Class Offerings and Locations

 

PE Classes and Descriptions

3 on 3 Basketball- Half court, 1 hoop, teams of 3.  A great fast paced game with lots of passing, moving and attacking.

Badminton- This class will cover the basic strokes, serves, and footwork of the game.  This class is open to all regardless of prior playing experience.  All equipment is provided by the PE Department.

Ballet I (DANC 104) ’62 Center Dance Studio In this class, students learn the fundamentals of ballet technique, in a manner both safe and challenging. This is an absolute beginning course: EVERYONE is welcome! In barre work and center/traveling exercises, the class will begin to develop a working understanding of basic positions of the arms and legs; individual steps such as turns and jumps; and simple combinations. Through repetition and logical progression artistry, musicality, strength and coordination will develop and grow. Usually participants with NO prior ballet experience take Ballet I at least twice before moving into Ballet II. FULL SEMESTER- 2 PE credits

Ballet II (DANC 204) ‘62 Center Shared Studio This course is for those who have reached a beginning/intermediate level of ballet and are serious about continued progression in their technique and artistry. Permission of instructor required, but anyone with adequate prior knowledge is welcome! Classes will follow the proven, safe format of barre work proceeding into center work; vocabulary, ability and stamina will be built in a safe but challenging atmosphere. Participants are guided in ways that enable them to work safely and correctly within their individual abilities. Ballet courses may be repeated for credit and may be taken for either PE credit or partial academic credit FULL SEMESTER – 2 PE credits

Ballet III (DANC 304)  ’62 Center Dance Studio Designed for dancers who have achieved an intermediate/advanced level of ballet technique. Permission of instructor required, but anyone with adequate prior knowledge is welcome! Class includes barre work, center and traveling exercises that incorporate adage, pirouettes, petit and grand allegro. Proper alignment and rigorous but safe application of technique are expected. Students are encouraged to work safely and correctly within their individual abilities so that artistry, musicality and the dynamics in ballet are explored. Ballet courses may be repeated for credit and may be taken for either PE credit or partial academic credit (For full academic credit, see DANC 30o in the course catalog.) FULL SEMESTER – 2 PE credits

Canoeing:  We’ll paddling on nearby waterways and lakes, watching fall come as trees change color, geese gather and hawks fly overhead.  You’ll learn about different paddling strokes and confidently paddle your canoe to whatever destination you choose!

 

Farm Fun- Want to experience the outdoors from an agricultural perspective and help harvest and prepare crops for the local towns? Get your hands “dirty” and help dig for potatoes, pick green beans, pull weeds and other fun activities on Fullwell Farm. If this interests you, sign up for Farm Fun. Please wear long pants and close-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty!

 

Golf (Beginner)- focus on basic golf skills and progression from the putting green to the driving range.   No experience or equipment necessary.

 

Golf (Advanced)- Designed for the avid golfer.  Student meet weekly with instructor for 6 weeks.  Additionally, student will play 4 weeks of 9 holes – Total of 36 holes must be played in 6 weeks to earn PE credit. MUST sign in at pro shop each time you play. Own clubs or rent at pro shop.

 

HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)- take your workout to the next level with the fun and active PE class designed to get you moving and your heartrate up.

 

Int/Adv Modern Dance This course is designed for students ready to optimally develop their modern/contemporary dance skills.  The course will focus on the application of movement principles appropriate/essential for building an advanced dance practice, including improved anatomical awareness and refined alignment, the integration of complex movement patterns and internal connections, developing a more sophisticated rhythmic awareness, and emphasis on using dance as a form of expression.  Live musical accompaniment will challenge students to work closely with nuances of sound and to develop their personal musicality.  Longer phrases of movement and excerpts from choreography will be taught in order for students to fully embody the art form. This course may be repeated for credit and may be taken for either PE credit OR partial academic credit (course appears on transcript but does not go toward the 32 credits required for graduation). FULL SEMESTER – 2 PE credits

 

Jog Williamstown –  New to running? Inspired by all the Track & Field events at the Olympics? Eager to expand your sense of the Purple Bubble and get a workout? Jog Williamstown will build up your experience, strength, stamina, and confidence. In this six week course we’ll learn a variety of routes around Williamstown–most if not all easily accessible from campus–and steadily work our way up to jogging for a full 40 minutes! Conversational pace, always!

