Summer 2009

SOC f321K • The 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 ideology, violence and deviancy, commercialization and college sport, race and inequality, and media and representation. The course will be relevant to those with an interest in both sociological theory and contemporary sporting cultures.

Grading Policy

Attendance 10%
Mid-semester multiple choice exam covering aspects of sport and social theory 30%
Four page critical review of a journal article 30%
End-of-semester test covering sport and social issues 30%

Texts

Coakley, J. and Dunning, E. (eds.) (2000) "Handbook of Sport Studies" (Sage)
Coakley, J. (2009, 10th edition) "Sports in Society: Issues and Controversies" (McGraw-Hill)

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