1  Module Introduction

1.1 Overview

This module takes a close look at how sport connects with different parts of society. We’ll explore how sport interacts with culture, history, and social systems, drawing from various subjects like sociology, history, culture, psychology, and philosophy.

We’ll cover topics like how sport plays a role in social class and politics, how it relates to the media, issues around inclusion, ethical challenges, economic impacts, and cases of misconduct. The goal is to give you a broad understanding of how sport shapes and is shaped by the world around it.

To get the most out of this module, it’s important to keep an open mind and be ready to think critically about the different themes, some of which may be thought-provoking.

1.2 Learning objectives

By completing this module, you will:

  • be able to synthesise knowledge from sociological, historical, cultural, psychological, and philosophical disciplines to critically analyse the role and impact of sport in society.

  • develop the ability to trace the evolution of sport through various historical epochs, recognising its significance in different societal structures and the manner in which it has influenced and been influenced by key historical events.

  • develop skills to critically assess the portrayal and representation of sport in media, understanding both its reflective and shaping influence on societal values, norms, and politics.

  • gain insight into the ethical dilemmas embedded in sport, from issues of inclusion and representation to matters of finance, understanding the economic drivers and their implications for players, fans, and stakeholders.

  • have an understanding of the root causes and societal ramifications of ‘bad behaviour’ in sport, allowing you to critically engage with both the individual and systemic factors that contribute to such behaviors within sporting domains.

1.3 Structure

The module is delivered over an eleven-week period in Semester One.

During weeks 1-10, we’ll explore a different topic each week that’s related to the overall module title:

  1. The Evolution of Sport - Sport and Society
  2. The Power of the Pitch - Sport and Politics
  3. From Cheers to Jeers - The Dark Side of Sport
  4. Behind the Lens - Sport and the Media
  5. Tomorrow’s Champions - Sport and Young People
  6. Game, Set, Society - Sport and Sociology
  7. The Big Leagues - Sport and Finance
  8. Leveling the Playing Field - Sport and Inclusion
  9. Onside or Offside - Sport and Policy
  10. Moral High Ground or Slippery Slope? - Ethical Dilemmas in Sport

Week 11 provides an opportunity for a review of what we’ve covered across the module, and an overview of the final module assessment.

1.4 Schedule

The class meets each Tuesday from 11am-1pm.

The first class meeting will be on Tuesday 24th September 2024.

Attendance at class meetings is mandatory, and attendance will be taken at each class meeting.

1.5 Reading

For each topic, there are two pieces of reading. These are easily available via the module reading list.

You’re expected to read the ‘preparatory reading’ before the weekly class meeting, and to read the ‘further reading’ after the class meeting.

The module reading list also has other relevant material for each of the ten topics, which you may also wish to explore.

1.6 Materials

All material for the module is accessed via Myplace. The majority of materials are presented using Quatro, which can be accessed on any internet-connected device.

1.7 Assessment

There are two assessed components that make up your final grade for this module.

More information about this can be found here.

1.8 Referencing

All written work, including work submitted for assessment, should follow APA7 referencing guidelines.

There is a useful summary of these guidelines here.

1.9 Staff contact details

The module leader is Dr Allan Hewitt.

Allan can be contacted at: allan.hewitt@strath.ac.uk