Course Schedule and Catalog

Long Title: MIND AND MATTER: SPORT PSYCHOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY IN FENCING AND OTHER SPORTS (BAKER)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Fencing may be perceived rather as a rare, inaccessible sport yet its basic fundamentals of swordplay is prevalently seen among us. Its root has extended into the modern day in various forms such as StarWars Lightsaber fights, in which Darth Vader lunges, parries, and attacks the opponent with lightsaber. Also its athletic presence has been augmenting as an Olympic sport and large global championships as fencing has proved to be more than just sword fights with its complex technicality and mental strategies. While most sports do incorporate mental strategies into performance, fencing integrates these mental knowledge into performance simultaneously with body movements. How does this dual integration of psychological strategies and physical movements in fencing differentiate from other sports? In this course, students will go over fundamental principles of fencing, compare different types and rules of fencing, and discuss mental strategies along with the physical strategies observed in Olympic games that influence an individual's performance. Students will also be able to try practical tactics and styles in fencing and have a chance to attend one of Rice Fencing Club practices if social distancing regulations ameliorate. Furthermore, students will research sports psychology and learn how psychological factors such as visualization, imagery, self-talk and others enhance athletic performance.