Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Introduction
Object of Study
My object of study is the discipline of Kinesiology. The definition of kinesiology
according to the AKA (American Kinesiology Association) is the academic discipline
which involves the study of physical activity and its impact on health, society, and quality
of life. The Kinesiology department is part of the College of Health Sciences: which is
located in front of the UTEP library on campus.
In the College of Health and Sciences is where you would create a sense of identity for
yourself because that is where you would be spending most of your time. It employs
approximately thirty-five full-time, and a number of part-time faculty, many whom are
nationally known leaders in the field of Kinesiology. The kinesiology department also
forms a part of the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in the Health Sciences program at UTEP.
The Interdisciplinary Studies offer students the opportunity to put together their own
degree program. Based on their interests, they can choose three concentrations in
different professional and/or liberal arts areas of study, and sample a number of academic
and professional disciplines. The graduate program supports the studies of at least sixty
students per year.
Kinesiology taps into the body to find, heal or shift the root cause of the imbalance. I find
it interesting because kinesiologist treat a range of disorders including stress, muscular
disorders, nervous disorders, allergies, nutritional deficiencies, emotional problems.
For my data methods part I chose the ethnographical method because it is the systematic
study of people and cultures. It is designed to explore cultural phenomena where the
researcher observes society from the point of view of the subject of the study.
I completed this method by doing site observations in the Health science department;
which represents the department of kinesiology. I also used the qualitative method; which
uses tools like interviews, surveys, and Observations. These were effective because they
are the exact methods I needed to gain certain information.
The following where my research questions and I chose there specifically because they
will help me answer some part of the disciplinarity portion of my research paper.
-What type of hands on practice will I have to know? How much will I need to have to
be a successful student in the discipline of kinesiology?
-What type of job will I gain after getting a degree in kinesiology?
These research questions are appropriate for my inquiry because they are not leading
questions and they will get me the right information I need to complete this project.
The idea my project is associated with kinesiology and the understanding of it.
The following are my secondary research questions and these questions are effective for
my investigation because they will take me through the path towards becoming the
distinct student I need to be within the department of kinesiology.
These questions will also touch part of the disciplinarity, in other words it will touch the
how-ness of the culture, which includes the process that both novices and insiders
engage as they are subjected to the rules and regulations that govern it.
-What else can I do to strengthen my experience while I am pursuing my degree in
kinesiology?
Procedure/Methodology
Data Methods:
The data I needed to collect were acquired mainly by using the ethnographical and
qualitative methods. These methods were good choices because they have answered my
primary and secondary questions, not only did they answer these questions, but other
questions I had too.
Data Collection
Surveys:
My survey was distributed to 23 out of the 50 students I intended to survey. The surveys
were distributed to students in the UTEP library and the Health Science department. They
were distributed the 3rd week of October and 3rd week of November.
The populations surveyed where UTEP students that were 18+ years of age and that lived
here in El Paso, Juarez, Las Cruses or any foreign student. I chose to give out multiple
choice as well as open-ended questions because students find them to be easy and I find it
to be clean when it comes to organization purposes.
Documents:
-
Sites of observations:
My site observations were done in the College of Health Science and UTEP Library.
These sites were used for observation purposes because they where open to the public so
they were concentrated areas which made it easier for me to get observations done and
get accurate information for this part of the project.
My observations begun form 2:37 pm and they ended at 3:40 pm. The length of my
observation for the College of Health Science was forty-five minutes and the observation
time for the UTEP library observation was also forty-five minutes long, which made it a
total of an hour and thirty minutes of observation hours.
While at the library, I was on the first floor computer lab and I sat at the very back,
where I had a clear view of everyone that came in or was already at the library. While at
the College of Health and Sciences I sat at one of the tables of the lobby that was located
at the first floor
The people who were located at the library were mainly students, teachers, and assistants.
They arranged form the age of 18-55. Almost all of them came alone or had a companion
with them. Most of them were busy doing some sort of homework or activity in the
computer.
The people who were located at the College of Health and Science were either running
around doing something or they were sitting down where I was located. There were not a
lot of people in the department because it was Friday and most of them had left.
Data Coding:
Survey Coding:
For the survey, I sorted and coded my information in groups. There were 23 students I
surveyed in total. I categorized my groups for (Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, Senior).
Then I saw each question and got three of the most important questions I asked, which
were ranking, if they had ever gone to a psychologist, and how important they thought
was a physical therapist for rehabilitation purposes.
