Summer 2007

SOC 321K • Sociology of Sport

Course Description

This course introduces students to the sociology of sport. The course is divided into two parts. Part one examines the place of sport within social theory, in particular the understanding of sport and society found in functionalist, Weberian, Marxist, and feminist accounts. Part two of the course uses this theoretical framework in order to understand key social issues in sport. These include gender and representation, violence and deviancy, commercialization and college sport, race and inequality, and nationalism and identity. The course will be relevant to those with an interest in both sociological theory and contemporary sporting cultures.

Grading Policy

Mid-semester exam covering aspects of sport and social theory 40%
Final exam at the end of the course covering sport and social issues 60%

Texts

Handbook of Sport Studies (Sage) Coakley, J. and Dunning, E. (eds.) (2000)
Coakley, J., Sports in Society: Issues and controversies (McGraw-Hill) (2006, 9th edition)

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