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1. Categorize and practice beginning-level yoga asanas using correct technique.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of physical alignment, anatomical focus, modifications and variations
for various beginning level yoga asanas and pranayamas.
3. Describe the energetic focus of each asana, pranayama, meditation and mantra practice.
4. Explain the benefits and contraindications of beginning-level asanas, pranayamas, and
meditation techniques.
5. Identify and verbally cue asanas and pranayamas using English and Sanskrit names with
correct pronunciation.
6. Analyze different students practicing beginning-level yoga asanas and demonstrate ability to
use appropriate verbal cues and physical adjustments based on their physical capability.
7. Create and teach a class sequence for beginning-level students.
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I. Foundations of asana practice
A. Qualities and definition of yoga asana
1.Yoga Sutra description
a. Ease
b. Effort
2. Asana definition
3. General guidelines for asana practice
B. Applications of yoga asana
1. Original
2. Contemporary
C. Styles of yoga asana
1. Influencing styles of Asana
a. T. Krishnamacharya
b. B.K.S. Iyengar
c. K. Pattabhi Jois
d. T.K.V. Desikachar
2. Alignment-based vs. non-alignment based
3. Individual practitioner's lineage
II. Practicing and teaching beginning level yoga asanas
A. Standing postures
B. Balancing postures
C. Arm-balancing postures
D. Inverted postures
E. Backward-bending postures
F. Twisting postures
G. Forward-bending postures
H. Sitting postures
I. Reclining and relaxation postures
J. Sun salutations
K. Knowledge, skills, and abilities for teaching beginning level yoga asanas
1. Physical alignment
2. Anatomical focus
3. Modifications
4. Variations
5. Energetic focus
6. Benefits
7. Contraindications
8. English and Sanskrit names
9. Verbal cueing
10. Physical adjustments
11. Creating a beginning-level class sequence
12. Teaching a beginning-level class sequence
III. Practicing and teaching beginning-level pranayama
A. Introduction to pranayama
1.Pranayama definition
2. General guidelines for practice
3. Guidelines for teaching
B. Beginning-level pranayama
1. Diaphragmatic breathing
2. Sama vrtti breathing
3. Durga pranayama (three-part breath)
IV. Practicing and teaching meditation techniques
A. Introduction to meditation
1. Definition of meditation
2. General guidelines for practice
3. General guidelines for teaching
B. Beginning-level meditation techniques
1. Mindfulness of breathing
2. Guided meditation
3. Mantra meditation
V. Practicing and teaching mantra
A. Introduction to Sanskrit mantra
1.Definition and purpose
2. General guidelines for practice
3. General guidelines for teaching
B. Beginning-level mantra practices
1.Om
2.Shanti mantra
3. So Ham mantra
4. Kirtan
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1. Read 25-35 pages per week from textbooks and instructor-prepared materials
2. Written assignments based on readings (3-5)
3. Practice journal entries (weekly)
4. Observation reports of on-campus and off-campus yoga classes (2-4)
5. Quizzes (2-3)
6. Exams (1-2)
7. Assisting in demo classes during training (1-2)
8. Teaching a beginning-level yoga sequence (1)
9. Media-based yoga project (1)
10. Attendance, punctuality, and participation at all class meetings
Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing. | Writing 10 - 30% |
Written assignments, Weekly journal, Observation reports | |
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills. | Problem Solving 0 - 0% |
None | |
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams. | Skill Demonstrations 10 - 30% |
Assisting in demo classes, Teaching a beginning sequence | |
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams. | Exams 10 - 30% |
Quizzes and Exams; Multiple choice, True/false, Essay | |
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories. | Other Category 40 - 50% |
Participation, punctuality, attendance and weekly reading, media-based yoga project | |
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Instructing Hatha Yoga. 2nd ed. Ambrosini, Diane. Human Kinetics. 2016
Real Happiness The Power of Meditation. Salzberg, Sharon. Workman Publishing. 2010 (classic)
Hatha Yoga Illustrated. Kirk, Martin and Boon, Brooke and DiTuro, Daniel. Human Kinetics. 2005 (classic)
Instructor Prepared materials