Texas A&M University
SPMT 220 Olympic Studies
Summer 2020
General Course Information:
Jesus Tamayo
Office: Blocker 340
Email: jesustamayo95@tamu.edu
Office Hours: By appointment
(Email is the preferred communication method;
responses can be expected within 24 business hours.)
Course Website:
http://ecampus.tamu.edu/ or through the howdy portal
Textbook and Resource Material:
Girginov, V. & Parry, J. (2005). The Olympic Games Explained: A student guide to the evolution of the
modern Olympic Games. New York, NY: Routledge. ISBN: 978-0415346030
Prerequisites:
There are no required prerequisites for this course.
Course Scope and Rationale:
History of the Olympic Games and its development over time; analyze, compare, and contrast the relationship
between the Olympics, cultures, and societies; examination of central problems, accomplishments, and
collaborations revolving around the Olympics from a variety of viewpoints.
Course Objectives:
As a result of this course, you should be able to:
● Clarify social anthropology regarding ancient Greece and your own culture.
● Create a theory of human nature and being a human – philosophical anthropology.
● Describe the impact of sport, more specifically the Olympics, in society.
● Determine the significance that Olympic history has had on today’s cultural issues.
● Compare and contrast the Modern Olympics and the Ancient Olympics.
● Take the concept of Olympism and discuss its usefulness today.
COURSE POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS
General Course Rules/ Late Work Policy
No late work will be accepted; I will only allow make up work for excused absences. You may find the
university excused absences at http://student-rules.tamu.edu/rule07. Please communicate with me any issues
that you may have. The best way to contact me will be email or through the eCampus website email options.
I will do my best to answer within 24 business hours Monday-Friday. Expect a longer response time if you
send an email over the weekend. If I plan to be out for an extended period of time, I will notify via eCampus
and email.
Plagiarism Statement
As commonly defined, plagiarism consists of passing off as one’s own ideas, words, writings, etc., those
which belong to another. In accordance with this definition, you are committing plagiarism if you copy the
work of another person and turn it in as your own, even if you have the permission of that person.
Plagiarism is one of the worst academic sins, for plagiarists destroy the trust among colleagues without
which research cannot be safely communicated. If you have questions regarding plagiarism, please consult
the latest issue of the Texas A&M University Student Rules, http://student-rules.tamu.edu, under the section
“Scholastic Dishonesty.”
Academic Integrity Statement and Policy
“An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal, or tolerate those who do.” For additional information, please visit:
http://aggiehonor.tamu.edu.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy Statement
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides
comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation
requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable
accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation,
please contact Disability Services, currently located in the Disability Services building at the Student
Services at White Creek complex on west campus or call 979- 845-1637. For additional information, visit
http://disability.tamu.edu.
Copyright Statement
The materials used in this course are copyrighted. These materials include, but are not limited to, the syllabi,
quizzes, exams, lab problems, in-class materials, review sheets, and additional problem sets. Because these
materials are copyrighted, you do not have the right to copy anything unless permission is expressly
granted.
Accessibility
To access the university’s accessibility policy please go to http://itaccessibility.tamu.edu/. This will assist
you with web issues you might be experiencing.
Turnitin.com
Assignments will be submitted through turnitin.com links within eCampus. For every submission, you will
receive a digital receipt to your TAMU email account. It is imperative that you check to make sure you
receive your receipt after submitting your assignments. The receipt will serve as your proof of submission
should any issues occur.
Point Structure:
Quizzes (5)
Infographics (3)
Assignments (2)
Discussions (4)
Mind Map (1)
Presentation (1)
Topics (3)
Tests (1)
Total Points
40
60
20
20
25
25
45
30
265
Grading Structure:
90% - 100%
A
80% - 89%
B
70% - 79%
C
60% - 69%
D
≤ 59%
F
Coursework:
Quizzes:
There will be quizzes based on the syllabus, readings within the textbook, and additional assigned readings.
You will take these quizzes via eCampus. You are not permitted to take the quizzes with other students.
Pay attention for due dates of quizzes.
Readings:
The book is listed above. You will need access to the text. This book is a very good resource for
understanding the Olympic Games. There are many books to choose from, but, I felt this was the best one
for our class needs. Please note when the readings should be completed following the calendar.
Assignments and Discussions:
There will be a few general assignments, mind map, and a presentation to complete throughout the
semester. These could be written assignments, discovery learning, readings, etc. Follow the instructions for
each assignment; these will be located in eCampus. Further, there will be discussion posts in this course.
You can access them through the discussions link on the left-hand side of eCampus. More information will
be posted on eCampus. If you have questions, ask.
