Social and Psychological Aspects of Health and Physical Exercise
Fall, 2009 (PHED 410-001)
Mary Schumann, Ph.D.
Email: mfschumann@aol.com or mschuma1@gmu.edu
Phone: 703-716-4644
Class: Prince William – Occoquan Bldg, Rm 203
Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00-10:15 am
Purpose of the course: This course will look at different factors and their influence on physical health and
exercise in athletes as well as the normative population. It will also consider how exercise and physical
health are determinants of and contributors to mental health and well being. Additionally, this class hopes
to create an environment in which to discuss, debate and explore the information presented as well as
students’ knowledge and experiences.
Textbook. Weinberg, R.S. and Gould, D. (2007) Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology 4th edition.
Champagne, IL; Human Kinetics.
Technology used: You should have access to the internet and an email address for this course.
Office Hours: Right after class. Easiest way to set up a time is to contact me by email to arrange.
Course Requirements: Your final grade will be determined by the following:
1. Exams
25 pts each; 50 total (50% of grade)
There are two exams in this course, a mid term and a final exam. They will consist of
multiple-choice questions, short answer and/or essay questions. Typically there is a
choice among essays.
2. Papers:
10 pts each; 30 total (30% of grade)
Each student will do 3 journal article review papers. Choose a topic within the course
topic areas (such as: effects of physical exercise on self-esteem; relationship between
exercise and anxiety, etc.). Write a 3 page summary (double spaced and typed; APA
format). Journal articles must come from the list of scientific journals in this field (see
list) or must be approved by the instructor. These are not popular press articles, but
scientific studies. Papers will be evaluated on how well you organize the paper, writing,
and presentation of the findings from the source.
3. Oral Presentation:
15 pts (15% of grade)
Your final class assignment will involve an interest area of yours in this course topic.
Choose an area of interest, find at least 3 scientific sources, and prepare an oral
presentation for the class. Presentation should be no longer than 12 to 15 minutes
(including questions from the class). You may use Powerpoint or other visual display of
information
4. Class Participation:
5 pts (5% of grade)
Attendance and class participation are an important part of your grade in this course. We
will discuss many issues in the curriculum in both larger class discussions and small
groups. You are encouraged to contribute in this way. Both attendance and participation
will make up these points.
The grading scale is:
98-100 pts = A+
94-97 pts = A
90-93 pts = A87-89 pts = B+
84-86 pts = B
80-83 pts = B77-79 pts = C+
74-76 pts = C
70-73 pts = C60-69 pts = D
59 pts or less = F
HONOR CODE:
STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE FAMILIAR WITH AND TO FOLLOW THE GMU
HONOR POLICY. All work should be your own and should be cited properly using APA
format. Students should be advised that the honor code specifically applies to and has
enforced disciplinary procedures for:
 Plagiarism
 Lying (to administration or faculty) or falsifying documents
 Cheating or attempted cheating
 Stealing
Please review the honor code : http://mason.gmu.edu/~montecin/plagiarism.htm
DISABILITIES RESOURCES: If you are a student with a disability and you need
academic accommodations, please see me and contact the Disability Resource Center
(DRC) at 703-993-2474. All academic accommodations must be arranged through that
office.
OTHER INFO:
Make-up exam policy: Approval to take a make-up exam must be obtained IN ADVANCE
from the professor. Make- up exams will be given only during times scheduled by myself.
NO EXCEPTIONS!
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES:
Dates
9/1, 9/3
Topic
Chapter
Introduction and Course Overview
What is Sport/Exercise Psychology?
1
9/8
How our thoughts affect health & exercise
Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory
9/10, 9/15
Personality and its Influence on Sport
2
9/17, 9/22
3
9/24, 9/29
Motivation
Journal Article Review Paper Due 9/22
Arousal, Stress and Anxiety
10/1
Feedback, Reinforcement and Intrinsic Motivation 6
10/6
Group and Team Dynamics
10/8
Mid term Exam
10/13
No Class – Columbus Day break
10/15
Intro to Psychological Skills Training
11
10/20
Imagery
13
10/22, 10/27
Self-Confidence
Journal Article Review Paper Due 10/22
14
10/29, 11/3
Exercise and Psychological Well-Being
17
11/5, 11/10
Exercise Behavior & Adherence
18
11/12, 11/17
Athletic Injuries and Psychology
19
11/19
Addictive and Unhealthy Behaviors
20
11/24
Class Presentations
Journal Article Review Paper Due 11/24
11/26
NO CLASS - HAPPY THANKSGIVING
12/1, 12/3
12/8, 12/10
12/15
Class Presentations
Class Presentations
FINAL EXAM 7:30 – 10:15 a.m.
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