The Department of Sports Sciences examines the field from an interdisciplinary perspective including marketing and management, medicine, sociology, psychology, ethics, and nutrition. The courses are intended to introduce how these disciplines are practiced and applied specifically in the field of sports. The curriculum examines both theoretic and practical case study approaches course topics.
3 semester credits. This course provides students with an introduction to the art of yoga and meditation to gain an understanding of the philosophical and spiritual contexts that the discipline is rooted in. The course investigation begins with the notion of awareness, and the acquisition of the term through an overview of the principal asanas and their correct practice. The spiritual aspects of yoga are experienced in the form of various meditation techniques from different philosophies as well as the study of pranayama breathing exercises. Topics also include an examination of yoga props as well as dietary and nutritional guidelines, studied through the lens of yoga philosophy gleaned from sacred texts. The course will cover yoga traditions from ancient times to more contemporary interpretations.
3 semester credits. Wellness is the search for enhanced quality of life, personal and potential growth, through the choice of positive lifestyle behaviors and attitudes. Health can be improved on a daily basis by taking responsibility for our own well being. This course will teach students how our state of wellness is deeply influenced by a variety of factors including nutrition, physical activity, stress-coping methods, good relationships, and career success. Emphasis will be placed on the benefits of a constant and planned physical activity and on the understanding how each of these benefits is important to long-term health. The course provides students with the basic knowledge of primary (cardiorespiratory ability, muscular ability, flexibility, and body composition) and secondary (balance, coordination, agility, reaction time, speed, power, mental capability) components of fitness as well as the basics of anatomy. The course will teach students how to combine a targeted nutrition and physical activity for the pursue of good health as well as develop physical skills that also enhance the psychological and emotional wellbeing. Emphasis will be placed on the differences between health-related fitness and skill-related fitness. The course includes physical activity sessions focused on general physical wellness.
3 semester credits. This course focuses on power walking as a means to improve the capacities of both the body and mind. Starting with an assessment of muscular functions, posture, breathing, and healthy eating, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and techniques of aerobic walking, Ultimately they will be able to plan and take part in a successful workout comprised of stretching, exercise, and cool-down. The course is based on a series of intense power walks throughout the city, embracing Florence as an open-air gymnasium. The approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as an academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the course topic, and allows for an overall experience which contributes to students' academic and personal enrichment.
3 semester credits. Studies have shown that following the Mediterranean diet has many health benefits, especially when combined with exercise. This course includes lectures on various forms of physical and lifestyle activities and an overview of their respective health benefits. Lectures will also include visits to athletic centers within the local community and the nutritional aspects of the Mediterranean diet, and particularly the Italian culinary tradition. Food and wine tastings, and physical activity are integral components of the course and will result in the creation of a customized exercise and nutritional program by the student. This course also features a field learning component in relevant Italian locations to supplement and enrich academic topics.
3 semester credits. This course offers a comprehensive approach to wellness, nutrition, and fitness from a lifetime perspective. Course topics will examine how healthy lifestyles span across the continuum of lifespans and ages with a focus on how dietary and fitness needs evolve throughout the four main life-stages: childhood, youth, adulthood, and for the elderly. Theoretical core concepts of how dietary and fitness needs are correlated to mental health and adapt according to each life-stage will be addressed along with a comparative focus on the Italian and Mediterranean approach. In addition to in-class lectures, the course features physical activities held in local Italian fitness facilities. Students will implement course topics and to cultivate student motivation for incorporating them into their own daily lives.
3 semester credits. Through this course, students will learn the general management of medical conditions in athletes or those engaged in recreational sports. An important focus is the interaction of exercise with medical conditions such as heart disease, asthma, allergies, and diabetes. Other topics include pain management (including alternative remedies such as acupuncture), immunology, rheumatology, special issues affecting women athletes, hematology, and pharmacology and drugs in sport.
