Seward daily gateway., 1925-09-09
ALASKA COLLEGE
 WILL TEACH A
 UNIQUE COURSE
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT FOR WOMEN TO BE PART OF
 NEW CURRICULUM

Physical Education for Women has developed so rapidly in the last fifteen years that today it stands as one of the most important subjects in any educational institution Not only has this been important in Schools and Colleges, but industrial and social un- ions, athletic clubs, settlements and factories have introduced it onto their programs as a necessary part of the industrial life.
 In looking back into the occupa- tions and life habits of our ancestors we find that they have lived under conditions of civilization but a com paratively short time. During former times they lived a life of most stren- uous physical eXertion and as result of their occupations both men and women were vigorous and strong Habits of life changed from time to time but until very recently they led lives of great bodily activity. One hundred years ago over 95 per cent of the population of the United States lived in the country and pioneer life called for muscular work which de- veloped a sturdy race of people.
 Modern life has changed the occu- pations and habits of our peoples so that the development of bodily vigor has been greatly curtailed Modern machinery, which does the work for merly done by muscle has brought this about. The weakness and lack of development that inevitable follows a sedentary life causes in turn, weakness of the great vital functions of the body which makes people less able to resist the attack of disease germs and entirely new nervous dis orders have recently made their ap- pearance
 There are three ways in which the health and vigor of the American people may be improved. The first of these is the choice of more active and healthful occupations. A second line of activities is that of active plays. games and outdoor 'recreations. Gym nastic training constitutes the third group of agencies for betterment of physique. Under the observance and control of teacher these exercises can be varied to suit the needs and interests of the students. Certain definite movements of the body have been planned to accomplish certain purposes which may be the correction of posture, the development of cer- tain muscles, the acquiring of cer- tain kind of skill, or simple pleasure.
 Nearly all of the states in the Un- ion require physical education to bel taught in their schools. Other states will soon institute the same laws, while most of the important cities in all the states have long since had this subject in their curriculum At the opening of the College this year year courses in Gymnastics Training will be offered General Calisthenics. Volley Ball, Tennis, Basket Ball, Track Work and Corrective Gymnas- tics will comprise these courses. Stan dard types of exercises and their uses Will be included in the general floor work in Calisthenics. This comprises all forms of up to date gymnastics. The work for the most part will be offered without apparatus and include simple and complex exercises, special drills, gymnastic games and dancing. Special attention to exercises which correct faulty carriage, spinal curya- ture, flatfoot and muscular contrac- tlons will be given. A study in per sonal hygiene will be included in the general program.
 Miss Grace Clark, who taught in the Fairbanks High School during the term of 1923-1924 has been appointed to the position of Director of Physi- cal Education at the College. Miss Clarke is a graduate of the University of North Dakota in the Liberal Arts Course and besides her physical edu- cation work at the University of North Dakota has had special preparation for physical education work at the University of Minnesota. With the completion of the west wing ample space is provided for physical educa- tion courses. The entire second floor, 5 by S2 feet is one room which will be used for athletics and as an as.