HWP LSIC 179: Optimal Performance & Stress Management
Tentative Syllabus and Schedule of
Assignments
Writing will be one important way for us to
process the content of this course. There
are three formal writing opportunities: Flow and the Dome, Mind/Body, and your
research paper. You will also
be asked to use a journal to reflect on some of the experiential aspects of the
course. In the schedule that
follows, you will see several assignments identified with J.
Those are journal entries you are asked to write as a way of processing
the experiential sessions. Connie
will review those journal entries. I
encourage you to use your journal for other entries as well but will respect
your privacy if pages are folded indicating that the contents are not for my
eyes.
August 18: Orientation
Reading Assignment: Flow,
M. Cszenmihalyi, Chapters 3 & 4 on reserve
August 19:
No class meeting
Bring
two copies of your first draft with you to class.
August 24: What is “Peak Performance”
Concepts, Misconceptions and Personal Possibilities
Peer Review
Due today: First Draft of Flow and the Dome
August 26: Climbing Wall at Montford Center
Vans depart from the front of the HFC Building at 1:45. We will return by 3:10.
Due Tuesday, August 30th:
J1- Journal writing applying the concept of Flow to your experience at the wall.
Flow and the Dome, final version
August 30: Attention vs. Arousal
Discussion of flow and the wall
Due today: Flow
and the Dome, your final version and the peer review notes
Sept. 2: Zone In
Intro to two techniques for brain training: Journey to the Wild Divine, and Freeze Framer
Reading Assignment choices: (pick one) all on reserve
“Toward a Philosophy of Optimal Performance,” by Dennis Campbell
“Getting Into the Optimal Performance State” by Robert N. Nideffer, PdD.
“High Dimensional Chaos: Direct Route to Peak Performance?” by Michael Hutchinson
Sept.7: Performance and Attention
Discussion of reading and sharing of observations
Reading Assignment: “The Attentional Foundation of Health and Well-Being” by Les Fehmi and George Fritz on reserve
Due today: J2, a journal entry reflecting on one
of the articles
Sept 9: Open Focus Training session
Due Sept. 14: J3, a journal entry reflecting on your experience of Open Focus.
Reading: Chapter
1, “Sacred Practices for Conscious Living” by Nancy Napier
Sept. 14: Stories: Barriers To Change
J4: Because…
Sept. 16: Revisiting, Rewriting Stories
Reading Assignment on Reserve: Descartes’
Error
Sept 21: The Whole Story: Mind/Body Dualism Meets the New Millenium Writing Assignment 2: Mind/Body analysis (first draft due Sept 27)
Sept. 23 Yoga Workshop
Meet in Dance studio, please wear clothes that allow for maximum flexibility
J5: Yoga and the Body/Mind connection
Sept. 27 Discussion/Critique of first draft of Mind/Body
Bring two
copies of your first draft typed, double-spaced with you to class.
We will use this session for peer review.
Sept 29 Review and discussion
Mind/Body Writing assignment due today
In class discussion and sharing of the main points of your writing.
Overview of Research Project
Oct 5 Midterm Exam
Oct 7
Fall Break: Have Fun!
Relax!
Oct 12 Arousal Regulation
When does Arousal turn into Stress or Anxiety?
The Physiology of Stress and Eustress
(There may be a
reading assignment to prepare us for Thursday.
Stay tuned.)
Oct 14 Workshop in Meditation with Bill Walz
Learning to regulate arousal and attention
Reading: Your Performing Edge
Oct 21 Body Ways
Touch for healing
J7: Reflection
Oct 26 Physiological Balance
Learning to self-regulate one’s arousal and attention
Identification of a series of techniques that facilitate one’s energy and ability
Oct 28 Focus on Research
By this date you will have chosen a research focus
and will have begun the collecting materials and organizing your research.
We will use this class period to review your strategy to date and share
insights (frustrations?). Guest
presenter: Writing Center Staff.
Nov 2 Intro to Biofeedback
Historical Overview: Dr. Ed Hamlin
Nov 4 Introduction to peripheral measurements
Introduction to the
procedure for gathering a baseline reading for several peripheral protocols
Nov 9 Performance
Training with Biofeedback
Nov 11 Lab encounter
J8: Reflection on Lab encounter
Nov 16
EEG Introduction
Nov 23
First Draft Peer Review
Nov 25 Thanksgiving Break
Nov 30
Climbing Wall revisited
Dec 2
Presentation of research projects
Dec 4 Conclusion
of research presentations, evaluations
Index of readings in chronological order:
2.a “Toward a Philosophy of Optimal Performance,” by Dennis Campbell
2b. “Getting Into the Optimal Performance State” by Robert N. Nideffer, PdD.
2c. “High
Dimensional Chaos: Direct Route to Peak Performance?” by Michael Hutchinson