HLPE3530 Sociology of Sport and Physical Activity

This topic will enable students to begin thinking critically about the role of sport and physical activity in society. Too often we do not look beyond the physical nature of sport and therefore do not challenge its broader social and cultural implications. The topic is designed to provide students with a historical context around which contemporary sports and physical activities and their unique place in society can be better understood. It will provide students with a degree of autonomy to understand historical, cultural and sociological concepts around sport and physical activity as well as present methods of challenging common ideologies around sport and physical activities that are often left unchallenged.

The students will be provided the opportunity to:

• Understand the relevance of history and culture on contemporary sporting and physical activity involvement and participation
• Explore the dominant theories underpinning sport and physical activity sociology
• Develop skills to critically analyse sport and physical activity within diverse social, cultural and political contexts
• Challenge stereotypical notions of sport and physical activity in contemporary society

1. Identify the future of sport in society based on historical contexts
2. Explain the broader social and cultural meanings of modern sport and physical activity in contemporary western culture
3. Identify inequities in sport and physical activity relating to race, ethnicity, gender and power
4. Demonstrate an understanding of violence, drugs, commercialism and the mass media on sporting and physical activity involvement
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the social, political and economic role of the modern Olympics within society