Faculty First Year Seminars 191WG5 - Finding the movement: Running

Fall
2026
01
1.00
Kirsten Leng

W 10:10AM 11:00AM

UMass Amherst
21049
South College Room W219
kleng@umass.edu
"Movement" is a word with multiple meanings. People use "movement" to describe exercise and sport but also to characterize groups intent on political or social action and artists working toward similar themes or genres. In this First Year Seminar, we will engage in the physical movement of running and explore its place within society, culture, and politics. Using Northampton's 5K Hot Chocolate Run as our final "project," we will collectively train; in the process, we will explore not only how running has affected society, politics and culture, but also how running can help us develop crucial academic and professional skills, attend to the well-being of our bodies and minds, and build nurturing, supportive community. We will adopt a Couch to 5K approach, so no prior knowledge or experience are necessary; all are welcome!

First-year (R1ST)

Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.