International study at the University of Brighton

Introduction to Politics and Sport

Level: 1
Credit rating: 20
Module type: Taught
Semester offered: 2
Pre-requisites: None
Aims:

The aims for this module are set into the context of the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and they relate to the SEEC level descriptors for level 1 study.

The module aims to:

  1. Outline the different relationships between sport and politics
  2. Examine the inherently political nature of sporting structures and practices
  3. Outline the impact of political ideology on sporting cultures
  4. Survey the politics of sport in a national/global and historical context.
  5. Examine a range of topical and contentious issues in sport and leisure 
Learning outcomes:

In relation to the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and the SEEC level descriptors for level 1 study. By the end of the module the students should be able to:

  1. Identify the different relationships sport and politics.
  2. Discuss the inherently political nature of sporting structures and practices.
  3. Interpret the impact of political ideology on sporting cultures
  4. Discuss the politics of sport in a national/global and historical context.
  5. Analyse a range of topical and contentious issues in sport and leisure 
Content:
  • Introduction to politics and political ideologies.
  • Soviet Communism and Sport
  • Sport and Fascism in inter-war Europe
  • Sport and Capitalism in the USA
  • Sport, Nationalism and National Identity
  • The politics of the Sporting Hero
  • The politics of sports activism
  • Sport and anti-Imperialism: various case studies
  • Sport and religious ideologies
Learning and teaching strategies:

Contact time:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Student presentations

Non-contact time:

  • Guided and independent reading,
  • Assessment preparation 
Learning support:

There is a deliberate emphasis on texts as the key learning resource for this module. There is no single or even group of texts that adequately covers the curriculum; therefore students are directed towards specific chapters in a range of books and journals. Indicative examples of books include:

Books

Allison, L. (ed.) (2005) The Global Politics of Sport, London: Routledge.

Carrington, B. & McDonald, I. (Eds.) (2001) Race Sport and British Society, London: Routledge.

Coakley, J. and Dunning, E. (Eds.) (2000) Handbook of Sport Studies, London: Sage.

Goodwin, B. (1987) Using Political Ideas, Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.

Hargreaves, J. and Vertinsky, P. (Eds.) (2006) Physical Culture, Power and the Body, London: Routledge. 

Heywood, A. (2004) Politics, London: Palgrave.

Houlihan, B. (Ed.) (2008) Sport and Society: A Student Introduction, Sage: London.

Jarvie, G. (2006) Sport, Culture and Society: An Introduction. London: Routledge.

Paxton, R. (2004) The Anatomy of Fascism, London: Penguin.

Riordan, J. (1978) (Ed.) Sport Under Communism, London: C. Hurst & Co.

Journals

Sport and Society

Journal of Sport and Social Issues

International Journal for the History of Sport

School home:

Chelsea School of Sport