Social Perspectives of Sport

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.

• To relate sport to the broader social and political context;
• To introduce the contributions made by sociology, history and politics to the study of sport;
• To examine how broader patterns of social inequality impact upon sport.

The module also supports the TDA criterion relating to the cultivation of relevant contextual knowledge for the sport-based professional.

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 students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of key features of the relationship between sport and society;
2. Demonstrate knowledge and appreciation of the contribution made by sociology, politics and history to making sense of sport;
3. Recognise key issues, debates and definitions relating to contemporary sport and leisure cultures.

The module comprises a series of lectures (1 hour 40/50 minutes) to the whole cohort. The themes covered by the teaching team combine topical issues with current research material.  Aspects of social stratification are covered (class; race; gender) as well as selected commercial and political considerations (for instance, media; globalization; world governance of sport). The analytical emphasis upon the place and meaning of sport acts as a focus for understanding the broader social and political context and the various theoretical positions adopted in sport studies. As appropriate, these themes and emphases are considered with relation to a particular professional or vocational context, such as that of the physical educator or the sport scientist.

Contact time:

• Lectures
• exercises and question-times within lectures

• Focused follow-up reading
• Independent Study
• Preparation for Assessment

The core sources are listed below, with Jarvie and Tomlinson the set books upon which the module is based. Numerous sources are given session by session, and with the regular use of studentcentral. DVD and video sources are also used in lectures, for illustrative purposes.

Books:

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

Cashmore, E. (2005) Making Sense of Sport, 4th ed. London: Routledge.

Coakley, J. (1998) Sport in Society - Issues and Controversies, Sixth Edition, Illinois; Mosby.

Horne, J., Tomlinson, A. and Whannel, G. (1999) Understanding Sport: An Introduction to the Sociological and Cultural Analysis of Sport, London: E & FN Spon/Routledge.

Houlihan, B. (ed.) (2003) Sport and Society: A Student Introduction, London: Sage.

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

Laker, A. (2002) (ed.) The Sociology of Sport and Physical Education, London: Routledge.

Polley, M. (1998) A History of Sport and Society since 1945, London: Routledge.

Tomlinson, A. (ed.) (2007) The Sport Studies Reader, London: Routledge.

Journals:

International Review for the Sociology of Sport

Sport, Education and Society

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