Dept.

of Secondary Education (SEED) - Brooklyn College

Physical Education Teacher Education
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HNSC 4500
Course Outline / Spring ‘23
Th 5:05-7:50 pm 1/25 – 5/23/23
Instructor: Dr. L Blitzer
E-mail: laurablitzer@brooklyn.cuny.edu
Office Hours: before and after class and by appointment in person and via zoom
Office location: 2414 James Hall

Required Texts & Materials:

Weinberg, R.S., Gould, D., Foundations of Sport & Exercise Psychology. 7 th Ed. (2019).
Human Kinetics.

Recommended:
1) that you have a personal electronic device with internet access and on which you can do
independent work, toggle between sites, participate in discussion boards, interact with email
correspondence, and view video recorded instructional materials. Many of these items will be a part
of our collective Blackboard learning experiences; others will arrive as links or attachments in email.
Speak with instructors if you need support.
2) Download the Blackboard student app to a phone device if available.
3) Practice logging in on that device and though the Blackboard site on a desktop or laptop. if problems
arise, contact BC IT to address a resolution.
4) Identify a backup source/location to access course materials if your device fails or access is
challenged.
5) Log in to WebCentral and make sure that Brooklyn College is sending email to the address you
regularly read.

Course Objectives

 To increase your understanding of how psychological factors influence involvement

and performance in sport, exercise, and physical education settings.
 To increase your understanding of how participation in sport, exercise, and physical
education influences the psychological makeup of the individuals involved
 To help you acquire skills and knowledge about sport and exercise psychology that
you can apply as a coach, teacher, athletic trainer, or exercise leader.

Course Content
A. Part I: Beginning Your Journey
1. Welcome to Sport and Exercise Psychology
2. Science and Professional Practice of Sport and Exercise Psychology

B. Part II: Learning About Participants

3. Personality and Sport
4. Motivation
5. Arousal, Stress, and Anxiety

C. Part III: Understanding Sport and Exercise Environments

6. Competition and Cooperation
7. Feedback, Reinforcement, and Intrinsic Motivation
8. Diversity and Inclusion

D. Part IV: Focusing on Group Processes

9. Team Dynamics and Cohesion
10. Leadership
11. Communication

E. Part V: Improving Performance

12. Introduction to Psychological Skills Training
13. Arousal Regulation
14. Imagery
15. Self-Confidence
16. Goal Setting
17. Concentration

F. Part VI: Enhancing Health and Well-Being

18. Exercise and Psychological Well-Being
19. Exercise Behavior and Adherence
20. Athletic Injuries and Psychology
21. Addictive and Unhealthy Behaviors
22. Burnout and Overtraining

G. Part VII: Facilitating Psychological Growth and Development

23. Children and Sport Psychology
24. Aggression in Sport
25. Character Development and Good Sporting Behavior
H. Continuing Your Journey

Class attendance/participation/support:
 This class requires your presence and active participation at each session. These
components are assessed at every session.
  You are responsible for the timely completion of assignments and the demonstration
of high positive regard for all interactions and exchanges within the classroom, with
classmates, instructor, and others.
 This class is designed to be interactive – meaning we support the belief that personal
growth and an expanded perspective comes from active participation and a willingness
to think outside of our personal box.
 Your level of in-class involvement along with instructors’ subjective rating of that
involvement is factored into the final grade.
 Coming late, leaving early, and walking in and out during class will be noted
and will impact your grade.
 Absences affect your overall grade for the semester. Participation quality will be
assessed regularly.

Work to do:

Project 1: Sport and Exercise Psychology Movie

Instructions
Choose a topic from the following:
 Motivation
 Flow
 Communication
 Cohesion/Group dynamics
 Anxiety
 Imagery
 Goal setting
 Self-confidence

Search the Internet for a listing of the greatest sport movies and watch a movie that
addresses the mental skills topic of your choice. (get approval before watching)
In a 3-5 five-page paper, do the following:
 Briefly summarize the movie.
 Explain the use of the mental skills in the movie.
 Provide an overview of the theoretical development of the mental skill (e.g., from
lecture, class notes, book, other research articles).
 Present a critique, based on the theoretical development, of how the movie portrayed
both appropriate and inappropriate strategies in developing mental skills.
 Identify what you would do differently in working with the team, athlete, or individual
portrayed in the movie.
 Address implications for your own field. For example, how would you apply what you
have learned from the movie and through theory to develop this same mental skill
(e.g., goal setting) as a fitness leader?
 Be sure to use appropriate references and include a reference page at the end of the
paper.
Project 2: Exercise Psychology and the Internet
Instructions
Choose a specific topic from the exercise section of the text that you find interesting:
exercise and psychological well-being (chapter 18) or exercise behavior and adherence
(chapter 19).
You are going to review two websites on the Internet.
The format of your review should be as follows:
 Introduction to the specific topic you have chosen
 Summary of the content of each website. Include the name and web address (URL) of
each site. What is the purpose of the website?
 Evaluation of the content of the website relative to course material. Does the site
provide accurate information? How does the information in the website relate to
course material?

Project 3: Group Special Topics Presentation

Instructions
Groups (consisting of 1-2 people) will choose a specific topic from one of our two special
topic areas. These include (1) topics on youth sport and character development (e.g.,
competition and cooperation, why kids participate, coaching); and (2) topics on health and
psychological well-being (e.g., eating disorders, burnout, aggression, psychology of injury).
Each group will do a 15- to 20-minute presentation on their specific topic. The purpose of
your presentation is to provide practical information about your topic.
3 classes prior to your group presentation, you must turn in an outline of your presentation
(i.e., what you will be covering in your presentation), along with the responsibilities of each
group member.
The presentation should include the following:
 An overview of the topic—what it is, why it is important
 Practical information related to your topic
 Examples of your specific topic
 Visual aids (overheads, PowerPoint, etc.)
 A class activity—do something to get the class involved

All group members are required to be in class the day of your presentation.