There were 10 freshman, 6 sophomores, No juniors, and 7 seniors surveyed. Then I took
the next two questions, (Have you ever been to a physical therapist and How important
do you think a PT is for rehabilitation purposes 1-10?). The first question was a YES/NO
type of question and I got 11 yes and 12 no in total.
Then I got the next question and organized them with the information I got for the
median, mode and range. For the median I got 9, for the mode I got 10, and for the range
I got 8.6. For the plotting part I will input my results in the categories with letters that
represent their classification. (F,S,J,S)
Observation Coding:
For the observation I coded my information by separating the information. I gathered the
information and made two sections, which where the College of Health and Sciences and
UTEP library.
Then I compared the two and sorted them according to movement involved. I saw that the
UTEP library had more movement involved due to all the students that were present and
the College of Health and Science had less movement due to the minimum students it
had.
I concluded that the library is a more active environment even though it is considered to
be a calm environment designed for the public. In my reflection I jotted down that there
Space
H, L
Habits
F, S, J, S
I/T of discourse
H, L,
Situations
H.L
6
Secondary Research Question
Ethos; Status
What else can I do to strengthen my
experience while I am pursuing my degree?
1.
were no juniors who took my survey. I will do the same and input them with the letters
that represent the sections. (L, H)
Results/Discussion
For my research I used most of my categories of analysis. The ones that where used most
often were: Ethos, Logos, Status, Knowledge/Power, Situations, Traditions and Values.
Since I cant discuss them all so I chose three categories of analysis. For the categories of
analysis I chose Ethos, Logos, and Values.
Ethos was first incorporated when I asked my primary question What makes a good
student in the field of kinesiology?. In ethos this questions the ideal character traits and
what one needs to know to function well in the field. What makes a good student in the
filed of kinesiology are not one, but many factors. This question was answered when I
started my triangulation method; which involves at least three different research methods
by which data is collected.
An example of it was my survey and I asked, How many hours per week do you study?
so I reviewed all surveys that had to do with science related majors and saw the hours of
study they had, then I found out what the range was which was six hours of studying they
did at least in a week. Two of the people I surveyed had kinesiology majors.
In the document analysis section I reviewed the UTEP syllabus of spring 2010 and it said
that to be an insider of this discourse community you must participate fully in all class
activities, meet dead lines, be courteous, provide constructive criticism, and have
important goals set. The document also showed me the type of thinking I need to strive
for which is dualism, multiplism, and relativism thinking. This document falls into both
ethos and values categories because it also is a course description.
Logos connects to my research method that I used which was the triangulation method;
that studies ethnography. One example of when I used the ethnographic method was
when I did my site observation. Ethnography states that, Behavior is a part of
environment, and my site observation proves that because I was studying a specific
environment and everyday practice/behavior.
Everything is a part of the environment and movement is also a part of it; which was
what I was observing for when I conducted my site observation. I came to the conclusion
that maybe the UTEP library, is not such a good environment to actually study, but since
they have specific rooms that are assigned to you for when you are trying to concentrate
it may be a good idea after all.
Values discuses: internships, course descriptions and clubs/organizations. I looked up the
interview questions that I didnt get a chance to actually get from a professor that is an
insider of the discourse community. I found out that you have to do certain internships
before you are admitted to the Physical therapy program that UTEP offers.
The course descriptions where also in the syllabus document I mentioned earlier, which
also connected to the logos category. The course description from the syllabus was very
helpful because it showed exactly what had to be expected from the course in that
semester. The clubs/organization I asked in for my interview question was What clubs/
organizations would you recommend to be in? at UTEP there is a Kinesiology club that
is composed of students that were accepted into the UTEPs Kinesiology program. That
would be a good option if you want to be an insider of the discourse community.
Conclusion
In my research I concluded that ethos, logos and pathos has been met. My discourse
community incorporates the use of all three rhetorical appeals and not only does it meet
these, but also other categories of analysis like: Status, Knowledge/Power, Situations,
Traditions, and Values. The foundation of the Kinesiology culture is set by selfdisciplined people that engage in disciplined thought and take disciplined action.
There is a remainder of things to be explored, which can only be answered if you actually
keep being an insider of the discourse community. There where some limitations
throughout my research mostly having to do with time management, and unfortunately no
interviews were made, but I am optimistic towards the results I gathered.
This research paper might benefit a novice and/or high school student who may be
interested in the discipline of Kinesiology. The benefits they might gain from this paper
are the understanding of how to become an insider in the discourse community and also
an investment if they end up deciding to take a different path and change majors.
Appendices
10
APPENDIX A:
A1. INTERVIEWS:
Interview Questions:
Academically
where would
you have to be
standing to
continue to
pursue a career
in kinesiology?