Olympic Year Assignments (Infographics)
Olympic Host Cities – you will find information on three Olympic Games. Then, you will be responsible
for sharing information via an infographic regarding your Games. More information will be on eCampus.
Along with interesting facts of the Games, you need to locate any of the following that apply to your given
Games: Commercialization, Amateurism, Marketing, Economics, Politics, Social Issues, Paralympics,
& Ethics.
Topic Assignments (Topics):
Below are the topics which you are expected to complete throughout the semester. Detailed information
can be found on eCampus. You are expected to research the topics (find sources), provide reference
citations, prepare a reference section/page at the end, and submit via turnitin.com on eCampus.
●
Topic #1 (Unit 1)- Part 1: Regarding the ancient Greek culture, lifestyle, and Olympic Games: Do
you feel the ancient Greeks were correct in their choices and decisions? Clearly state your
argument(s) (pros and cons) regarding the above topics and provide examples of each stated
standpoint. Part 2: Define the ancient Greek term ‘honor’. Give an example of ‘honor’ from the
Ancient Olympic Games. Relate the ancient Greek term of ‘honor’ with today’s (our) description
of ‘honor’.
●
Topic #2 (Unit 2) - Part 1: What is the Agenda 2020? Explain why it was developed and by who.
Part 2: Define Olympism and the Olympic Movement. How have these two changed since the first
Olympics in 1896? Share at least two examples of Olympism within the Olympic Games; explain
why this epitomizes Olympism. Do not use examples already used in class.
●
Topic #3 (Unit 4) - Part 1: Define amateurism in your own words. From the conception of the
modern Olympics through today, what is the historical significance and evolution of amateurism?
Part 2: Who is Dr. Ludwig Guttman? Compare and contrast the Olympic and the Paralympic
Games; and, compare and contrast their respective organizations? Should these two events be held
separately or together? Do you agree with their association with the Olympics?
Saving and Submitting Assignments:
For ALL assignments, please save and backup your work on your computer, thumb drive or in the cloud.
When submitting assignments via Turnitin, DO NOT close eCampus until you receive a digital receipt
confirming your submission in your email inbox. If you face a Turnitin/eCampus error, email me
immediately with the assignment attached in the body of the email.
Exam:
There will be a final test at the end of the semester. The test is based on materials discussed in class, the
readings, and the assignments. Test will be in essay format. It will be given on eCampus and you will need
to follow instructions on the exam. You will turn this in on turnitin.com; pay attention to your similarity
report.
Texas A&M Library
Our Sport Management librarian is Daniel Xiao. You can find his information on the link below. Please feel
free to contact him if you have any problems regarding the use of the library.
The link to the sport management guide on the TAMU Library website is:
http://guides.library.tamu.edu/sportmanagement.
To use resources listed there that are subscription only, it should ask you to sign in with their NetID and
password.
There should be videos you can access there. The videos should walk you through usage and there could be
handouts.
Tentative Class Schedule
***Pay attention to Test dates.***
** All assignments are due by 11:59pm on the specified due date**
Week
Week of
May 26
Notice
that there
is more
due this
week - see
below
Topics/
Objectives
Read/Watch
Welcome
About
Instructor
Textbook
Information
About the
Learning
Environment
Read: Minimum
Technology
Requirements
Netiquette
Due
Due: Complete by
May 31
Syllabus Quiz
Intro Discussion Post
Additional
Resources
Unit 1
Week of
May 26
Week of
June 1
Read:
Syllabus
Chapter 1-2 Textbook
Objectives:
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to:
● Describe the values held by the Mycenaean people.
● Identify the potential causes for the Mycenaean collapse leading
to the Greek Dark ages.
● Generate an explanation as to why the Ancient Olympic Games
began.
● Identify the Greek gods related to the Panhellenic Games.
● Analyze the importance of gods in Greek Culture.
Watch:
Introduction Presentation
Complete the Greek
Module 1 Presentation
Gods Worksheet to
Module 2 Presentation
be used while
taking the Greek
Gods Quiz
Topics:
Mythology, Culture, Politics
‘776 BC – 393 AD’
Read:
Syllabus
Chapter 3-4 Textbook
Greek Gods Quiz
Objectives:
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to:
Watch:
● Identify the key components of the ancient Greek government. Module 3 Presentation
● Compare the Ancient Greek Democracy with our current
Module 4 Presentation
government.
● Explain the value of the philosophers and historians on ancient
and present education.
● Explain the rationale of the games.
● List the Panhellenic Games in order.
● Compare and contrast the ancient athletic events to the modern
events.
