Minor in Empowerment Self-Defense
The Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) Minor is a dynamic and interdisciplinary program that explores evidence-based strategies to prevent violence, foster personal empowerment, and build safer communities. The program gives you the opportunity to develop the competencies needed to sit for the ESD national certification exam and teach an introductory ESD class to your community or workplace. Spanning 19 units, this program complements majors in departments, including but not limited to Kinesiology, Sociology, Psychology, Public Health, Criminology, Women and Gender Studies, and Ethnic Studies.
Benefits for Students:
By pursuing the Empowerment Self-Defense Minor, you will:
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Develop Essential Life Skills: Acquire skills in emotional intelligence, effective communication, and physical techniques that promote personal safety and empowerment.
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Explore Interdisciplinary Perspectives: Gain insights into how violence manifests across cultures, societies, and historical contexts, fostering a deeper understanding of societal issues.
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Prepare for Diverse Career Paths: Open doors to diverse career opportunities, including roles in advocacy, education, public health, community organizing, and more.
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Enhance Workplace Readiness: Acquire competencies highly sought after by employers, contributing to workplace culture, safety, and productivity.
Interdisciplinary Nature:
This minor program transcends disciplinary boundaries, allowing you to explore the multifaceted nature of violence and empowerment. You will engage with courses that intersect with various majors, providing a comprehensive understanding of interpersonal violence and its impact. Through the integration of fields such as Kinesiology, Sociology, Psychology, Public Health, Criminology, and Ethnic Studies, you will gain a holistic perspective essential for effecting positive societal change.
Join Us in Empowering Change:
The Minor in ESD invites you to become part of a community committed to personal growth, social responsibility, and creating safer environments. ESD instructors are situated on every continent creating a supportive worldwide network. Whether you aspire to work in healthcare, social services, education, or beyond, this program equips you with the tools to make a meaningful difference.
Empower yourself to make a difference. Join the Empowerment Self-Defense Minor program and discover the power within you to create a safer, more empowered world.
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Required courses cannot be taken CR/NC
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All coursework used to satisfy the minor's requirements must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
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Students must check in with the KIN advisor once per semester for academic advising.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Identify the physiological, psychological, and social aspects of violence and how systems of oppression perpetuate abuses of power in interpersonal relationships.
- Teach, demonstrate, and apply a wide range of mental, verbal, and physical strategies to avoid or interrupt violence.
- Apply trauma-informed pedagogy to an ESD class or workshop.
Minor in Empowerment Self-Defense — 19 units minimum
- Required courses cannot be taken CR/NC
- A minimum of 6 upper-division units are required to complete the minor.
- All coursework used to satisfy the requirements of the minor must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
- Students must check in with the KIN advisor once per semester for academic advising
Core (16 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| KIN 158 | Personal Defense | 2 |
| KIN 331 | Peak Performance | 3 |
| KIN 580 | Middle and High School Physical Education: Grades 6-12 | 3 |
| KIN 620 | Advanced Practicum in Kinesiology | 2 |
| KIN 690 | Internship in Fitness/Wellness | 3 |
| WGS 511 | Women and Violence | 3 |
Elective (3-4 units)
Select One:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 531 | Conflict Resolution | 4 |
| KIN 240 | Introduction to Teaching Physical Education | 3 |
| KIN 250 | Introduction to Kinesiology | 3 |
| PH 210 | Personal and Social Determinants of Health | 3 |
| PH/ETHS 241 | Health and Social Movements in the United States in the 20th Century | 3 |
| PH 290 | Promoting Positive Health | 3 |
| PH 414 | Women's Health | 3 |
| SOC/RRS 330 | Comparative Race and Ethnicity in the U.S.: Class, Gender, and Nation | 3 |
| SOC 469 | Gender and Society | 4 |
| SXS 300 | Introduction to Human Sexuality | 3 |
| SXS 455 | Sex, Power, and Politics | 3 |
| SXS/SOC 601 | Sexuality, Ethnicity, and Health | 3 |
| WGS 150 | Women and Gender in U.S. History and Society | 3 |
| WGS 210 | Introduction to Feminism and the State | 3 |
| WGS 220 | Introduction to Feminist Disability Studies | 3 |