Experimental Course Proposal

  1. KIN XXX: Cancer Prevention: A New Way of Life
  2. Department: Kinesiology
  3. Title: Cancer Prevention: A New Way of Life
  4. Number of Contact Hours: 3x/week (65 minute sessions)
  5. Duration: 15 weeks
  6. Course Credit: 1
  7. Course Information:
  8. Course Description:
  9. This course explores the epidemiology of cancer, assesses family health history, and the impact of lifestyle choices to determine cancer risks.Topics include common cancers, risk factors for developing cancer, trends in incidence/prevalence of various cancers, why some people develop cancer and others do not, evidence-based strategies for effective physical activity promotion, avoiding or minimizing carcinogenic exposure, and how a multi-level approach to cancer prevention will bring awareness to this public health issue.
  10. Learning Goals:
  11. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
  12. Describe the biological properties of cancer
  13. Identify the major risk factors/prevention strategies associated with cancer
  14. Identify ways to improve nutritional habits to reduce cancer risks
  15. Demonstrate an understanding of how exercise can reduce cancer risks
  16. Identify other lifestyle habits that contribute to cancer risk
  17. Develop a cancer prevention program tailored to specific populations.
  18. Analyze, interpret, synthesize and integrate scholarly material.
  19. Identify and discuss individual and ecological factors that contribute to risks for developing cancer.
  20. Demonstrate effective communication in identifying health needs of a specific (i.e. race-specific or gender-specific) subgroup of a population.
  21. Demonstrate understanding and respect for the value of individuals, communities and perspectives of difference.
  22. Assessment Methods:
  23. Assessment methods for this class will include homework assignments, exams, quizzes, research article reviews, group presentations, and individual research papers. For example, students will complete a health analysis paper which will encompass discussing their nutrition and exercise behaviors. They will be asked to analyze and compare their behaviors to the recommended guidelines on the cancer website as well as the information located in the text and relevant research articles. Students are expected to articulate an approach that addresses specific barriers healthy behaviors (e.g. nutrition, physical activity). The pass/fail option will be granted to students upon request.
  24. Reading List:
  25. Reading list includes chapters from a textbook, as well as a series of relevant articles and the cancer facts and figures (American Cancer Society). Research articles will be included in appropriate topic areas. Listed below is the textbook and course outline. Each section will be accompanied by readings from a textbook chapter, article, or both.

Textbook/Reading Materials

  • Alberts, D., & Hess, L.M. (Eds.). (2014). Fundamentals of Cancer Prevention. New York, NY: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
  • Textbook will be supplemented by a course reader.

Course Outline

Part I:Cancer properties, Epidemiology of Cancer, and Common Cancers

Part II:Health Behavior Theories and Health History

Part III: Health Promotion: Nutrition, Physical Activity, Environment, Motivation

  • Course rationale:
  • This course is designed to fulfill upper division curricular requirements of the Health Promotion (HP) track in Kinesiology. The course is a valuable part of the department curriculum as well as the College curriculum for several reasons:
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cancer is the second leading cause of death, closely following heart disease. It is in the top 10 leading causes of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
  • The current curriculum within HP includes Sport Psychology and Sport lacks a dedicated course focusing on the lifestyle behaviors that increase the risks of developing cancer and other diseases. This course expands our upper division offerings for HP students to fulfill this area.
  • Given thatthe prevalence of cancer is a worldwide concern, not just within Western societies, this course has the potential to meet a core requirement of Global Perspectives.
  • Achieving health through lifestyle behaviors involves factors such as socio-economic and educational statuses, environmental pollution and community safety. In order to make positive changes toward health promotion, these relationships need to be explored, analyzed and appreciated. Therefore, this course directly supports the Lasallian mission in allowing our students to develop proficiency in health and wellness issues from a social justice perspective.
  • Prerequisites:
  • Kinesiology 10 – Introduction to Kinesiology, for the knowledge base of the field
  • Kinesiology 15 – Measurement and Evaluation in Kinesiology, for the research and writing proficiency
  • Permission of the instructor
  • Number and Type of Students:
  • Students majoring in Kinesiology’s Health Promotion emphasis will eventually be required to take this class as part of their major upper division courses.
  • The course is also attractive to students in the Allied Health Program.
  • A maximum of 25 students will take this class each year.