Week of
June
8th
Due: Complete by
May 31
Mycenaean
Dark Ages
Activity
Topics:
Dark Ages
Greek Gods II
Topic:
Famous Figures
Objectives:
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to:
● Identify several of the famous athletes from the ancient games.
● Relate the ancient athletes with the Modern athletes.
Due: Complete by
June 7
Topic Assignment 1
Videos: The First
Olympics (1 & 2)
Read:
Syllabus
Chapter 5 Textbook
Due: Complete by
June 14
Pindar’s Ode
Assignment
Watch:
Module 5 Presentation
Videos: The Real
Olympics (1,2,5 &6)
Quiz # 1 (Chapters
1-5)
Due: Complete by
June 21
Unit 1 Topics:
Week of
June 15th Dark Ages
Greek Gods II
Mythology, Culture, Politics
‘776 BC – 393 AD’
Famous Figures
Mind Map
Unit 2
Week of
June 22
Topic:
Pierre de Coubertin
IOC
Objectives:
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to:
● State the facts of Pierre de Coubertin’s life that shows he was a
social marketer.
● State the facts of Pierre de Coubertin’s life that shows he was a
politician.
● Describe Pierre de Coubertin’s thought process in starting the
Modern Olympic Games.
● Discover the growth of the IOC from the beginning to present
day.
● List the important roles the IO plays in the Olympic Movement.
● Predict the success of Agenda 2020.
● Define the term Olympism.
● Recognize examples of Olympism.
● Explain origin of the Olympic flag.
Week of
June 29
Week of
July 6th
Unit 2 Topics:
Olympism
Read:
Chapter 6 textbook
Chapter 7 textbook
Chapter 8 textbook
Due: Complete by
June 28
Topic Assignment 2
Watch:
Module 6 Presentation
Video: The Real Olympics
(3)
Module 7 Presentation
Read:
Chapter 9 textbook
Objectives:
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to:
● Define the term Olympism.
● Recognize examples of Olympism.
● Explain origin of the Olympic flag.
Watch:
Module 8 Presentation
Unit 3 Topic:
Olympic Games
Watch:
Module 9 Presentation
Read:
Objectives:
Ch. 10-11 in textbook
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to:
● Appraise athletic achievement.
● Discover facts from the Olympic Games, which could cause
harm to the Olympic Movement.
● Judge ethically political actions taken in relation to the Olympic
Games.
Due: Complete by
July 5
Quiz # 2 (Chapters
6-9)
Due: Complete by
July 12
Presentation
Week of
July 13th
Unit 4 Information
Topic:
Amateurism
Economics
Objectives:
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to:
● Explain the history of amateurism.
● List instances in which the amateur rule was enforced with the
Olympics.
● Discuss the circular flow of money relating to hosting the
Olympics.
● Describe the benefits of hosting the Olympic Games.
● Describe the negative aspects of hosting the Olympic
Games.
Week of
July 20th
Topics:
Marketing and Commercialization
Politics
Unit 4
Watch:
Module 10 Presentation
Module 11 Presentation
Read:
Ch. 12-13 in textbook
Olympic Years #2
Assignment (19561988) w/o 1968 &
1972 Summer
Watch:
Module 12 Presentation
Module 13 Presentation
Due: Complete by
July 21 (SB)
Discussion Board for
Olympic Years #1
&2
Objectives:
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to:
● Describe the components of marketing the Olympic
Games.
● Evaluate the importance of the marketing aspects in
relation to the Olympic Games.
● Debate the positive change of commercialization
throughout the years.
● Determine the Games associated with the most notable political
influence
● Argue whether politics should be a part of the Olympic Games.
Week July
27th
Topics:
Ethics
Social Issues
Due: Complete by
July 19th
Olympic Years #1
Assignment (19001952) w/o 1896 &
1936 Summer
Due: Complete by
July 26
Olympic Years # 3
Assignment (19922018)
Watch:
Module 14 Presentation
Module 15 Presentation
Objectives:
Read:
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to:
Ch. 14-15 in textbook
● Discover a definition of ethics.
● Relate that definition to the Olympic Games.
● Explain ethical issues within overall landscape of the Olympics.
● Define the social issues surrounding the Olympic Games
● Debate the decisions made to host the Games over spending
money on solving social issues.
Due: Complete by
July 28
Discussion Board for
Olympic Years #3
Due: Complete by
August 2
Quiz #3 (Chapters
10-14)
Topic Assignment
#3
Week of
August
2nd
Topics:
Paralympics
Objectives:
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to:
● Compare and contrast the Olympic Games with the Paralympic
Games.
● State and tell about the founder of the Paralympic Games.
● Describe events that are unique to the Paralympics Games.
Watch:
Due: Complete by
Module 16 Presentation August 5th
Final Test