Film Nations: Comparative Perspectives on Spanish and U.S. Cinema (in English)

Course Description
This course will introduce both the key concepts in the field of Sport Psychology as well as the practical applications of these concepts to current practices in exercise, sports, competition, health, wellness, and the individuals who draw upon these canons. In this course, students will consider questions such as:
• What role does Sport Psychology have in the preparation of top athletes and those currently seeking to enhance their athletic performance?
• Beyond physical training, what are the psychological components when training and competing in athletic events?
Beyond a model merely based on psychological theory, this course delves into how sports psychologists contribute to high performance for individual athletes and teams through motivation, concentration / attention, dedication, mindfulness, decision-making, and other behavioral factors. Students will gain a solid understanding of how Sports & Health Psychology is an essential component to training for peak performance. Experiential learning exercises will take students outside the classroom to engage with field professionals in the host city.
This course will provide a multi-faceted understanding of the theoretical and practical ways Sport Psychology can be applied for those not only aspiring to be sport psychologists, but also for those in the fields of physical education, coaching, recreation, health, etc.

Course Goals and Methodology
Learning Course readings, exercises and class preparation are very important. Sometimes, the professor might only have enough time in class to go over the major conceptual and empirical issues, so it is extremely important for students to develop a full understanding of a motivational topic and to utilize it. You must supplement in-class discussion with knowledge gained from the assigned readings. This strong emphasis on course projects reflects not only a desire to educate you about the psychological aspects of sport and exercise, but also a commitment to help you apply your knowledge in meaningful and practical ways, whether you are a physical educator, coach, recreation specialist, athlete, or aspiring sport psychologist.

Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, you will:
• Gain practical experience in goal setting, behavior change, and maintenance of health and wellness.
• Identify and clarify the psychological principles of Sport Psychology that contribute to performance and exercise.
• Evaluate how psychological variables influence participation and performance while participating in physical activity to enhance psychological intervention skills for attaining goals and maintaining performance.
Understand how participation and motivation in sport contribute to the psychological characteristics of an individual or team.
• Acquire skills, knowledge, and personal insight regarding sport psychology that you can apply as a coach, athlete, or other practitioner.