module specification

The ST5061 module, entitled Sociological Issues in Sport, explores sociological theory and encourages students to apply such theory to contemporary issues in sport such as the role of the media, the globalisation of sport, and the use of sport as a political tool. 

ST4001 ST4002 ST4003 ST4004

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Educations Qualifications.
This module aims to introduce students to sociological theory which underpins issues and research in sport. It aims to raise students’ awareness of, and enable informed engagement with, contemporary issues in sport. Students will be provided with an opportunity to be actively engaged in their learning through research and discussion and to develop an analytical approach to sports research.
This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment by promoting personal responsibility and analytical thinking.
 

Sociological theory
Stratification in sport: Racial stacking; roots of inequality
Globalisation: Olympic games
Sport as a political tool: Olympic games, nationalism, government strategies
Contemporary issues in sport
The role of the media: Electronic media, the world wide web and social networking, construction of heroes and villains
Sponsorship & commercialisation

The basic structure to teaching and learning will involve a theory driven lecture supported by either a workshop or tutorial session
Lectures will cover the theoretical aspects of the module and promote discussion within the group through the exploration of their experiences and knowledge. The workshops will offer students an opportunity to (i) prepare for the seen examination (ii) receive direction and seek support on the coursework.
Vocational skills and employability will be emphasised through effective group work and problem solving tasks.
Blended learning:  WebLearn will support all the lecture and workshops.  A discussion forum will encourage students to engage with many of the points raised in the lectures and to value their personal experiences and values.

Key strategies:
Lectures
Workshops
Tutorials- Group and Individual
WebLearn
Self-directed learning- - Students will be responsible for completing the directed reading and taking an active and valuable contribution to the module. Students’ further study responsibilities are articulated in the FLS Staff/Student Agreement which is available via the Faculty Web site.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Analyse research in sport sociology
2. Demonstrate knowledge of a number of contemporary issues within sport
3. Generate an informed essay that reflects wide reading and critical analysis
4. Discuss, debate and present coherent and balanced arguments drawing on appropriate evidence

This module will be assessed by means of a one hour seen examination (70%; LO2, 3, 4) and one piece of coursework, 1000 words (30%; LO 1). The piece of coursework will be submitted mid-semester.
An overall aggregate mark of 40% or more is required to pass the module. All assessment instruments must be attempted.
 

Coakley, J.J.  and Pyke, E. (2009) Sports in society: Issues and controversies. Irwin McGraw-Hill
Coakley, J. J. and Dunning, E. (2000) Handbook of sports studies. London; Sage
Craig, P. and Beedie, P. (eds) (2008) Sport sociology. Learning Matters.
Hargreaves, J, (1986) Sport, power and culture. Policy Press
Horne, J. and Tomlinson, A. (1999) Understanding sport. London: Routledge

Journals
Journal of Sport and Social Issues
Sociology of Sport Journal
International Review of the Sociology of Sport
Journal of Sport History

Websites
www.playthegame.com