Physical Arts

Lesson Unit

Physical and health arts is an area that you are likely to think of as a discipline which provides activities that benefit the body. But what part does our physical activity benefit the mind and contribute to our abilility to learn? More specifically, how should we teach concepts and skills for knowledge that is based in physical activity, such as the practice of sports, medicine, martial arts, the performing arts, and related health practices.

Here is a brief overview of the physical and health arts as they were conceived and practiced in ancient Greece. (descriptive text as overview here)

The following lessons examine some of the underlying issues that surround this domain of practice. They are posed as examples (cases) of ancient Greek education, practices, and artifacts in the domain of physical arts and health.

By considering these cases and comparing them with our contemporary practices and notions, you should be able to draw useful contrasts and parallels to your own learning and teaching interests and practices.

Gymnasia	How were the physical and health arts taught and learned from ancient to contemporary Greece.
Walking and Talking	How were the physical and health arts practiced and performed from ancient to contemporary Greece? How did educators, philosophers, militarists, and artists practice these arts? How was thinking and discourse stimulated by physical exercise?
Display of Physical Prowess and Beauty	What examples of the physical and health arts can be found in the artifacts and settings of ancient to contemporary Greece? How were these physical and health arts depicted in the artifacts of other domains such as painting, sculpture, music, poetry, drama, and elementary education?

Venisa Ustynoski was a graduate student in the Educational Communication and Technology Program at NYU. She created the lessons in this unit based on her academic background and interests in physical application of Greek arts in education.