Certificate in Social and Environmental Justice

The Social and Environmental Justice Certificate is designed for students who have an interest in studying courses with a major focus on topics relating to the intersection of physical activity, health and social and environmental justice advocacy including, Whiteness, (anti-)racism, (anti-)oppression, reconciliation, accessibility, and environmental health. Students will learn about the increasingly important role of kinesiology and physical education in advocacy for societal health, justice and environmental sustainability.

Requirements

Students currently registered in KPE must successfully complete 2.0 FCE from the following Social & Environmental Justice Pathway list of courses as part of their BKin degree requirements: KPE300H1, KPE305H1, KPE321H1, KPE326H1, KPE335H1, KPE355Y1*, KPE390Y1*, KPE401H1, KPE403H1, KPE404H1, KPE405H1, KPE407H1, KPE409H1, KPE421H1, KPE434H1, KPE455Y1*, KPE462H1, KPE490Y1*, KPE495H1*.

Courses with an asterisk(*) have varying topics and will only count towards the certificate if the focus of study/placement is on social and/or environmental justice.

Note: Students do not have to apply for this certificate but must request the certificate with the Registrar’s Office. The Registrar’s Office will confirm eligibility for the certificate upon graduation.

IMPORTANT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
  1. Individual courses may only count towards one identified BKin certificate in addition to counting towards the BKin degree
  2. Students are limited to a maximum of 3 BKin certificates with their degree

Please contact the Registrar’s Office for further information: undergrad.kpe@utoronto.ca.


Social & Environmental Justice Pathway List of Courses

 

KPE300H1 - Physical Culture and Social Inequality

The provision of opportunities for physical activity is profoundly affected by the social structures of Canadian society, and persistent inequalities. An increasing number of Canadian institutions in physical and health education have now committed themselves to policies of social equity. This course enables students to study the effects of class, gender, race, and sexuality upon opportunities, programs and practices, and the means by which social equity might be more effectively pursued.

Prerequisite: KPE200H1
Exclusion: UNI371H1
Course Category: Physical Cultural (A)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE305H1 - Geographies of Social and Environmental Justice in Health and Physical Culture

The course will examine the importance of space, place and the environment in social life. Drawing from health, medical and socio-cultural geographies, architectural, feminist, and anti-oppression theories/film/research, as well as in-person spatial analysis of local geographies, we will identify and assess how 'place matter' physical culture, kinesiology, and health. We will examine how experiences and representations of space and place are mediated by systemic oppressions and differences in power relations. To do this, we will explore how social injustice, settler-colonial relations, environmental racism, consumption and the Anthropocence's impact physical culture, sport, and health. We will interrogate how our practices in sport, physical culture and kinesiology have profound implications for the health and ecological geographies of humans, ‘more-than-human’ species, ecosystems, and all life on earth. The course takes a social and environmental justice and anti-oppressive approach towards interrogating historical, political, local and global disparities in the governance of space, place and Land. We will consider the possibilities for enacting democratic, caring, and responsible ethical relations to enact preferred futures where ecocentric, equity-based, and sustainable geographies and environment flourish.

Prerequisite: KPE200H1
Course Category: Physical Cultural (A)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE321H1 - Population Health

This course explores patterns of health and illness among groups (populations) of people. Emphasis is on the determinants of health (social political, economic and environmental etc.). Students will learn about basic research methods and issues in the field. Current examples of major local and global health concerns will be used to illustrate key concepts.

Prerequisite: KPE200H1, KPE290H1/KPE391H1, KPE291H1
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE326H1 - Aging, Health and Physical Activity

This course will examine the aging process using information from demography to physiology. Recognition of different perspectives of “successful aging” is a theme that runs throughout the course. The effects of physical activity and aging on functional capacity and how aging may change engagement in physical activity will be studied. The course will examine the evidence for physical activity in promoting healthy aging. Approaches to modifying physical activity in light of physiological, pathophysiological, psychological and sociological age-related changes will be discussed in lecture and through use of case studies. The course will emphasize communication about needs and goals for physical activity recommendations, assessments of function, safety precautions and exercise adaptations, including specific focus on common conditions (e.g., osteoporosis, osteoarthritis).