Exams:
2 non-cumulative exams will be scheduled.

Submitting Assignments:
 Assignments are due on days indicated and must be submitted in hard copy (unless
otherwise directed) in class. Late assignments will have the point value reduced by 5
pts. per academic day.

Written/Submitted Work:
 For all written work, adhere to APA 6th edition format for references and citation. You
 must include a page of works cited. ALL work should be double-spaced, in 12-point
font (please choose a professional font), with numbered pages. Do not use formal
cover sheets. Written work will be assessed based on its overall quality including the
depth of response, breadth of analysis, accuracy of summary, general thoughtfulness.
Additionally, papers should be proofread, and spell checked both manually and by
machine.
 If you are unfamiliar with creating citations for articles etc., avail yourself of this very
helpful site: www.citationmachine.net
 Additionally, this site will be VERY helpful in addressing assignments generally:
 http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/

Assignment Points Comments

1. Attendance & Participation & Support of 10
Community
2. Sport and Exercise Psychology Movie 20
3. Exercise Psychology and the Internet 20
4. Group Special Topics Presentation 20
5. Exams 30
Total 100

Grading: Your final grade is calculated on a “total points” scale. To calculate your final
grade, add up the points you have earned for assignments.
Final grades will be based on the following:
A = (93 pts.); A- = (92-89); B+ = (88 - 85) B = (84 – 81); B- = (80 – 77); C+ (76 - 73);
C = (72-69); C- (68 – 65) D+ = (64 - 61); D = (60 – 57); D- (56 – 53); F (52 - )

SPECIAL NOTES:
1. assigned reading is required reading
2. make up assignments/extra credit: not available
3. If personal issues (such as a disabling condition) preclude your ability to feel successful in
this class, inform the instructor immediately to achieve a satisfactory resolution.
5. Syllabus/Course Requirements are subject to change at the instructor’s discretion and
with appropriate notification time to students!
6. The last date to drop this course without incurring academic penalty is TBA
7. Subjective Evaluation: Attendance, punctuality, attention, appropriate behavior, and
class participation are expected. Their assessment will be reflected in the final grade.
8. We will keep the peace by setting all electronic Devices to an “off” or “vibrate” position.
Texting and the use of other electronic devices for purposes outside of classwork will be
quietly assessed and recorded at each class session. You will be asked to leave the class
permanently if you are repeatedly seen using the txt function of your phone during class
sessions.
9. Video recording/photographing during class: Please refrain from photographing or video
recording class segments without first obtaining consent from the professor and your
classmates.
10. Timely and Succinct Communication:
Be sure the College has your correct contact information on file. Emergency closures,
weather related cancellations, and other scheduling changes issued by the CUNY system will
be sent to the email you provide to the college.
The faculty and administration of Brooklyn College support an environment free from
cheating and plagiarism. Each student is responsible for being aware of what constitutes
cheating and plagiarism and for avoiding both. The complete text of the CUNY Academic
Integrity Policy and the Brooklyn College procedure for policy implementation can be found
at www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/bc/policies. If a faculty member suspects a violation of academic
integrity and, upon investigation, confirms that violation, or if the student admits the
violation, the faculty member MUST report the violation. Students should be aware that
faculty use plagiarism detection software.

Student Bereavement Policy Link:

http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/web/about/initiatives/policies/bereavement.php

Non-Attendance for Religious Practice:

Reference to the state law regarding non-attendance because of religious beliefs, noted in
the front matter of the Undergraduate Bulletin and Graduate Bulletin. These are found on the
Academic Calendars, Course Schedules, and Bulletins page of the Registrar’s website.
http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/web/about/administration/enrollment/registrar/bulletins.php

Center for Student Disability Services Link:

https://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/web/about/offices/studentaffairs/student-support-services/
disability.php

The full academic calendar is available on the Office of the Registrar’s website.
https://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/web/about/administration/enrollment/registrar/bulletins/
spring23/calendar.php

Sexual and Gender-based Harassment, Discrimination, and Title IX

Brooklyn College is committed to fostering a safe, equitable and productive learning
environment. Students experiencing any form of prohibited discrimination or harassment on,
or off campus can find information about the reporting process, their rights, specific details
about confidentiality, and reporting obligations of Brooklyn College employees on the Office
of Diversity and Equity Programs website.
http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/web/about/offices/diversity.php

All reports of sexual misconduct or discrimination should be made to Ivana Bologna, Title IX
Coordinator (718.951.5000, ext. 3689), and may also be made to Public Safety
(719.951.5511), the New York City Police Department (911 or a local NYPD precinct), or
Michelle Vargas, Assistant Director of Judicial Affairs, Division of Student Affairs
(718.951.5352) as appropriate.
The CUNY Equal Opportunity and Non-discrimination Policy and Complaint Procedures
includes additional information regarding reporting discrimination and/or retaliation.
https://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/web/off_diversity/CUNY-Policy-on-Equal-Opportunity-
and_Non-Discrimination.pdf

Days of Note @ BC
– Wednesday, January 25 First day of Spring 2023 classes
– Tuesday, January 31 Last day to add a course
– Sunday, February 12 No classes scheduled
– Monday, February 13 College Closed – No classes scheduled
– Monday, February 20 College Closed – No classes scheduled
– Tuesday, February 21 Conversion Day – Classes follow a Monday schedule
– Wednesday, April 5 through Spring Recess – No classes scheduled
Thursday, April 13
– Tuesday, May 16 Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” grade
– Wednesday, May 17 Final Examinations Begin
– Tuesday, May 23 Final Examinations End / End of Spring Semester