Health, Wellness and Life Skills

Last updated: October 4, 2021 at 1:42 PM

Objectives

Health, wellness and life skills provides students with the tools to successfully balance personal well-being with social, professional, community, and global commitments. Students will complete noncredit modules or course equivalents in three areas: navigating health and safety; mind and body balance; and life skills.

Most health, wellness and life skills modules meet once per week for six weeks. Modules are scheduled either in the first six weeks of the term (module I) or the final six weeks of the term (module II).

Requirement Beginning Fall 2019

For students entering Brandeis beginning fall 2019, the health, wellness and life skills requirement replaces the physical education requirement. All first-year students will automatically be enrolled in the core navigating health and safety module in their first semester at Brandeis, and students will then choose one module from mind and body balance and one other module from any of the three groups. Courses that satisfy the requirement in a particular semester are designated "hwl1" (navigating health and safety), "hwl2" (mind and body balance), or "hwl3" (life skills) in the Schedule of Classes for that semester.

Completion of one full season of participation on a varsity athletics team, as certified by the Department of Athletics, is equal to the mind and body balance module requirement. Exemption of the mind and body balance module requirement is given to anyone who has served in the military. Students may also take a course outside of Brandeis to get CPR and AED certified. Any exemption for certification has to be the equivalent of the class offered by Brandeis, and must include CPR and AED training for adults and children. Certification will only exempt the student from one module of the health, wellness, and life skills requirement. Please contact the Department of Athletics for complete information on requesting an exemption.

Requirement Prior to Fall 2019

Courses of Instruction

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Mind and Body Balance

HWL 2 Beginning Swimming Level 1
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Designed to teach the nonswimmer the basic skills of floating, treading water, and the crawl stroke. Usually offered every semester.
James Zotz

HWL 3 Beginning Swimming Level 2
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Continuation of HWL 2. Usually offered every semester.
James Zotz

HWL 6 Fundamentals of Running
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Introduces the fundamentals of running, designed to improve students' fitness level. Each student will receive instruction about how to develop a running training program. The program is designed for the beginning runner who wants to build up to running a 5k. The program builds from run/walk to continuous running. Students will also receive instruction on basic stretching and core stability training for runners. Usually offered every semester.
Nick Athanasopoulos

HWL 8 Fit Camp
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Designed around goal setting, self-improvement and teamwork, this course caters to all fitness levels. Classes will focus on a variety of exercises to build endurance, flexibility, core and overall strength. Individuals will be tested on the first day through a timed mile, the number of push-ups in 1:00 minute and the number of sit-ups in 1:00 minute. The individual will then work with the instructor to go over an obtainable goal to strive for at the end of the semester. At the end of the semester, the individual will retest. Usually offered every semester.
Jason Sliwoski

HWL 9 Volleyball
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
An introduction to the fundamentals of volleyball--scoring, rotation, rules, and the basic skills of passing, serving, hitting, and setting. Methodology includes lectures, demonstrations, drills, but mostly play. Course is intended to be fun through active participation. Usually offered every fall.
Scott Foulis

HWL 10 Basketball
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Structured to meet needs of students with an overview of offensive and defensive skills. Methods used are lecture, demonstrations, drills, and play. Usually offered every semester.
Scott Foulis

HWL 11 Introduction to Weightlifting
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Instruction of proper use of Nautilus, Body Master, and free-weight training. Classes also include aerobic activity such as use of Lifecycles and Tru-Climb 450. Usually offered every semester.
Derek Carlson

HWL 14 Yoga
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Hatha yoga is physical in nature and is based on proper body alignment and is distinctive in its use of props such as belts, walls, and blankets. Classes start with gentle stretches and work toward more challenging poses. Usually offered every semester.
Alesia Bennett and Kat Page

HWL 16 Golf
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
A beginning golf group instructional course. Techniques such as grip, set-up, swing, chipping, pitching, and putting are covered. Some discussion on golf rules and etiquette is introduced. Usually offered every semester.
Denise Dallamora

HWL 17 Beginner's Fencing
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Covers basic mobility, offensive and defensive strategy, and tactics. Competitive bouting is done, with a class tournament scheduled for the end of the semester. Usually offered every semester.
Jennifer Salmon

HWL 22 Squash
[ hwl2 ]
Students must provide their own racquet and protective eyewear. Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Covers rules for squash. The serve, return of serve, grip, forehand, backhand, and other basic strokes are introduced. Strategy and play will be emphasized. Usually offered every semester.
Christian Schultz

HWL 23 Introduction to Ice Skating
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Do you want to learn how to ice skate? Students will build confidence and learn the basics of ice skating in a fun, friendly environment. This class will be held outdoors. Special one-time offering spring 2021.
Derek Jenesky