 

Kettlebell Circuit Class – will introduce the basic movements for training with a kettlebell.  The fundamental movements will build on each other and progress to circuits and interval training sessions.  These sessions will combine strength and cardiovascular training.

 

Muscle Fitness- a group exercise class focusing on use of cardiovascular equipment and pin loaded weight machines in the fitness center.  Students will work with instructor to develop a fitness plan that best suits their current fitness level and future goals.

 

Pickleball- students will develop basic knowledge and skills to play the sport of pickleball. Technical skills include forehand and backhand groundstrokes, volleys, serves, lobs, overheads, dinks, and proper footwork.

 

RAD- rape aggression defense. A basic physical defense class that focuses on education and awareness.  The course includes lecture discussion and self defense techniques.  WOMEN ONLY

 

Ski Patrol certification course: The curriculum is based on the National Ski Patrol’s Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC, 6th Edition) textbook and associated materials. While focusing on emergency care and rescue in outdoor/winter settings, the curriculum emphasizes the leadership skills and actions required when responding to a variety of emergency medical situations. Students who complete the PE course MAY choose to continue developing as ski patrollers by taking the Ski Patrol winter study course and joining the Williams Ski Patrol. (NOTE: This is not required but is encouraged.) A final exam (written and practical portions) will be offered in January for students who wish to complete their OEC certification. Total cost for National Ski Patrol registration and course fee is $245, of which most or all is typically reimbursed by FAST. FULL SEMESTER 2PE credits!

 

Squash-  A fast-paced indoor racquet sport that will make it’s Olympic debut 2028.  Whether you are just learning the basics or hoping to play in LA, all are welcome.  Please wear non-marking athletic shoes.  All equipment is provided.

 

Swim for Fitness- This class is designed to use lap swimming as a cardiovascular workout. Feedback is provided to improve strokes, but this is not a learn-to-swim class. Different workouts are provided each session, and participants will swim anywhere from 1 mile to more than 1½ miles per class

 

 

Trail Running – Explore local running trails that bring you to some of the natural highlights of the northern Berkshires. Run at your own pace or with other students in a relaxing outdoor environment. Students can expect to run 3-5 miles per session depending on pace and terrain.

 

Walk for Fitness – Explore local paths and trails that bring you to some of the best locations in town. This is a brisk walking class where you’ll move with other students in a beautiful outdoor environment. Students can expect to walk 2-3 miles per session depending on pace and terrain.

 

WOC Sampler- get a little taste of all the Williams Outing Club has to offer.  From hiking to canoeing to climbing, we try it all.  Activities will vary depending on the quarter.

 

Women’s Weight Training- offers instruction and practice in proper techniques of the development of muscular strength, endurance. (women only)

 

Wellness- Designed to help students adopt and maintain the behaviors associated with an active and healthy lifestyle.  Students will learn through lectures, discussions and physical activity labs.

 

Zena Rommett Floor Barre™ Mondays and Thursdays 11:00am-noon, Dance Studio, ’62 CTD A subtle but deep, calming yet powerful conditioning/training tool used by many dancers and athletes; the work is done entirely on one’s back, side, and front body (that is, no standing) and is designed for subtle strengthening/lengthening and safe alignment throughout the body. People who study the technique almost immediately benefit from the calm, somewhat meditative manner in which participants are encouraged to work. You can wear whatever you’d wear for ballet class (though the work is done in bare feet or in socks); for those who prefer a yoga mat, feel free to bring your own but we also have a large quantity of mats to use while you’re in the ’62 Center. Previous ballet training required for this session — please contact [email protected] to inquire about eligibility. NOTES: 1. This is a full-semester class that meets once a week so participants who fulfill attendance requirements will receive one PE credit. 2. This is NOT the same thing as other classes called “Barre” or “PureBarre.”