Physical Education

As a graduation requirement, ICU students must take one course of Health Science (worth one credit ), which comprises lectures on health and physical education, as well as the three courses Physical Education Exercise I, II, and III (together worth one credit, i.e. one-third of a credit per course), which consist of practical exercises.

In these courses, students learn not only about health and safety in student life but also gain knowledge and skills for improving quality of life over their entire lifetime. In addition, through the exercise courses students learn firsthand about improving communication skills in group activities, leadership, and followership, actively and independent-mindedly, with fun.

After taking the required physical education exercise courses (Exercise I, II and III), students can choose to enroll in a variety of exercise courses in accordance with their interests. For example, in Team Sports or Social Dance, students can learn the importance of communication with their peers, and students of Aikido or Introduction to Japanese BUDO (JUDO) can experience Japanese culture and the traditional spirit of martial arts. Of course, by taking personal sports (swimming, golf etc.), major team sports, and sports of a racket and so on,, students can not only maintain and increase their physical fitness but also experience the fun and exhilaration of working up a sweat together with fellow students. Each exercise course is worth one-third of a credit, and up to six courses (or 2 credits) can be included as electives in the credits required for graduation. (However, fractions of credits will be rounded down.)

Students who would like to obtain teaching certificates while enrolled at ICU and become junior or senior high school teachers in the future must take Physical Education, which is a requirement of the Teacher Certification Program. This requirement is stipulated by the Educational Personnel Certification Act of Japan. Even future teachers of English or mathematics may one day be responsible for supervising extracurricular activities or leading field trips (day trips, seaside summer school, etc.). The Physical Education course aims to equip aspiring teachers with skills and knowledge that they can utilize on the ground: not only health management of junior and senior high school students, which is essential for all teachers to know, but also safe and effective sports and exercise coaching methods.

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