3 semester credits. This course is a comprehensive program designed to empower individuals with practical skills and knowledge for personal safety. Across lessons that bridge theory and practice, participants will delve into physical techniques, mental resilience, and self-defense strategies. Topics cover fundamental martial arts principles, situational awareness, and tactical decision-making. Practical scenarios and mindfulness exercises contribute to a well-rounded learning experience. This, this course seeks to go beyond physical techniques, fostering a holistic approach to personal security.
3 semester credits. This course provides an understanding of the role of marketing within sports - both amateur and professional - and is designed to address current industry practices. Essential components of effective sports marketing will include application of the marketing principles in the area of sports (sports products and services) licensing issues, sponsorships and endorsements and their implementation, stadium and arena marketing, promotional activities, consumer and public relations, and broadcasting and the media.
3 semester credits. Fitness professionals spend a great deal of time inspiring and assisting others in their pursuit of improved health. The course grounds students in the fundamentals of personal training by exposing them to both the theory and practice of this dynamic field. Students will learn the primary function of muscles and joints and the mechanics of movements through an analysis of human physiology applied to motion, elements of bioenergetics, principles of training. The course offers an overview of training for cardio–respiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. Students will learn the use and purpose of specific commercial fitness machines and equipment utilizing appropriate exercise guidelines and spotting techniques. Topics covered include guidelines to plan targeted exercises in order to work on specific projects and aims. Students will also understand the importance of good communication and motivation skills in order to coach individuals and establish a positive trust-based relationship, as well as how to design and implement a customized exercise program based on the individual needs. The course will also emphasize the importance of cooperations with specialized professionals and will include physical activity sessions with a dedicated focus. Prerequisites: Introductory course on health, wellness, or sports, or equivalent.
3 semester credits. What happens when the mind and the body disengage with each other? While the brain is at the center of the nervous system, it must act in unison with the body; a disconnect between the two can impact both physical and mental health. This course is dedicated to the exploration of mind-body interdependence and its relationship to wellness practices from a holistic perspective. Students will focus on both physical as well as cognitive activities to assess the mind-body interconnection. The role of positive psychology and mindfulness, and the positive and negative effects of stress will be explored through experiential and fitness activities to develop a greater understanding of how body awareness can influence wellbeing.
3 semester credits. This course is aimed to offer students already possessing a solid foundation of yoga knowledge and practice the tools to use the therapeutic functions of Hatha yoga in overcoming physical, mental, and emotional distress. Students will become familiar with health, wellness, and stress management topics through yoga practice in a therapeutic context. Through the hands-on approach to asanas, pranayama breathing exercises, and meditation techniques, students understand how to integrate yoga as a complementary treatment to medicine and a vital role in maintaining a healthy body and mind. The constant practice of awareness and observation combined with an analysis of anatomy and physiology applied to common pains and distresses will development the application of yoga therapy in individual and group contexts throughout the duration of the course.
3 semester credits. This course is designed for students with a foundation in yoga practice and philosophy, anatomy and applications for health. "Everyone can do yoga" is an essential departure point for this course as students expand upon, apply, and adapt previous knowledge as they learn the essential elements of a wholesome, balanced and safe lifetime yoga practice. Through a hands-on approaches and lecture, students will learn best practices for pre and post natal yoga, kids yoga, over 60's yoga, as well as yoga for diversely abled persons. In addition, students will learn principles of ayurveda, the sophisticated ancient Indian mind-body health system, to enhance the lifetime benefits of yoga. Ayurvedic concepts will be explored in the light of achieving the maximum benefits from yoga practice and in relation to modern medicine. Upon completion of this course, students will have further cultivated their practice of yoga and awareness, and will have gained the tools to adapt yoga practice throughout the stages of life. Prerequisite: Two previous yoga courses (including one intermediate-level course, or equivalent.
3 semester credits. This course provides the opportunity to understand and appreciate the facility operations and event management in the sport industry. Course topics will focus on various aspects of business, legal, and operational practices in the sports field. The class will feature lecture hours as well as real-life practice through the development of both facility management and sports events projects. Students will be engaged within the community and will be able to learn-by-doing, applying business theories and frameworks to the projects development. Coursework will enhance the students' perspective and awareness of business issues from both a technical and a cultural point of view.
