SYLLABUS LEVEL 1 Fall 2010
Yoga is invigoration in relaxation, freedom in routine, confidence through self control. Energy within. Energy without. Ymber Delecto
Yoga is not easy! Sri Pattahbi Jois. The rythym of the body, the melody of the mind and the harmony of the soul, create the symphony of life. B.K.S Iyenar
INSTRUCTOR: SHERIE NEWMAN
Phone: 484-4940 Email:  Newmans at yosemite.cc.ca.us
YOGA 1 FOR BETTER HEALTH HHP 18A
T//Th Section 1240  8:00-9:20am Yoga Loft
T/Th Section   1235   9:40-11:05am Yoga Loft
This class earns1 transferable unit.
LAST DAY FOR A REFUND…..  9 /10-12      campus/web
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW…..  9/26 campus
LAST DAY TO ELECT C/NC…….9/28
HOLIDAYS…….                                11/11 & 11/25
FINAL SCHEDULE ……Section 1240  12/14@ 8am/ Section 1235 12/16 @ 8am
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is an introductory guide to the basic asana (postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques) of Hatha (physical) Yoga. By focusing on the mind~body union, the practice of Yoga offers the opportunity to find new levels of strength, flexibility, balance and relaxation, while opening pathways to inner awareness.
COURSE CONTENT
Practice will include relaxation techniques, breathing techniques & postures. Lectures will include origin, history, vocabulary, anatomy & philosophical concepts of yoga.
COURSE OBJECTIVE
Students will become familiar with basic yoga postures and breathing techniques. Students will develop skills to keep their bodies supple. Students will have the tools to help reduce stress and maintain mental focus. Enhanced performance. Perform skills and strategies at an improving level of proficiency.
Demonstrate appropriate social behavior with the work ethic goal of 80% minimum
GRADING STANDARDS
Class grade is a combination of active participation, a presentation ,a written assignment & final. A significant portion of the grade is active participation. A student must be present to be actively participating in the class.
The structure for grading is as follows:
Class Session (3 points per class) 84pts.
Presentation /paper 8pts.
Final 8pt.
TOTAL 100pt.
100-90= A 89-80=B 79-70=C 69-60=D 59-50=F
MAKE-UP, TARDINESS & IN CLASS HYBRID PARTICIPATION:
I allow for 3 make-up classes a semester. There are no exceptions. You can attend other fitness classes, including Yoga, with the approval of that instructor. The instructor will issue a makeup slip to be given to me. Please take your days off prudently. Contact me if you are absent for 3 consecutive classes to ensure your continued enrollment in the class. It is the student’s responsibility to add or drop this class. Habitual tardiness will adversely effect your grade. 3 Lates = 1 absence. Hybrid participation. This Yoga class is a movement class and can be physically challenging. We understand there are days when exercise isn’t appropriate. Should you be experiencing an off day please let me know. You will be permitted to read from our yoga library but are expected to join in when you can. You will write  brief summary of an article that interested you. Reading is not permitted during meditation and final relaxation. There are 2 allowable “off “ days.
CLASS STANDARDS:
Consistent attendance and participation are strongly recommended so that you may gain the most benefits from your practice. It is optimal that you experience the entire flow of each class, late entry and early exiting is discouraged Expect to be penalized for habitual late entry or early exiting. Enter the room quietly if late, especially during meditation, be very quiet. Avoid snapping your mat, do not disrupt the intent of the class. Please join by sitting and being quiet. When we begin to move you can adjust your mat, books, clothes, etc. Refrain from private conversations during our practice . Yoga is a personal exploration. Conversations are distracting for me and other students. Chronic conversationalists will be asked to drop the class. Cell phones are off.
METHODS OF EVALUATION:
Students will be assessed on active participation, demonstrated understanding of the subject matter, compliance within the group structure and openness to new ideas.
EQUIPMENT NEEDS:
A Yoga mat also called a sticky mat is required for class. There are a wide variety of mats to choose from. Affordability and function are prime considerations. Very inexpensive mats might not meet your functionality requirements. Make sure your mat is as long as you are tall. Consider thickness, if you have sensitive knees or a prominent coccyx bone , for instance, you will be more comfortable with a thicker mat. Do Not purchase the foamy roll up mats sold as exercise mats, these are not suitable for yoga. Do Not purchase a pilates mat, they will not be sticky enough. Many yoga mats are now being manufactured using green technology, less caustic to the environment. The Yoga Loft has a good selection of quality mats.
CLASS ATTIRE:
Fitness wear that is flexible and form fitting to allow a full range of motion. Jeans and belts are not acceptable attire. Always come to class in your yoga wear. We practice in bare feet. It is best to remove rings, bracelets, watches and necklaces as they will hinder your movements. Keep fragrances to a minimum.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Miracle of Mindfulness, take hold of your consciousness, by Thick Nhat Hanh.
The Spirit & Practice of Moving into Stillness, by Erich Schiffman.
The Iyengar Way, by Silva Mehta, Mira Mehta and Shyam Mehta.
Yoga, Mind, Body & Spirit. A Return to Wholeness, by Donna Farhi
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: . It is recommended that you practice Yoga on an empty stomach. A light snack packed with energy and nutrition is just right. Please do not smoke an hour before our class. Yoga is a non competitive activity. Our bodies, genders, age, injuries, skeletal systems, muscular structures, metabolisms, traumas, flexibility, intentions, motivations and strengths all differ, vastly. Work on being comfortable with your own practice, it is essential that you listen to your body and be in harmony w/ it. If you have concerns or a health condition that might be affected by physical activity, check w. a medical professional. ‘Columbia College is committed to providing access to students w/ disabilities, if you have a condition which requires special accommodations please see me by the 10th day of class so we can discuss your options”