HWL 26 Ballroom/Latin Dance
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Fall semester will provide the basics in steps and technique in American style fox trot, mambo, swing, and cha-cha. Spring semester will provide the basics in steps and technique in American style waltz, swing, cha-cha and tango.
Carole-Ann Baer

HWL 27 Keeping Stress in Check
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Designed to help students achieve wellness through exercise, nutrition, and health education. Students are taught to recognize components of their lifestyles that are detrimental to their health while developing a personal fitness program. Usually offered every semester.
James Zotz

HWL 35 Power Walking
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Designed to help increase the fitness level of students through a high-intensity, low-impact workout. The workout consists of walking with hand-held weights. Usually offered every semester.
Sam Rubenstein

HWL 37 Core Peer Support Skills
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills two Mind and Body Balance modules for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Exposes students to the basic skills necessary to engage in a supportive consultation with a distressed peer. You will learn about basic listening and attending skills and, by the end of the course, will be trained in Campus Connect which provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage with a peer who endorses suicidal thoughts. Suicidality, self-harm, and sexual assault are topics that will be discussed in class. This course consists of a one hour lecture component and one hour discussion, experiential component and practice of skills learned in lecture. Usually offered every year.
Staff

HWL 38 Indoor Soccer
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
An introduction to the fundamentals of soccer. This course will cover the rules of the game and will include skill development and scrimmages to improve overall fitness. This course is designed for all levels and the structure will include a warm up, followed by drills, then 2v2, 3v3, 4v4 scrimmages. Usually offered every semester.
Adam Batista and Mary Shimko

HWL 40 Personal Safety/Self-Defense
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Teaches students to assert themselves and deal with the natural excitement and fear that can cause a person to freeze up when faced with an aggressor. Students are led through simple but effective drills and scenarios designed to help them overcome the uncomfortable feelings and fear that can mark a person as an easy target for an attack. Usually offered every semester.
Jim True

HWL 41 Yogalates: A Fusion of Yoga/Pilates
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Combines the common poses of an intermediate Yoga class along with the core-centric movements of a Mat-based Pilates class. Resulting in a low-impact workout that targets muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility, while boosting your immunity, helping you sleep better, reducing body fat, reducing distress and supporting mental well-being. Usually offered every semester.
James Zotz

HWL 42 The Art of Resilience: Strategies to Thrive in a Stressful World
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Are you prepared to fail? Explore the philosophy and practical applications of resilience, the art of bouncing back. Engage in self-reflection and personal exercises to strengthen your resiliency, grow from failure, and meet challenges with a positive mindset. Usually offered every semester.
Leah Berkenwald

HWL 47 Total Body Training
[ hwl2 ]
Open to all abilities. Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Do you want to be a better athlete? Athleticism is a combination of strength, power, coordination, flexibility, balance, agility, and reaction. Includes dynamic stretching, plyometrics, core workout, and confidence-building exercises in a fast-paced hour. Usually offered every semester.
Pauri Pandian

HWL 48 Cardio Workout
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Offers instruction of proper use of cardio equipment including elliptical machines, treadmills, rowers, and stationary bikes. Usually offered every semester.
Derek Carlson and Adam Batista

HWL 49 Tennis and Squash
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Covers tennis over the first half of the semester and squash for the second half. Usually offered every semester.
Christian Schultz

HWL 53 Swimming for Fitness
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
designed for people with a basic knowledge of freestyle and other swimming strokes. The focus will be increasing efficiency through stroke development and workouts designed to build endurance. Great for triathletes and individuals that want to improve their cardiovascular fitness through swimming. Participants must be able to swim basic freestyle for at least 50 yards. Usually offered every year.
Nicole Carter

HWL 55 Body Mapping: Freedom from Pain, Movement with Ease! For All Who Move!
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
We move the way we think we are constructed. Learn how bodies are designed. Through training Senses, Attention and Movement, you will find freedom of expression and relief from stress. Through an accurate and adequate understanding of how the body is actually designed, students will learn to allow movement to happen in the most efficient way. By training the senses, students will experience increased awareness and attention. This way of learning will help reduce stress in all aspects of daily life. Usually offered every semester.
Jill Dreeben

HWL 57 Mindfulness for Self-Care and Stress Reduction
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Mindfulness is a response to the great need each of us has in these busy, often overwhelming times. Mindfulness enables us to find physical, mental and emotional calm, as it promotes non-judgmental awareness of the present moment. We learn how to be kinder -- to ourselves, as well as others; -- to be more confident, more focused, less stressed, less judgmental. This Mindfulness Module is based on the Tree of Contemplative Practices, a framework for exploring a variety of avenues to developing ones own Mindfulness practice. In this class, students will explore the scientific, emotional, physical, mental and spiritual foundations and benefits of mindfulness, and will construct their individual practices on the basis of what they have learned and experienced. Usually offered every semester.
Matt Carriker

