Sociology Major (Level 1)
Sociology Minor (Level 1)
Sociology Single Honours (Level 1)
Whether you take part in it, follow it as a fan, watch it for entertainment or enjoyment, it is impossible to ignore the importance of sport in modern society or its impact on the lives of people all over the world.
The development of organised sport and its regulation, influence and global reach is a reflection of not only changes in society but also of the increasing importance of leisure and recreation in contrast to work and labour. In addition, the development and experience of modern sport represents fundamental and important changes in cultural, economic and political spheres.
Sport is important because it also motivates and engenders strong attachments and loyalties (to teams, individuals, communities, towns, nations, subcultures, etc.)
This module will introduce a number of sociological perspectives that provide understanding as to the varied roles that sport plays in maintaining and perpetuating social divisions and differences as well as a means for escape or distraction, for identity formation and as resistance to dominant roles and ideologies.
We will use a variety of sports as illustration and examples to discuss and explore sociologically the importance of sport for individuals, for social groups and for larger social formations such as nations, all set in the context of an increasingly globalised world.
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/soc-10016/lists
To develop analytical skills and to explore the relationship between the sociological understanding of and organisation and experience of sport.
To enable students to make critical judgements about the history of various sports, their codification and the meanings and values that inhere in their practice as refelcting key aspects of social relations, structures and priorities.
will be achieved by assessments: 01 02
Demonstrate an appreciation of the complex roles that sport plays in modern soceiety will be achieved by assessments: 01 02
Show how a sociological understanding and analysis of sport can illuminate underlying processes and structures in society
will be achieved by assessments: 01 02
Display comprehension of the various social theories that can be used in the analysis of sport in society will be achieved by assessments: 01 02
Develop and express knowledge of a number of sports and how they inter-relate with a number of sociological perspectives relating to amongst others: diversity, inequality of opportunity and access, economics and politics, the media and globalisation, etc. will be achieved by assessments: 01 02
40 hours preparation and writing of essay
50 hours preparation and writing of reflexive diary
40 hours tutorial preparation time
Students will choose one essay from a range based on topics/themes covered in the module
Students will attempt 3 questions in 2 hours from a selection drawn from material covereed in the lectures
This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.