What makes
a good
student in the
field of
kinesiology?
Is there any
additional
information
one pursuing
a degree in
kinesiology
would want
to be aware
of?
As a novice
of this
discourse
why would
someone
want to keep
being
engaged in
kinesiology
path?
**********
**********
**********
**********
*********** ***********
***********
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kinesiology major?
6. How high of a GPA
***********
would someone want to
maintain or have to be a
successful student in
kinesiology field?
7. Would you
recommend doing any
internship while trying to
pursue a degree in
kinesiology?
8. How does a novice
wanting to pursue a
degree in kinesiology
submit to and engage to
become an insider in its
discourse community and
culture?
9. What other courses
would you recommend to
take if available here at
UTEP?
10. Are there any camps
you would advice on
attending that one would
benefit from?
11. What else can one do
to strengthen their
experience while
pursuing a degree in
kinesiology?
What are some
benefits for someone
wanting to pursue a
degree in kinesiology?
13. Is there any other
information you would
like to give to a novice
majoring in kinesiology?
***********
*********** ***********
***********
***********
***********
*********** ***********
***********
12.
***********
ANSWERS:
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5. Why might a person want to remain situated at the periphery of a kinesiology major?
- A Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology also serves as great preparation for
entrance into complimentary fields of advanced and professional study, such as
Medicine, Physiotherapy and Chiropractery. Because of this, a Kinesiology degree also
helps serve as a base for some careers that require further education and training, such as
Physical Therapist, Doctor and Chiropractor.
6. How high a GPA would someone want to maintain to be a successful student in the
kinesiology department or any programs?
- A MINIMUM 3.0 TO ENTER THE PHYSICAL THERAPY DOCATORATE
PROGRAM.
7. Would you recommend doing internships while trying to pursue a career in the
kinesiology field?
-Kinesiology Internships Compliance Requirements
CPR Card (Healthcare Provider by the American Heart Association)
Liability Insurance (UTEP issued Liability Insurance ONLY)
Community Wide Orientation (CWO)
Background Check Instructions
Drug Screen Instructions
PPD (TB - Tuberculin Testing) Skin Test
TDAP
Varicella titer (Chickenpox)
Mumps, Rubella and Rubeola titers
Hepatitis B series and positive titer
8. How does a novice wanting to pursue a degree in kinesiology submit to and engage to
become an insider in its discourse community and culture?
-Since UTEP is similar to a commuter college, I recommend that students try their best
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13
to meet students studying for a degree similar to their own. Don't be shy to meet new
people, and bring up the idea of studying a few times a week with students who are
taking the same courses as yourself. It is a great way to study course material and just as
great a way to develop long-lasting friendships.
12. What are some benefits for someone wanting to pursue a degree in kinesiology?
-Enhance learning
-Boost sports performance
-Eliminate emotional, physical and mental stress
-Help with finances and decision making
-Pin-point and eliminate allergic reactions (IMRs)
-Help overcome past trauma
-Identify nutritional deficiency or excess
-Help overcome fears and phobias
-Aid the healing of muscle injuries
APPENDIX B
B1. SURVEYS
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APPENDIX C
C1. DOCUMENTS:
-The University of Texas at El Paso Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Exercise
Science Concentration (Pre-Occupational Therapy)
Name ___________________________________ ID# _________________________
Phone _________________________ (Last) (First)
Address __________________________________Email:____________________________ Minor: _Psychology__________ University
core (42 Credit Hours + 2 lab hours) *Minimum grade of C required for all University
core courses.
Revised 5/07
Prerequisites
Course Number Title
ENGL 1311
Expository English Comp
Research and Critical
ENGL 1312
Writing
COMM 1301 or Public. Speaking
1302
Or Bus./Prof. Com.
HIST 1301
History of the U.S. to 1865
History of the U.S. since
HIST 1302
1865
POLS 2310
Introduction to Politics
Am. Government and
POLS 2311
Politics
MATH 1320
Math for Social Sciences I
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15
BIOL 1305
1107
BIOL 2311
2111
SOCI 1301
General Biology
Topics in the Study of Life
(lab)
Human Anat./Phys. I
MATH 0311
Take with BIOL
1305
BIOL 1305/1107
Take with BIOL
Human Anat. Phys. Lab I
2311
Visual & Performing Arts
Intro to Sociology
Humanities
Institutionally Design. Opt.
