Syllabus

HHP 5710 Spring 2004

Psychological and Sociological Aspects of Sport

Instructor: Dr. Gregg Steinberg

Office: 273 Dunn Center

Phone: 221-6113

Class Time: Tu 6:00-8:45PM

Office Hours: MW 10:00-12:00, T Th 9:30-11:00, Friday: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

Graduate level course offering three semester hours of credit

Prerequisite

Graduate level standing or permission of the chair

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

VII. Concentration and Visual Search

Chapter 16

VIII. Midterm

IX. Self-Confidence

Chapter 14

X. Children and Sport

Chapters 22 and 24

XI. Group Dynamics and Team Cohesion

Chapter 7 and 8

XII. Black Athlete

XIII-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, three 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 100 points (first two will be 10 points each, third one will be 80 points)

Oral 50 points

Attendance ? points (bonus)

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%)

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.

The student will also develop and conduct an experiment in either sport psychology or sport sociology. Students will be asked to select a topic of choice and then examine an issue. The student will be required to write-up the experiment. Further details will be given later in the semester. 

Another option will be given for the written assignment. This option is to write a book proposal as it relates to a sport psychology/exercise psychology topic. Further detail will be given later in the semester.

Oral Assignment: The class presentation will be based on their experiment. The student will present me with an outline of their presentation one week prior to presenting. Note: the student must select a research project different from a topic that I presented in class.

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

Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriate at all times and according to the ACode of Student Conduct@ as stated in the student handbook. Please turn off your cell phones before entering class. Students will be asked to leave if their cell phones ring during class.

General Education Goals Addressed by this Class

1. Skills of inquiry, abstract and logical thinking, and critical analysis

Students will read the material, listen to the lectures, participate in class discussions so that they understand the psychological and sociological principles associated with sport. Further, students are expected to be able to construct the most effective sport learning environment, considering the knowledge base of the class.

2. Literacy in writing, listening, and speaking

Writing: assignments include one assignment related to either sport psychology or sport sociology. This writing assignment will be evaluated for content and grammar and suggestions will be made to the student concerning improvement in writing style.

Reading: assignment include readings from the text and other relevant materials when warranted. Class discussions and tests will determine how well the student is comprehending the assignments.

Speaking: students will be required to make one class presentation during the semester. Feedback will be given concerning presentational style and form.

3. The ability to understand and use numbers and statistics

Students will be required to understand the various charts and tables which detail statistical data related to the principles of sport

4. A knowledge of world, national, and regional history

Historical perspectives concerning human performance will be presented as they apply to the topics of the day.

5. An understanding of the scientific method

Students will develop an experiment based upon the principles of the scientific method. Attention will be given concerning how problem solving skills can be applied to setting up and implementing an experiment in the field of sport psychology or sport sociology.

6. An awareness of systems of values as bases for fulfilling the responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society

Special attention will be given to how a student could incorporate class knowledge in dealings with other individuals. It is hoped that this knowledge base will help students interact with others during physical activity experiences.

7. An awareness of the diverse cultures and experiences that define the contemporary world.

Various cultural difference to the approaches to sport will be fully explored in the class.

8. An understanding of human behavior and skills necessary for appropriate social interactions

Specific attention will be given to how these topics can enhance a student=s ability to interact with peers concerning relevant topics of physical activity.

9. A concentration a discipline in order to enter a chosen profession, undertaken advanced study, or develop an avocation.

Psychology and Sociological Aspects of Sport is a graduate level class requirement. Furthermore, it is hoped that information presented in this class may stimulate interest in this area for further study and research.