Introduction to Sport Psychology Syllabus

HHP 4040 Spring 2006

Introduction to Sport Psychology

Instructor: Dr. Gregg Steinberg

Office: 273 Dunn Center

Phone: 221-6113

Class Time: TuTh 12:45-2:10

Office Hours: MW 2:00-3:00, TTH 11:00-12:45, Fri: By appointment

Textbook (required):

Weinberg, R.S., & Gould, D. (2003). Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology (3rd Ed.) Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics

Course Description

This course will cover various psychological principles associated with sport. Discussions will consist of which psychological variables can hinder athletic performance as well as which variables can enhance performance. Class content will also illustrate numerous psychological techniques which can enhance sport performance.

Course Level and Credit

Undergraduate level course offering three semester hours of credit

Prerequisite

None

Purpose of the Course

The overall goal of this class is to bridge the gap between theory and real world situations. At the conclusion of the class, the student should gain a better understanding as to why athletes succeed or fail based upon theoretical principles. Students should also gain a better understanding as to which psychological techniques may help their own performance, not only in sport settings but in all performance situations (e.g., public speaking, academics).

Course Objectives:

At the completion of the course, the student should be able to:

1. Understand personality differences in sport and how each may affect performance

2. Understand why athletes become anxious and understand how to regulate this anxiety

3. Understand why imagery facilitates athletic performance

4. How to bolster an athlete=s confidence level

5. Know the best ways to communicate and be a team leader

6. Understand the different motivational constructs as well as how to use them to motivate athletes

7. Know how to create the most productive team environment

8. Determine whether sport can build character

9. Understand and be sensitive to gender issues in the sport domain.

The following is a tentative weekly schedule:

I. Introduction to sport psychology

Chapter 1

II. Understanding Motivation, Achievement Goal Theory, Attribution Theory

Chapter 3 and 5

III. Cognitive Evaluation Theory

Chapter 6

IV. Goal Setting

Chapter 15

V. Anxiety and Arousal regulation

Chapter 4 and 12

VI. Imagery

Chapter 13

Midterm

VII. Concentration and Visual Search

Chapter 16

VIII. Self-Confidence

Chapter 14

IX. Children and Sport

Chapters 22 and 24

X. Group Dynamics and Team Cohesion

Chapter 7 and 8

XI-XIV. Student Presentations (corresponding chapters to be assigned)

Instructional Procedures

A variety of methods and techniques including lectures, assignments, and videos will be used in this class. Each will be part of the student=s evaluation of this class.

Course Evaluation

There will be 10 quizzes, one mid-term, one final exam, two written assignments, and one oral assignment, all of which will be counted toward your final grade. The following are the points awarded for each:

Quizzes: 50 points (5 points each)

Mid-term 100 points

Final 100 points

Written 50 points 

Oral 100 points

Grades will be based on the following scale:

360 points or above = A (90%)

320 points or above = B (80%)

280 points or above = C (70%)

240 points or above = D (60%)

Below 240 points = E (Below 60%)

Point Deductions:

Absences will cause point deductions based upon the following scale:

4 absences=10 points

5 absences=30 points

6 absences=50 points

7 or more absences=100 points

There will be no excused absences and tardies count as absences.

Descriptions of the Graded Assignments

Quizzes: The quizzes will be announced. Each will have five questions and will be based on the chapter that is to be lectured on for that week. No make-up exams will be given unless the student calls prior to the test time.

Exams: There will be a mid-term and final exam. Questions will be based on readings, lectures and videos. Questions will be multiple choice and short answers. The mid-term will be based on the first half of class, and questions on the final will be based on the second half of class. No make-up exams will be given unless the student calls prior to the test time.

Written Assignment: The students will be presented with two recent articles in sport psychology and/or sport sociology. The students will have to answers questions assigned by the instructor concerning the articles. Further details will be given later.

Oral Assignment: The class presentation will be based on a topic related to sport psychology with the purpose of given the audience applied knowledge related to sport psychology. 

Disability Policy

Any student who has a disability that may affect his/her academic performance is encouraged to make an appointment with me to discuss the matter, or you may contact Disability Services; 221-6230

Academic and Classroom Misconduct

Minors In The Classroom:  According to APSU policy #3:032, Minors   (defined as those under the age of 18) are not allowed in classrooms.  While I recognize that extenuating circumstances occur and make it difficult for some students to attend without bringing children with them on occasion, I must enforce University policy and thus will deny any request for a child in my classroom.  You should also be aware that minors are not allowed in academic labs, computer labs, science labs, or the library.  Further, children cannot be left in halls outside classrooms.  Please be aware that the policy on unattended minors is for the purpose of ensuring that our classrooms are conducive to learning and for the safety and protection of minors.  For additional information on minors on campus, contact the Office of Student Affairs in the Morgan University Center.

                     Student use of a cell phone or pager during class is prohibited as is the ringing, etc. of a cell phone or the beep, etc. of a pager;  2)  Students are to place cell phones and beepers in purse, pocket, etc. during class sessions