Prerequisite: KPE264H1
Course Category: Behavioural (B), Applications
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE335H1 - Global Sports Law

The course will be an introduction to global sports law. Students will explore how the rules and regulations of the Olympic Movement, the technical side of sport, and the anti-doping movement constitute private transnational legal systems where international sport organizations have regulatory autonomy that is often shielded from intervention by national legal systems. Students will learn how disputes involving these sport rules and regulations are resolved through private arbitration by reviewing key arbitral decisions issued by the Court of Arbitration for Sport and the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada, and by participating in mock arbitrations of disputes involving doping violations, team selection decisions, and competition outcomes. Finally, students will critically examine how certain sport rules relating to gender verification, out-of-competition doping testing, and doping sanctions impact the rights of athletes, and whether arbitration can provide the necessary oversight and accountability measures to protect those rights.

Recommended Preparation: KPE200H1, KPE220H1, KPE264H1
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE355Y1 - Interpersonal Theory in Kinesiology and Physical Education

This course will provide students an opportunity to develop their knowledge and competencies in interpersonal theory in Kinesiology and Physical Education. Topics covered in this course include, verbal and non-verbal communication strategies, active listening with patients/clients, reflective practice, managing conflict, decision making, teamwork, and leadership. This course draws upon previous coursework and integrates theory and practice across course learning activities to apply the course content to the breadth of populations and settings within the field of Kinesiology and Physical Education. As a part of the course, students will participate in a field experience (100 hours) with a mentor observing and engaging in interpersonal relations and participating in the planning and implementation of programs as appropriate. Course evaluation activities include weekly class and tutorial sessions, written assignments, presentations, and examinations. Notes: Classroom/tutorial sessions are two hours per week in addition to field experience. Please refer to the 'Fees and Financial Requirements' section of the calendar for information on ancillary fees.

Prerequisite: You must have followed the appropriate pre-course procedures in the year preceding course enrolment, be entering 3rd year (or higher), and obtain instructor approval.
Exclusion: KPE350Y1
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE390Y1 - Directed Research

Under the guidance of a faculty member, accepted students participate in a research project related to the study of physical activity and health. The student and supervising faculty member collaborate on defining the research question, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting the findings. At the end of the course, students submit an extensive research paper and present their research at the annual Bertha Rosenstadt National Undergraduate Research Conference. Students are also required to attend some classes/workshops to assist them with the research projects.


*Notes regarding KPE390Y1, KPE490Y1 and KPE495H1:
1. For permission to enrol a student must: a) Obtain course information and application forms from Registrar’s Office website. Application forms are available in the spring for the following academic year. b) Find a faculty advisor. c) Complete the pre-requisite form (may do so with faculty advisor if desired). d) Complete advisor-student agreement form together with faculty advisor. e) Submit both prerequisite and student-advisor agreement form together to Registrar’s Office for review and approval by course coordinator.

2. Nominal funding may be available to subsidize some costs of KPE390Y1/KPE490Y1/KPE495H1 projects. See the course information package for application guidelines. **Please note that each faculty member can accept only a limited number of students.

Prerequisite: KPE2901H1/KPE391H1, KPE291H1, a minimum B average in the area of interest, and an application process.
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE401H1 - International Development through Sport

Increasingly, sport and physical activity are recognized and utilized as tools of international development. From refugee assistance and conflict resolution to programs targeting economic growth and HIV/AIDS, a host of development initiatives use sport-based programs to meet their goals. The purpose of this course is to examine—theoretically, empirically, and critically—the development through sport / sport for development and peace (DTS / SDP) movement. It is important to consider these social and political issues in order both to problematize the DTS movement and to assist and challenge future DTS volunteers.

Prerequisite: KPE200H1
Course Category: Physical Cultural (A)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE404H1 - Illness, Disease and Physical Culture

This senior course in physical cultural studies attends to and examines the existential and cultural dimensions of illness, disease and suffering in society. Taking both the personal (i.e., embodied, emplaced and performative) experience and institutional organization of illness as its broad focus, the course theoretically and empirically interrogates how socially problematic forms of embodiment, self-constructions through disease processes, illness and individual affect, strained interpersonal relations through illness, bodies in physical and social recovery, and cultural representations of ‘bad bodies’ are poorly understood within kinesiology proper. Particular attention in this course is given to how bodies and associated selves at the fringe of medically defined ‘health’/kinesiological parameters are positioned as pathological, contra-normative, at risk or in need of repair and restitution. Central theoretical and conceptual questions regarding what constitutes health and wellbeing are addressed against the lived cultural realities of people with movement and physical activity challenges and limitations. Topics in the course may include, but are not limited to, doing physical activity as a diseased person, the social organization of rehabilitative medicine in sport and physical cultures, athletes living with/recovering from physical trauma and mental illnesses, patient-centered movement cultures, and phenomenological accounts of the illness, disease and dying processes.

