The development of the department of Physical Education for Women at Northern Illinois University, 1899-1970

Abstract

This study was about the development of the Department of Physical Education for Women at Northern Illinois University from 1899 to 1970. Northern Illinois State Normal School opened in 1899 but no mention of physical culture was made until 1901. At that time Jessica Foster was employed as the Director of Physical Culture, a title she held until 1921. From 1901 to 1927 courses were developed in physical training, later named physical education, but no major in physical education became available until 1928. All women students were required to take two hours of physical education a week in order to graduate.