FYS 1261 - When the World is a Stage: The Psychology of Performance

Credits: 4
There are many activities in life that take us out of our comfort zones (e.g., giving a speech in class, interviewing for a job, studying for an exam, singing on stage). Most of these activities have one thing in common: a performance. This course will examine the psychology of performance – or the ways in which we can systematically apply mental skills in a variety of domains (school, music, sports, business) to enhance our performance and embrace feeling “comfortable in the uncomfortable.” Throughout the course students will pick a performance activity of their choice and apply the appropriate mental skills and strategies learned in class (and informed by relevant theory) to improve their performance in the chosen activity. Sample performance activities include but are certainly not limited to: an upcoming music performance, a public speaking endeavor, an aspect of sport performance, mock interviewing for a job or internship, general assertiveness training, test taking strategies, etc.

 
McDaniel Plan: First Year Seminar