3
1
3
1
3
3
3
3
Fundamentals of Nutrition
Human Anat./Phys. II
2113
PSYC 2310
PSYC 2312
ENGL 3359
CLSC 3150
CHEM 1407 or PHYS
1403
BIOL 1305
BIOL 1305/1107
Take with BIOL
2313
PSYC 1301
PSYC 1301
ENGL 1312
3
3
MATH 1320
1
3
3
3
1
Course Title
KIN
1303
KIN
2332
KIN
3331
KIN
4312
KIN
4313
KIN
4314
Foundations of
Kinesiology
Motor Learning and
Control
Prerequisites
Sub
Fac
Ini.
S/Y Cr Gr
3
KIN 1303
3
3
Exercise Physiology
Biomechanics
Special Populations
15
16
KIN
4330
Fitness Programs
1 Hour elective
Exercise Science Concentration (15 hours) Minimum grade of C required for all
Kinesiology courses
Course
Course Title
KIN 4323
KIN 4334
Prerequisite
Sub
Fac
Ini.
S/Y Cr Gr.
3
Course Title
Prerequisite
MATH 1320
PSYC 1301 and
PSYC 1303
Sub
Fac
Ini.
S/Y Cr Gr.
3
3
3
3
3
3
16
17
C 1.2
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they receive ongoing training. Advertises program to employees and evaluates its
effectiveness. Works for corporations.
FITNESS CHOREOGRAPHER
Designs aerobic routines for exercise classes and teaches them to instructors. Works for
fitness clubs, dance studios, video producers, or choreography services.
FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
Teaches physical fitness classes, such as aerobics or weight conditioning. Provides
information to help participants avoid injury and maximize workout benefits. May train
other instructors. Works for fitness clubs, resorts, hotels, or community agencies.
INTRAMURAL SPORTS DIRECTOR
Coordinates all aspects of intramural sports program, including budget, staffing, program
planning, and evaluation. Works for colleges and universities.
PERSONAL TRAINER
Works one-on-one with an individual to develop a fitness program. Conducts a fitness
assessment including personal and medical history. Designs fitness program and monitors
clients' progress. May travel with client. Most work on free-lance basis.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR
Teaches children the rules of different sports and encourages their physical and athletic
development. Works for public or private schools.
PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANT COACH
Coordinates specific components of team training, such as strength and training coach or
pitching coach. Coordinates training and information with head coach. Works for
professional athletic teams.
PROFESSIONAL HEAD COACH
Motivates professional athletes to perform their best and to continue to improve their
skills. Review tapes of previous games to plan future strategies. Evaluates and selects
potential team members. Makes presentations and grants interviews to the press. Works
for professional athletic teams.
PUBLIC SCHOOL COACH
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Motivates, trains, and disciplines students toward a common goal. Monitors players'
academic progress. Discusses athletic program with school administrators. Writes press
releases. Coordinates tryouts. May teach classes in some school districts. Works for
public or private schools.
RECREATIONAL THERAPIST
Plans and monitors recreation programs to help patients recover or adjust to disabilities.
Requires a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or a related field.
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH
Establishes off-season programs and strength and agility training for the prevention of
injuries and improvement in performance. Works for professional or college sports
teams.
TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANT
Specializes in technology related to fitness, such as computerized exercise machines,
databases to store client information, and machines that analyze nutritional content of
food. Advises fitness clubs or athletic programs on which technical products to buy and
how to use them most effectively. Works for a consulting firm or on a free-lance basis.
WEIGHT TRAINING INSTRUCTOR
Teaches proper techniques and exercises in the weight room for various training
programs. Helps individuals tailor a workout regimen and monitor progress. Works for
fitness clubs or sports teams.
LESS DIRECT Career Options
The fit between academic training in kinesiology and job description is still very close.
However, knowledge of kinesiology may be less pertinent to these positions, and a
degree in kinesiology itself may or may not serve as a credential for employment.
ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR, RESORT
Plans and advertises recreational and sporting activities for resort guests. AGENT
Acts as an athlete's intermediary with a team's owner and general manager in order to
secure the best financial and playing arrangement for the athlete. Many serve as financial
advisors for players, making suggestions for investments or product endorsements. Most
work on free-lance basis.
FITNESS CLUB ADMINISTRATOR
19
20
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21
Reports, writes, and edits sports copy. Attends variety of sporting events. Interviews
athletes and coaches. May conduct investigative research. Works for newspapers or
magazines.
INDIRECT Career Options
At first glance, the jobs listed may not appear to have much to do with the study of
kinesiology. Yet there is a connection. The primary skills required in these jobs overlap
substantially with some of the skills a kinesiology major normally acquires.