Prerequisite: KPE200H1, KPE290H1/KPE391H1, KPE291H1
Course Category: Physical Cultural (A)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE405H1 - Race, Indigeneity and Physical Culture

In this course we will refer to race as a remnant of colonialism, an effect of social practices, and a shifting, performed identity. We explore the ways that fantasies of the history of Canada as a tolerant and multicultural nation hide truths about racism in this country and construct race and indigeneity in everyday life. This course examines how and why ’race’ matters so intensely and the ways ‘race’ is produced and policed, ultimately enabling and empowering some bodies and movements, while oppressing others within physical cultures. Myths of race as a biological category will be debunked. We will explore a wide range of topics including Black masculinities and Black diasporas, access to sport for Asians and anti-Asian racism, the (in)visibility of Indigenous peoples in Canadian sport; religious (in)tolerance, and White privilege. We will read theoretical and empirical chapters and articles and discuss how socio-economic, ableist, and gendered practices of differentiation produce race categories. Last, we will elaborate our roles in creating more equitable and democratic spaces for all athletes and people. KPE405H1 will not only improve engagement with social justice issues, but also ameliorate communication skills and intercultural competencies particularly related to indigeneity, diaspora, equity, and anti-racism in sport.

Prerequisite: KPE200H1
Course Category: Physical Cultural (A)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE407H1 - Maltreatment in Youth Sport

Participation in sport for youth has been associated with physical, social, emotional, and cognitive benefits. The attainment of positive developmental outcomes through sport participation is influenced by factors including the manner in which sport organizations design and deliver programs and the type of relationships youth experience. Although sport participation for youth has the potential to foster developmental benefits, not all youth have positive sport experiences. In fact, as issues of athlete maltreatment in youth sport, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse as well as neglect continue to emerge throughout research and media outlets, it may be argued that sport is not designed and delivered in ways that meet the psychosocial needs of young people. In order to optimize the sport experiences of youth athletes, it is important that stakeholders are aware of the potential for these negative experiences and are educated about ways in which to foster more developmentally appropriate sport. In this course students will be introduced to concepts, theories and ideologies regarding psychosocial development as well as youth maltreatment and protection as they apply to sport. Students will have the opportunity to critically discuss issues of maltreatment within youth sport and will be challenged to critique present research in addition to educational/policy initiatives intended to safeguard youth and foster positive development. Moreover, students will learn about organizational philosophies, coach and parent education, and relationships in sport with the intention of understanding how such factors may stimulate a youth sport environment conducive to maltreatment, thus hindering athletes’ psychosocial needs.

Prerequisite: KPE220H1
Course Category: Physical Cultural (A)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE409H1 - Sport, Physical Activity and Human Rights

Participants in physical education, physical activity and sport enjoy all the rights of Canadian citizens under Canadian law, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and provincial and territorial human rights legislation. They also enjoy the protections of the international system of human rights established by the United Nations, to which the Canadian government is a signatory. Although many of those documents specifically mention rights related to sports, the promised rights are not always protected in practice as evidenced in, for example, far too many recent cases of athlete abuse. This course examines the concepts, legal protections and failings of human rights in Canadian and international sports, and explores ways in which they could be strengthened.

Prerequisite: KPE200H1
Course Category: Physical Cultural (A)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE421H1 - The Role of Physical Activity in Girls' and Women's Health

This course draws upon previous course work in biophysical, behavioural and socio-cultural aspects of physical activity and links them together within the context of girls’ and women’s health across the lifespan. Particular attention will be given to how physical activity decreases the risk of disease in girls and women and how physical activity assumes a different role in health and well-being during different phases of the lifespan. Students will also be introduced to issues related to the promotion of physical activity for women, the importance of the inclusion of women and girls in research examining the impact of physical activity and the unique aspects of the response of girls and women to activity.

Prerequisite: KPE334H1
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE434H1 - Advanced Adapted Physical Activity

This course builds from the concepts and theories discussed in KPE334H1. Students will be given the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge taught in KPE334H1 to build instructional and leadership skills to facilitate exercise and sport programs and assessments for people with varied abilities across all age groups and environments. Students will be given opportunity for active, hands-on learning through some combination of the following: case studies, assignments, readings, field experience.


