Overview of Course

This course is designed to acquaint the student with the reciprocal relationship between psychological factors and sport and exercise behavior, and the various cultural influences on this relationship.
Through active class discussions, lectures, case studies, and readings, Students will study different methods to understand and evaluate psychological aspects of sport performance. Students will learn how to enhance exercise and health behavior change as well as how to increase health/exercise motivation. This course will be a unique opportunity to be exposed to sport/physical activity from the standpoint of psychological factors contributing to participation and the associated emotional outcomes of participation. We examine psychological theories and research and their application to sport/physical activity-related emotions, behaviors and thoughts of participants as well as the individual and environmental factors which shape these outcomes. Students will examine psychological performance theories as they relate to different cultures, and the sociocultural value and impact of sport and physical activity on health and performance. Through quizzes, exams, projects, and personal reflections, students will gain valuable experience and understanding of the critical brain-body connection.