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PSY 220 Sport and Exercise Psychology  Dr. Diane Finley

Contacting the Instructor:
Office Hours: TBA - see my webpage
Office: M2049       Phone: 301-322-0869
Email:   dfinley@pgcc.edu 
Website: academic.pgcc.edu/~dfinley

Course Description:
Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology introduces the student to principles of psychology as they apply to sport and exercise. Topic will include ethic and problems in research methodology, motivation, learning social behavior, performance enhancement, youth sports, gender issues, leadership and exercise issues. This course includes multicultural and international views of the field.

Course Objectives:
The objective of Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology is to provide a broad survey of the basic content of psychology and its methodology as an end in itself or as preparation for more advanced courses in psychology.  Lectures, discussion, demonstrations and audio-visual presentations may be utilized.  By the end of the semester, the student should be able to:

1.  Describe the field of sport psychology, including its interdisciplinary nature
2. Describe the historical contexts of sport.
3.  Understand scientific methodology, including that of the experimental method
4.  Discuss various methods of data collection in sport psychology, noting particular problems in collecting data
5.  State the ethics and limitations that pertain to experimental methods.
6.  Differentiate among the major specialty areas of the sport psychology, including certification requirements
7.  Explain the principles of learning theory as applied to sport.
8. Discuss the role of personality in sports performance
9.  Understand current theories of memory and identify the components of the relevant to sport performance.
10. Identify attentional focus strategies.
11.  Explain the physiology of arousal.
12. Discuss the multidimensional approach to anxiety.
13. List arousal adjustment strategies.
14.  Describe theories of imagery and how these theories are used in sport.
15.   Identify psychobiological issues in sport and exercise.
16.   Discuss issues related to special populations in sport.
17.   Identify the major theories of attribution. 
18.   Describe theories of motivation,
19.   Discuss the role of social psychology in sport, including aggression, group cohesion and leadership.
20.   Apply psychological principles to sport and exercise. 

Grading:
Grading and assignments are designed to tap into a variety of strengths and skills. This means that there are many ways to succeed in this course.   Specific grading elements can be found on the Calendar of Due Dates.

Exams and Quizzes
Tests will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions.  No makeups are allowed for the quizzes. There will be a makeup quiz on the final that can substitute for a missed quiz or a low score.

Students who need special accommodations are responsible for contacting the appropriate campus office and obtaining proper documentation.  I should be notified of such needs by the second week of class. Likewise, I should be notified by the second week, in writing, of any religious holidays you will miss. Failure to do so will result in no consideration given.

Final Exam  

In keeping with the College policy and with sound academic practice, a cumulative final exam will be given during Finals Week. The exam will come entirely from the Study Guide for the Final but it is cumulative and consists of concepts, definitions and theories you should remember when you have finished this course. If you miss the Final Exam, you will not be allowed to make it up.

A grade of  I (Incomplete) can only be given for verifiable medical reasons (I will ask for details - a note saying you are sick will not be sufficient) or for documented circumstances beyond your control (this does NOT mean a dead car battery but some severe incident). Documents must be in writing and will be verified. Additionally, it is my choice to give or not give the "I."  The Dean must also approve all Incompletes. He seldom does so. DO NOT ASSUME you will be granted one. If you miss a test during the semester and then do not take the scheduled makeup, you will receive a 0 (zero) on that test.  You will not receive an Incomplete.

Extra Points
The only extra points are for the items under the Introductory Learning Unit.