Prerequisite: KPE334H1
Course Category: Behavioural (B), Applications
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE455Y1 - Kinesiology and Physical Education in Society

This course builds upon KPE350Y1/KPE355Y1 to further students’ theoretical grounding in the broader practice of Kinesiology and Physical Education in society. Topics covered in this course include, but are not limited to, emotional intelligence in the workplace, integrity in community relations, performance adaptability, diversity, creativity, ethics and professionalism, and work-life balance. Adopting a values-based approach to learning and development students will be encouraged to consider strategies for enhancing the practice of Kinesiology and Physical Education within society. As a part of this course, students will spend 100 hours in the field and will work closely with a mentor. Course evaluation activities include weekly class and tutorial sessions, written assignments, presentations, and examinations.

Notes: Classroom/tutorial sessions are two hours per week in addition to field experience. For more information visit the professional placement page on our website.

Please refer to the 'Fees and Financial Requirements' section of the calendar for details on ancillary fees.

Prerequisite: KPE350Y1/KPE355Y1; As well, you must have followed the appropriate pre-course procedures in the year preceding course enrolment, be entering 3rd year (or higher), and obtain instructor approval.
Exclusion: KPE450Y1
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE462H1 - Human Environmental Exercise Physiology

This course examines physiological responses, adaptations, and maladaptations of sedentary, working, and exercising humans to a variety of environmental stressors, including most or all of the following: cold and hot environments and the associated challenges to regulate body temperature; pressure changes that occur at high terrestrial altitude or underwater; acceleration forces such as the g-forces experienced by high performance aircraft pilots; air pollution; and microgravity effects experienced by those working and travelling in space.

Three lecture hours per week, one laboratory exercise during regularly scheduled lecture time, and the possibility that one field trip visit may be scheduled to a research laboratory in north Toronto.

Prerequisite: KPE264H1
Course Category: Biophysical (C)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE490Y1 - Advanced Research

In this course students will have an opportunity to undertake research on a topic relating to the study of physical activity and health. The faculty supervisor, selected by the student, gives counsel in defining the problem, conducting the study and preparing a research paper (thesis). In addition to submitting the research paper, students are required to attend some classes/workshops, and present their findings at the annual Bertha Rosenstadt National Undergraduate Research Conference. This course provides an opportunity for a student planning graduate study at this Faculty or elsewhere to gain experience in completing a small research study. Students may elect only one KPE490Y1 course or external equivalent.

*Notes regarding KPE390Y1, KPE490Y1 and KPE495H1:
1. For permission to enrol a student must: a) Obtain course information and application forms from Registrar’s Office website. Application forms are available in the spring for the following academic year. b) Find a faculty advisor. c) Complete the pre-requisite form (may do so with faculty advisor if desired). d) Complete advisor-student agreement form together with faculty advisor. e) Submit both prerequisite and student-advisor agreement form together to Registrar’s Office for review and approval by course coordinator.


2. Nominal funding may be available to subsidize some costs of KPE390Y1/KPE490Y1/KPE495H1 projects. See the course information package for application guidelines. **Please note that each faculty member can accept only a limited number of students.

Prerequisite: KPE390Y1, a minimum B average in the area of interest, and an application process.
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE495H1 - Independent Study

The purpose of the independent study is to permit students to extend beyond current course offerings and explore in detail a subject area of their choosing related to the study of physical activity and health. Students work closely with a faculty supervisor with a relevant background. Before pursuing an independent study, students are expected to have taken all the relevant courses offered by the Faculty in that sub-discipline. Students will research their topic of interest primarily through reading and writing a report on their findings. They are also required to attend some classes/workshops throughout the term and to present their reviews and/or findings at the annual Bertha Rosenstadt National Undergraduate Research Conference. Students may elect a total of no more than two half courses under KPE495H1 or external equivalents.

*Notes regarding KPE390Y1, KPE490Y1 and KPE495H1:

1. For permission to enrol a student must: a) Obtain course information and application forms from Registrar’s Office website. Application forms are available in the spring for the following academic year. b) Find a faculty advisor. c) Complete the pre-requisite form (may do so with faculty advisor if desired). d) Complete advisor-student agreement form together with faculty advisor. e) Submit both prerequisite and student-advisor agreement form together to Registrar’s Office for review and approval by course coordinator.

2. Nominal funding may be available to subsidize some costs of KPE390Y1/KPE490Y1/KPE495H1 projects. See the course information package for application guidelines. **Please note that each faculty member can accept only a limited number of students.

Prerequisite: Fourth-year standing and a minimum B average in the area of interest.
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

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