HWL 67 RISE: Resilience, Information, Skills and Experiences
[ hwl2 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills two Mind and Body Balance modules for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Focuses on skills for coping with and bouncing back from stress, and strategies for preventing stress by using effective study, test taking, time management and goal setting techniques, through discussions and hands on opportunities to practice skills. Usually offered every year.
Staff

Life Skills

HWL 7 Your Brain on Carbon
[ hwl3 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Power psychological barriers prevent us from acting on climate change. We will identify them, learn how to think around them, and research and design plans to achieve the biggest carbon reductions in our personal lives and on our campus. Usually offered every semester.
Mary Fischer and Sabine von Mering

HWL 12 Money Management for Beginners
[ hwl3 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Helps inform students on how to effectively manage their finances, create a budget and manage debt. Additional topics will include how to maintain a budget, set up a bank account, establish a savings account, apply for credit cards and manage student loan accounts. Classroom discussions will consist of effective financial decision-making techniques to appropriately identify available resources and tools for building financial literacy. Usually offered every year.
Keone Peterson

HWL 15 Work, Career, and Life
[ hwl3 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Discover who you are, what you want, and how to get there. This module provides resources on how to navigate career interests, explore decision making, learn strategies for effective planning, and ways to communicate your own career story. Usually offered every semester.
Zachariah Hicks

HWL 19 Applying to Medical School and Dental School
[ hwl3 ]
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Designed for students applying for medical school or dental school in the current academic year. The class will introduce you to the field of medical education and admissions assessment, reflective writing, and financial literacy. Usually offered every year.
Jean Deo and Kate Stutz

HWL 25 Exploring Careers in Health Care
[ hwl3 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Explores careers in health care including medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, nutrition, health data, physical therapy, and many others in this interactive seminar. Course includes an overview of health careers, networking strategies, and connections with alumni. Intended for first- and second-year undergraduates. Usually offered every semester.
Kate Stutz

HWL 30 Financial Literacy for College Graduates
[ hwl3 ]
Prerequisite: Experience with budgeting. Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Explores how students can create a financial plan after they graduate college. Topics include bank accounts, salary and job benefits, managing credit, and saving for long-term goals. Class discussions will examine the money challenges faced after graduation and emphasize how to make good financial decisions while pursuing graduate school, employment and other opportunities. Usually offered every year.
Andrew Marx

HWL 51 Exploring Business Careers
[ hwl3 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Explores careers in business in an active seminar, covering assessment of skills, career research, resources, networking, recruiting, and application materials specific to business. Areas of business covered include advertising, business operations, consulting, finance, marketing, rotational programs, sales, and supply chain logistics. Usually offered every semester.
Zachary Vigliani

HWL 60 Just Google It!
[ hwl3 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
"Ok Google, are you Skynet?" and other questions will be answered in this deep dive into Google's data practices. Topics include personal data collection (and how you can delete it!), privacy and security, search algorithms, and surveillance capitalism. Usually offered every semester.
Esther Brandon

HWL 64 Critical Evaluation of the News
[ hwl3 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by news coverage and struggle to determine which stories are credible, misleading, or entirely false? Explore and practice a variety of strategies and approaches for critically evaluating the news in all formats. Students will engage in class discussion and will participate in a variety of hands-on activities to practice different strategies for evaluating news coverage. This class will reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the current news consumption practices, and explore ways in which the prominent news sources often overlook the perspectives of marginalized individuals. Topics include fact-checking strategies, tools for verifying online content, filter bubbles, confirmation bias, underrepresented voices in news coverage, and the economic forces influencing news outlets. Usually offered every semester.
Laura Hibbler

Navigating Health and Safety

HWL 1-pre What Would Brandeis Do? Supporting Community Health and Safety
Satisfactory completion required prior to taking the core Navigating Health and Safety module.
Usually offered every year.
Staff

HWL 1 Navigating Health and Safety
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Navigating Health and Safety module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement. Enrollment limited to students in their first semester.
Designed to support the development of healthy habits and practices. Students will be introduced to healthy decision-making and intervention techniques, and learn how to leverage campus resources to address health and safety concerns. Usually offered every semester.
Staff

HWL 5 First Aid and Community CPR
[ hwl1 ]
Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Navigating Health and Safety module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
An instruction in the American Red Cross standard First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and AED (automated external defibrillator). Upon course completion, certificates will be given to students who successfully complete the skills test and pass the written test with scores of 80 percent or better. Usually offered every semester.
Staff