Course Syllabus
ISI Website | indepst@uidaho.edu | 208-885-6641
PSYC 410 Sports Psychology
Sponsoring Institution: Lewis-Clark State College
3 Credits
Instructor Information
Course Instructor: Michael Collins
- Email: mcollins@uidaho.edu
- Phone: 208-792-2308
- Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PST
- Copy the ISI office at indepst@uidaho.edu on all communications.
Dr. Collins has been teaching at Lewis-Clark State College for over 10 years. He also serves as the head cross country and track coach which enables him to apply his sport psychology skills and knowledge to a “real world” setting. He has been successful applying these skills as he has been named the Frontier Conference Coach of the Year seven times and has over 80 all-Americans at Lewis-Clark State.
Dr. Collins graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, earned his Master’s degree from the University of Utah in Exercise Physiology and then earned his Ph.D. from the University of Idaho in Education with an emphasis area of Sport Science.
He is very active and has participated in numerous fun runs, bike races and triathlons. He has qualified for the US National Triathlon Championship six times and has also completed two ironman triathlons (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run). He also enjoys reading, fly fishing and numerous other activities.
He is married to Tracy and has two daughters (Kassie and Emily).
Course Description
Prerequisite: The equivalent of PSYC 101 Introduction to General Psychology or the equivalent of PSYC 205 Developmental Psychology, or permission of instructor and Sophomore Standing. LCSC students: Cross-listed with KIN 410 [Sports Psychology].
Welcome!
This course is designed to provide you with an introduction and overview of sports psychology factors, such as motivation, communication, imagery, management of psychological energy, stress management, relaxation, goal setting and the implementation of Psychological Skills Training (PST).
You will be answering many questions about yourself. The intent of our self-analysis is to encourage critical self-thought that will help you identify who you are and how you can be a more successful coach/teacher. I hope you see the importance of self-awareness and how your students’/athletes’ self-awareness can be enhanced.
To benefit from this course you will need to:
- Commit to self-analysis.
- Open yourself up to critical thinking.
- Try new skills.
I hope you will have an open mind, ask questions, and have fun with the course material. Feel comfortable contacting me at any time during the course. I would like to create a discussion atmosphere through your written assignments and the feedback you receive on your lessons. I believe sports psychology is an exciting area of study, and you will want to talk about your activities, exercise and projects. Please share your thoughts with me, your friends, or your colleagues. I will respond to questions submitted with your lessons.
Finally, I hope after completing this course, you will know yourself better and will be better able to understand and recognize the needs of your students/athletes.
It takes commitment, patience, persistence, and enthusiasm to acquire new skills.
Have fun! Work hard!
-Mike
Course Learning Outcomes
- To understand how thoughts, values, and beliefs influence an individual’s participation and performance in sport.
- To acquire psychological skills and knowledge applicable to coaches, teachers, or other practitioners.
- To develop or clarify a coaching/teacher philosophy and understand how this philosophy affects the coach’s/teacher’s ability to implement psychological skills training.
- To understand how to design and implement a psychological skills training program for your students/athletes.
Required Materials
Weinberg, Robert S and Daniel Gould. Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 5th ed. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 2011. ISBN-10: 0-7360-8323-5; ISBN-13: 978-0-7360-8323-2
NOTE: Access to the Human Kinetics website associated with the textbook is highly recommended. Information on how to access and login to this website is located on the inside cover of your textbook.
Course Rules and Requirements
10 graded lessons, 2 graded projects, 3 proctored exams
Before you begin your Psyc 410 coursework, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the online environment. The menu to the left directs you to important course information, resources, and materials.
Lessons
Each Lesson Includes:
- Lesson objectives
- A reading or research assignment
- A written assignment or activity
Assignments
This course has 12 assignments (10-chapter exercises and 2 projects) and 3 exams.
All written assignments MUST BE TYPED. Please read the objectives for each exercise and project. You will be evaluated on the organization, thoroughness, depth, and clarity of your thoughts.
Assignment Guidelines
- Students may submit up to 3 lessons at once. Students may submit up to 6 lessons in one week.
- All written assignments must be typed.
- Pay special attention to the critical thinking questions as this is the area where I can evaluate your comprehension of the chapters.
- Please read the directions and objectives for each exercise and project.
- You will be evaluated on the organization, thoroughness, depth, and clarity of your thoughts.
- Keep a copy of every lesson submitted. Write your name and V Number on every submission.
- Students may submit lessons via Canvas. Students will receive graded lessons via Canvas.
- You will typically receive graded lessons within three weeks after the date of the receipt by the instructor.
Exams
Exams are offered online through Canvas. Do not begin any exam until you are prepared. Exams can only be taken once and are timed. The timer will start once you begin. If you start the exam before you are ready, you will not be able to re-take the exam.
Exam Guidelines
- You must wait for grades and comments on lessons prior to taking subsequent exams.
- Exams are closed book and closed note.
- No personal items or electronic devices, including cell phones.
- Graded exams will not be returned to you.
- Refer to Grade Information for specific information on lesson/exam points and percentages.
Study Hints:
- Complete all assigned readings
- Set a schedule allowing for completion of the course one month prior to your desired deadline.
Email Standards
Place questions or comments for the instructor in the body of the email.
In the email's subject line include:
- Your name, V number, course subject and number, and lesson number(s).
- Example: Joe Vandal, V01234567, BUS L321, Lessons 1, 2
Grade Information
The final course grade is issued after all lessons and exams have been graded.
Acts of academic dishonesty, including cheating or plagiarism are considered a very serious transgression and may result in a grade of F for the course.
| Assignment | Points | Total Points |
|---|---|---|
| 10 chapter exercises | 25 points each | 250 points |
| 2 projects | 50 points each | 100 points |
| 3 exams | 100 points each | 300 points |
| COURSE POINTS | 650 points |
| Points | Percent | Grade |
|---|---|---|
|
585 – 650 |
90-100% | A |
| 520 – 584 | 80-89% | B |
| 455 – 519 | 70-79% | C |
| 390 – 454 | 60-69% | D |
| 0-389 | Below 60% | F |
Course Policies
Refer to the ISI website's Current Students page for the most current policies and procedures, including information on setting up accounts, student confidentiality, exams, transcripts, course exchanges, refunds, academic integrity, library resources, disability support and other services.