module specification

Sport does not exist in isolation from the society in which it is situated. Instead, sport is both shaped by, and helps to shape, social attitudes and practices. This module explores the socio-cultural forces that impact upon the sports industry. Social theories are introduced as a tool to understand and address these issues.

1. To critically evaluate the social-cultural dimensions of sports and physical culture;

2. To address issues of equality (including age, disability, gender, and race) in contemporary sport;

3. To introduce students to social theories relevant to understanding the contemporary sports industry;

4. To apply the knowledge and understanding gained to the analysis of specific sporting activities;

5. To equip students with the ability to analyse and solve problems within the sports industry

Sociological theory and sport
Power and inequality in sport
Social class
Gender and sport
The media and representations of sport
Race and racism in sport
Disability and sport
Violence in sport
Sporting subcultures
Sport and identity

The module will be delivered through weekly lectures (90 minutes) and seminars (90 minutes).

A key element of the module is its incorporation of problem-based learning (PBL). PBL is a student-focused approach to learning that encourages students to think for themselves and take direct responsibility for their own learning. PBL also incorporates a strong element of summative learning and assessment. The utilisation of PBL also ensures that students do not engage with socio-cultural issues at only a theoretical level, but are forced to actively address the role that they, as future practitioners within the industry, will play in developing strategies to address equality and diversity issues.

On-line support will also be provided to support and develop student learning. Key student responsibilities will include preparation for sessions (primarily through engagement with the required weekly readings) and participation in in-class activities.

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the social and cultural forces that impact on participation in sport;
2. discuss issues in sport such as power, racism, gender and equality using sophisticated theoretical language;
3. be familiar with social theory, methods and arguments employed in the study of sport;
4. critically analyse equality issues within the sports industry;
5. propose solutions to key problems and issues within sporting contexts.

‘It also aims to develop students’ skills, in particular:

6. Academic Reading 
7. Researching
8. Application of Knowledge and Presenting Data
9. Academic Writing/literacy
10. Communicating/presenting – orally and in writing, including inter-cultural communication
11. Critical Thinking and Writing
12. Problem Solving and Decision Making
13. Interpersonal, including. collaborating / working with others, cross cultural awareness, having a positive attitude, negotiation and persuasion

There will be two assessment tasks for this module:

A 1500 word report produced in a group

A 2000 word individual essay.

Craig, P., & Beedie, P. (2010), Sport Sociology, Exeter: Learning Matters.
Cashmore, E., (2010) Making Sense of Sport,  London: Routledge.
Coakley, J., (2014) Sports in Society: Issues and Controversies, Boston: McGraw-Hill.
Coakley, J. & Dunning, E. (2002) Handbook of Sports Studies, London: Sage.
Coakley, J. & Pike, E. (2009) Sports in Society: Issues and Controvercies [UK edition], Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill.
Hargreaves, J. (1994) Sporting Females: Critical issues in the History and Sociology of Women’s Sports, London: Routledge.
Horne, J., et al. (2013) Understanding Sport: A Socio-Cultural Analysis, Abingdon: Routledge.
Houlihan, B. & Malcolm, D. (ed.) (2016) Sport & Society: A Student Introduction, London: Sage.
Jarvie, G. & Thornton, J. (2012) Sport, Culture and Society: An Introduction, London: Routledge.
Nauright, J. and Parrish, C. (2012) Sports Around the World: History, Culture, Practice, ABC-Clio: Santa Barbara.

International Review for the Sociology of Sport
Journal of Sport & Social Issues
Leisure Studies
Sociology of Sport Journal
Sport, Education and Society