Page 106 - 2019-2020 Academic Catalog - Providence Christian College

Psychology (PSY) – Sports Psychology Track
The Psychology (PSY) concentration (Sports Psychology track) is designed to equip students with the ability to understand and practice sports psychology by providing a sound overview of the psychology discipline and then developing a more particular understanding of sports psychology from an informed and Reformed Christian worldview for the good of others and the glory of God.
The PSY concentration (Sports Psychology track) begins in the first year by laying the essential groundwork for critical thinking with a core focused upon economics, mathematics, philosophy, political theory, religion, and Western Civilization. Additional courses on composition and presentation require students to not only learn material but communicate information cogently and persuasively— essential skills in the field of sports psychology.
Sports Psychology track students are also introduced in their first year to psychology, human development, and an understanding of psychology from a Christian perspective in their enrollment in Lifespan Development, and The Christian Mind respectively.
Second-year students complete additional studies in the liberal arts core while enrolling in two classes, Theories of Human Nature and Sports and Exercise Psychology in the Fall and Spring semesters.
Upper-class PSY students enroll in classes in Anatomy, Physiology, Positive Psychology, Kinesiology, Christian Ethics, and Psychology of Coaching. Electives and other core course requirements round out a student’s academic preparation, before their program culminates in their participation in their Capstone project, the goal of which is for students to employ all of the elements of their Providence Christian education in independent research and exposition.
Mission Statement:
The Sports Psychology track within the Psychology concentration of Providence Christian College exists to enhance the holistic development of students through nurturing student knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for the observation, understanding, analysis of human behavior, and by developing through the study of sports, exercise, coaching, and positive psychology optimal team and individual performance.
Concentration Learning Outcomes:
After active participation and completion of this program, students will be able to:
1. Obtain a critical understanding and ability to apply theoretical and scientific knowledge from
the sub-disciplines of sports, exercise, coaching, and positive psychology.
2. Effectively communicate the essential theories, scientific applications, and Christian ethical
considerations related to human nature and sports psychology.
3. Access and employ contemporary scholarship on the practice of sports psychology.
4. Recognize and consider best approaches as applied to developing and leading individual and
group performance.
5. Articulate a Christian and Reformed perspective on sport, exercise, competition, and both
individual and team development.
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