Seminar:
The Psychology of Sport Fans (PSY 394)
TR
2:00 – 3:15 p.m.
FSC
012
Fall
2007
Course
Readings
Articles
available on electronic reserve/WWW
Course
Purpose
The goal of this
course is to introduce you to the psychological study of sport fans and
spectator behaviors. This course
will provide you with an in-depth examination of the factors that impact sport
fans, their attitudes, attributions, and behaviors.
The course will focus on the analysis and critique of psychological
research and theory, as well as applying these ideas to real world situations
and events.
Course
Format
This is
reading/writing intensive course that will be taught in a traditional seminar
format. Students will be responsible for reading and presenting much of
the material that we will cover throughout the semester.
While no one is expected to be an expert, everyone is expected to voice
their opinions, ask critical questions, and assist in the overall understanding
of the material.
Course
Requirements
Each
week teams of students will be responsible for leading the class discussion.
Your task is not to lecture the class, but to provide a structure and
framework for the class that will generate discussion and critical analysis of
the readings. You do this by linking
the readings to earlier/later work, integrating the article with other readings
from the course, critically examining the design and methods of the study, and
discussing how the work contributes to the field.
You may want to provide a brief
summary/overview of the readings and questions via PowerPoint/overheads to help
organize the discussion. (See class web site for expanded facilitation
guidelines).
At
least 24 hours before we begin a new discussion topic, half the class will be
responsible for posting discussion questions or thoughts that you have generated
from the readings to Blackboard. You
should post at least two thought-provoking questions from at least two separate
articles for the facilitators to use during class. (“Yes/No” and “Why/Why
Not” questions are not acceptable).
You
will be responsible for maintaining a personal online journal of your thoughts,
ideas, concerns, revelations, etc. via BlackBoard.
Your journal entries should primarily focus on your reactions to the
readings/class, as well as your personal experiences, issues, and insights as
they relate to the study of sport fans/spectators.
You will be expected to make 1-2 journal entries per week
Sport
Fan/Spectator Analysis (50 points each)
Over the
course of the semester you will be required to attend at least 2 sporting events
(amateur, college, professional, etc.) and analyze the behaviors of the fans and
spectators using specific theories, ideas, and research that we cover in class.
You should describe in detail the various fan behaviors that you observe
and provide theoretical rationales or explanations for their actions.
This analysis should demonstrate how the fans’ and spectators’
behaviors can be better understood using psychological theory and research. Your
papers should be roughly 3 -5 pages in length and include APA
citations/references for at least 3 articles.
·
Analysis
#1 Due Oct. 16 (or earlier)
·
Analysis
#2 Due Nov. 29 (or earlier)
Since
this class will be using a seminar format, preparation and class participation
are crucial. Everyone is expected to come to class having read (not skimmed) all
of the assigned articles and questions. It
is a good idea to take notes on each article while you are reading them.
Because this class uses a seminar format, group discussion and
constructive criticism of the material is essential to successful learning.
Class discussion and debate will help us to all understand and critically
analyze the various research topics. Remember
everyone will have to lead a discussion, so it would be wise to help out your
fellow classmates and chances are they will reciprocate.
Any behavior that disrupts the ability of the class to learn (e.g.
arriving late, cell phones, inappropriate behavior, etc.) will detract from your
grade.
Your
course grade will be determined by your performance on the class facilitation,
discussion questions, participation, and assignments.
Grade will be
determined according to the following scale
90-100% = A
87-89% = B+
84-86% = B
80-83% = B-
77-79% = C+
70-76% = C
60-69% = D
0-59% = F
Academic
Dishonesty
Academic
dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.) will be handled according to the
Shippensburg University Student Handbook guidelines.