International study at the University of Brighton

Sport and Social Theory

Level: 2
Credit rating: 20
Module type: Taught
Semester offered: 1
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 2 study.

  1. To introduce students to a range of social theory that have helped shape the discipline of sport sociology
  2. To develop students’ knowledge of the key theoretical debates within the sociology of sport
  3. To enhance student’s knowledge of the sport sociology debates and how these can be applied to contemporary issues in sport
Learning outcomes:

In relation to the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and the SEEC level descriptors for level 2 study, by the end of the module students should be able to:

  1. Explain the main debates within social theory and sport sociology
  2. Recognise the strengths and weaknesses of particular sport studies theorists
  3. Criticise the concepts and theories of the major sociological traditions for the analysis of sport 
Content:
  • Social theory and sport
  • Interpretative sociology and sport/leisure
  • Cultural studies and sport
  • Feminism, queer theory and sport
  • Post-colonialism and sport
  • Modernity, Postmodernity and culture
Learning and teaching strategies:

Contact time:

  • Lecture/seminar
  • Discussion groups
  • Tutorials

Non Contact time:

  • Independent study
Learning support:

Books:

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

Giddens, A. (2006, 5th ed.) Sociology London: Polity.

Haralambos, M. and Holborn, M. (2000, 5th ed.) Sociology London: Collins.

Horne, J., Tomlinson, A. & Whannel, G. (1999) Understanding Sport London: Routledge.

Jarvie, G. and Maguire, J. (1994) Sport and Leisure in Social Thought London: Routledge

Jones, P. (2003) Introducing Social Theory. Cambridge: Polity

Maguire, J. and Young, K. (2002) Theory, Sport and Society London: Amsterdam

Scraton, S. and Flintoff, A. (2002) (eds.) Gender and Sexuality: A Reader. London: Routledge,

Sugden, J. & Tomlinson, A. (2002) Power Games: A Critical Sociology of Sport, London: Routledge.

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

Electronic sources:

Giulianotti, R. (2004) Sport and Modern Social Theorists. London: MacMillan. Accessed 18th November 2008.

Jarvie, G. (2006) Sport, Culture and Society. London: Routledge. Accessed 18th November 2008.

Journals:

International Review for the Sociology of Sport

Journal of Sport and Social Issues

Sociology of Sport Journal

Sport and Society
School home: Chelsea School of Sport