACC Physical Education Department place a strong emphasis on student
attendance, in addition to the skill assessments and written work required during the session. To support accurate
attendance records, this instructor asks that you sign in at every class. If you come in late, speak to the instructor to
make sure you are noted in the attendance roster. Put your class time next to your name if you are making up in
another of my yoga classes. I allow this on a permission only basis.
If you have any attendance or scheduling concerns, verbally communicate with the instructor before upcoming
deadlines. This instructor will not discuss with any student (or other family member) other student concerns as this is
a violation of the California Education Code.
Cheating constitutes academic dishonesty. Penalties may range from no credit for the assignment or test up to and
including exclusion and/or an “F” grade for the course.
A NOTE ABOUT YOGA PRACTICE:
While the benefits of a yoga class can usually be felt at the end of the first experience, PRACTICING ONLY ONE
TIME A WEEK does not support meaningful physical or mental change. Practicing what one learns in class is
essential for the body to LEARN the ASAHAS and develop the physical strength and flexibility that most students are
eager to experience. This means that a 5 to 20 minute daily personal practice can make a difference in meaningful
change. Speak with the instructor about suggested out of class practice sequences.
TURN YOUR CELL PHONES OFF.
Yoga is a time for practitioners to find a quiet space in which to reconnect to their inner self. To support this
kind of atmosphere, this instructor asks all students to respect this request. This policy is for you, the students, to get
the most out of your yoga practice.
Yoga Syllabi/Cummins/3
IMPORTANT – DROP DATE INFORMATION
As a student of Los Angeles City College, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to submit all appropriate
paperwork to add or drop classes in a timely manner.
The deadline to drop without a “W” is the last day of Week 2 (of the semester), which is Monday,
February 18th for Spring 2013. If you must drop a course, drop before the specified deadline for
dropping a class without a grade of "W." Dropping after Week 2 will result in a “W” on your
transcript. Effective since July 1, 2012 students now have just 3 attempts to pass a class. If a
student gets a "W" or grade of "D", "F", “I”, or "NP" in a class, that will count as an attempt. A
student’s past record of course attempts district wide will also be considered. Therefore, before
the end of Week 2 you should carefully consider if you can reasonably manage this course with
the other factors in your life (e.g. work, family, course load). If you think you will not be able to
complete this course with a C or better, drop by Monday, February 18th. If you have any
questions, please don’t hesitate to talk to me. You may also see a counselor in the Counseling
Center in AD 108.
Any student who feels she/he may need an academic accommodation based on the impact of
a disability should contact the Office of Special Services (DSPS) at 323-953-4000, ext. 2270 or
visit their office in room
SSV 100. All information will be confidential.
If you need help paying for books and other college expenses,
call the Financial Aid Office at
(323) 953-4000 extension 2010,
or see them at Student Services Village room 117
http://www.lacitycollege.edu/stusvcs/finaid/