6 semester credits. This course provides the opportunity to understand and appreciate the facility operations and event management in the sport industry. Course topics will focus on various aspects of business, legal, and operational practices in the sports field. The class will feature lecture hours as well as real-life practice through the development of both facility management and sports events projects. Students will be engaged within the community and will be able to learn-by-doing, applying business theories and frameworks to the projects development. Coursework will enhance the students' perspective and awareness of business issues from both a technical and a cultural point of view. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
3 semester credits. This course is a study of the importance of nutrition in sports and exercise in order to maximize athletic potential and performance. Covered topics include food nutrients, role of water, bioenergetics in exercise and training, heat and fluid regulation during physical activity, weight, and eating behaviors. Students are encouraged to form educated and strategic regimens (exercise and dietary plans) from both scientific and holistic approaches for professional athletes and physically active individuals. Prerequisites: Introduction to Nutrition or equivalent.
6 semester credits. This course is a study of the importance of nutrition in sports and exercise in order to maximize athletic potential and performance. Covered topics include food nutrients, role of water, bioenergetics in exercise and training, heat and fluid regulation during physical activity, weight, and eating behaviors. Students are encouraged to form educated and strategic regimens (exercise and dietary plans) from both scientific and holistic approaches for professional athletes and physically active individuals. This course includes experiential learning hours in professional sport environments. Experiential learning is held in dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Prerequisites: Introduction to Nutrition or equivalent.
3 semester credits. In the 1900’s, fitness pioneer Joseph Pilates designed and refined a series of exercises to rehabilitate himself from poor health and physical conditions from which he suffered in the early part of his life. Students will explore the health benefits and the physical practice of Pilates, a form of low-impact, whole-body exercise adaptable to all fitness levels. Students will learn about alignment, breathing, strengthening, balance, flexibility, and awareness as they progress through Pilates exercises and learn how to intelligently move their body. Students will also identify and evaluate the characteristics of exercises which are optimal for modern lifestyles, long-term health and wellness, individual needs, as well as rehabilitation and injury prevention. Basic anatomy and physiology as related to Pilates as well as healthy diet principals will also be covered.
3 semester credits. This course is designed for students who seek to gain an in-depth understanding of the sporting goods industry in Italy. The topics addressed in class include the analysis of market size and segmentation, assessment of product distribution channels, and an evaluation of product licensing and advertising strategies. The course integrates a lecture component and an experiential component that will expose students to a real-life business project in collaboration with local sporting companies. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
3 semester credits. Through this special project course, students will learn from the organization and operation of a sport facility such as a fitness center. The student will learn by assisting with daily operations: checking access records, machine maintenance standards, organization and management of fitness activities. Students will collaborate with a sports director to organize gym classes, review fitness instructor candidacies, and collaborate with a communications team for the production of promotional materials. Throughout the course, the student will also research relevant sports-related activities in the city of Florence in order to enhance the student's connection with the hosting culture and environment. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. The placement may require weekend hours or ongoing research-based activities for remote placements. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Remote option students will gain international community exposure through a virtual setting. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Main tasks: Sport Industry research and market trends analysis, sport and fitness practices development and management, operational involvement and analysis, customer care standards and practices, consumer trend observations and projections, strategic planning for the sports industry, final portfolio. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code. Sports gear required for some placement activities and tasks. Not applicable to remote option. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
3 semester credits. This course will introduce students to the world of walking as an artistic, philosophical, political, literary, inspirational - as well as physical - experience. While exploring different types of walking, the concept of "wanderlust" will also be analyzed and discussed from both an anthropological and philosophical perspective, to provide students with a thorough overview of the traveling and walking experience both in natural and urban landscapes. Different types of walking activities will be an integral component of the course, allowing students to reflect upon walking as an act of desire, escape, imagination, freedom, rebellion, and well-being. The classroom approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students' academic and personal enrichment.