Just a little FYI, Brandeis requires two semesters of physical education. There are THREE ways of satisfying this requirement:
- Taking two gym classes. There is an extremely large variety of courses that are available (about 35) and it is a great way to meet new people, stay fit, and satisfy Brandeis requirements. These courses are noncredit activities. Basically, go to the class and you will be on your way to fulfilling the requirements.
- Participate in a Brandeis varsity team for two semesters. For those who are more on the athletic side of the spectrum, then go for it! Try out for a team and see what happens.
- The third and seemingly most common way to fulfill these two physical education requirements is to pass the PE test at the beginning of each semester. This fitness test must be taken within your first four semesters at the university.
As someone who placed out of both PE Requirements first semester of sophomore year, I cannot emphasize this enough, take the test as soon as possible!
What is the Fitness Test? It includes a beep test to measure endurance, a sit-and-reach test to measure flexibility, a sit-up test and a plank test (similar to push-ups) to test core strength.
When is it offered? For Spring 2012, the PE test has already passed, but it is usually offered before classes begin. Be sure to check your email or the Brandeis University Athletics Page for updates. Mark it on your calendar so another opportunity to place out does not pass you by.
Excuses, Excuses, Excuses... Don’t make them! I completely understand the “Oh, I’ll do it next semester” or “I still have two semesters left to take it,” but you never know how you will be feeling about the test that day, so just get your gym clothes on, wear your sneakers, and get to Gosman. The sooner you take the exam, the sooner the anxiety is gone.
What happens if I don’t place out of either? Do I really have to take TWO gym classes? We all know how busy Brandeis students are, it turns out that you can place out of one credit by getting CPR certified! It looks great on your resumé, especially for those involved in child-care, and it is such a good skill to have.
Brandeis Gem:
THA 130a – Suzuki
This is an experiential learning course. Prerequisite: THA 2a or permission of the instructor. Counts as one activity course toward the physical education requirement. Undergraduates may repeat this course twice for credit, once with each instructor.
Developed by the Japanese theater artist Tadashi Suzuki, the Suzuki method of acting training develops physical strength, stamina, and agility while engaging the imagination and will of the actor. Through a series of walks, statues, and marches, students are taught to breathe and move from the core of their bodies. This training allows students to act from physical impulse, resulting in a deep and personal experience of language and the world of play. Usually offered every semester by Mr. Hill and Ms. Krstansky.
Okay… and? For those of you who haven’t heard about this course, you may be wondering why it is such a great course to enroll in. It satisfies not one, but THREE university requirements (Creative Arts, Nonwestern, and PE)! Preference is usually given to those who are involved in theatre, but the course is open to anyone. 
“Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” -Elle Woods
Sometimes our health and well being gets away from us due to academics, but it’s important to keep active, keep healthy, and keep happy! Enjoy the rest of your semester and don’t forget to take your fitness tests!
Brandeis Associate Professor and Chair of the Brandeis Anthropology Dept., Javier Urcid, will be teaching two classes this summer. Prof. Urcid will be teaching ANTH 5a: Human Origins and ANTH 116a: Human Osteology. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Prof. Urcid studies the development of ancient complex societies in Mesoamerica: the origin and societal functions of early writing, political economy and settlement patterns, and the social and ideological dimensions of mortuary practices.