ACADEMIC COUNSELOR, COLLEGE ATHLETES
Advises students academically about course requirements, career resources, and progress
towards completion of a degree program. Establishes tutoring or other individual
instruction programs for athletes. Works for universities.
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT ASSISTANT
Assists account executive in liaison between an advertising agency and its clients. Helps
to coordinate and manage advertising campaigns based on client need. Works for
advertising agencies.
ARENA/STADIUM MANAGER
Schedules events on a year-round basis for arenas/stadiums, including sports,
conventions, and concerts. Coordinates marketing of events and ensures that all details of
events run smoothly. Troubleshoots any problems that may occur. May involve extensive
travel to book new shows and attractions. For public- financed stadiums, prepares profit
reports for elected officials. Works for arenas or stadiums.
CORPORATE RECRUITER
Interviews job applicants on college campuses, at employment fairs, and at trade and
professional meetings. Promotes effective relation with college, universities, and other
institutions that supply prospect employees. Works for variety of companies or search
firms.
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Handles customer relations, usually through direct contact with customers. Researches
and responds to complaints and informational inquiries, seeking both to meet the
customers'needs and promote the image and reputation of the employer. Works for
manufacturers and retailers.
DEVELOPER OF EDUCATIONAL TOOLS
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22
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23
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHER
Captures sporting events on camera or video. Works for newspapers or magazines or on a
free-lance basis.
TRAVEL ORGANIZER, PRO TEAM
Coordinates all travel arrangements, transportation, and living accommodations for
touring sports teams. Works for professional or college sports teams.
Career Options Requiring Graduate School
The following is a list of careers requiring a degree beyond the bachelor's: Architect for
sports facility
College athletic director
Dance/movement therapist
Designer of sports and fitness equipment Exercise physiologist
Management positions in sports management Occupational therapist
Physical therapist
Sports dentist
Sports historian
Sports orthosis and prosthesis
Sports physician
Sports podiatrist
Sports psychologist
Sports researcher
University professor
Copyright 1998, University of Texas.
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Analysis: The type of argument that is being implemented in this document is policy. A
policy is a statement of intent, and is implemented as a procedure or protocol. Some
examples are (Cell Phones are OFF in Class, The Use of Laptops).
Evaluation: The overall argument of this document, are mainly the policies and claims it
has made.
It makes a claim in the Biochemical Analysis section that says, This will be the longest
and most important chapter of your paper.
It provides sufficient explicit evidence that supports its claims.
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25
4. Organizational structures:
Analysis: The information is organized in a Time Segment manner.
Evaluation: The information is organized effectively, leaving no questions
whatsoever.
This organizes material in terms of its parts or aspects.
5. Functions: The writer for this document wants us to learn that it is important to go
over the guidelines of the syllabus to be successful in the course. He wants us to
archive this document for future reference; like most professors.
6. Document Design:
Analysis: The writer has considered in which disposition the reader might read the
document. The reader will not be stressed when they receive the document
because its short and precise. The reader will have to reference back to the
document to find specific pieces of information that might me useful for future
reference.
Evaluation: The document was designed for college students taking that course
for informational purposes and writing roles. The types of argument where
adequate for this document, the structure of the document was time segment and
the function of the paper was well planed out.
C 1.4
-REQUIREMENTS FOR WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS (DEPARTMENT OF
KINESIOLOGY) 24 PGS.
http://www.plu.edu/kinesiology/widgets/documents-forms/items/guidelinescertification-planning/requirements-written-assignments.pdf
C 1.5
-Kinesiology for dummies
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http://www.utep.eblib.com/patron/FullRecord.aspx?p=1609393&echo=1&userid=80
534780&tstamp=1415571091&id=F54CD066AA976A447C670819441479BA37BD22
07
APPENDIX D
D1.
Documents used from Kinesiology for Dummies
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27
10/9/14
Begin Time
3:32
End Time
3:50
# People at Site
(demographic info.)
UTEP students
Place
-There is a bookshelf to my right and left, further you can see the computers. Sort of like a lounge
area.
-People: There are people in their laptops, sleeping, cell phones, taking notes, listening to music,
stretching in their chairs, talking.
-There is a teacher helping another student in the computer area.
-A male probably Hispanic student just walked in alone.
-Some girls just high fived- maybe because they did something right.
-There are two guys where I am seated, which is the lounge area and they are sleeping.
-I have one of my classmates sitting next to me.
-There are about 75 people in here right now. They are mostly all sitting alone. They are also
coming in alone.
Observations
Reflections
27
28
comfortably.
28