SOCIOLOGY 2T03 Sociology of Sport Department of Sociology, McMaster University Spring 2011 Instructor: Dr. Michael Atkinson Class Days and Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00pm‐10:00pm Class Location: DSB/AB102 Office Hours: By appointment Email: atkinsm@mcmaster.ca or michael.atkinson@utoronto.ca Course Description This course is organized around the theme of social problems in sport and physical culture. It begins by defining what is meant by the sociology of sport and by examining why this area is sociologically significant. It then looks at a number of theoretical approaches to the study of sport. Each, in different ways, sees sport as a reflection of other social institutions and social practices. Throughout the course, we discuss how sport can be approached as a phenomenon that is both a reflection of dominant social structures, processes and norms, but also an arena in which different or otherwise subaltern values, ideologies, and meanings are constantly being promoted, challenged and modified. The substantive topics dealt with in the course include (but are not limited to) social inequality, violence and exploitation, social control, pain and injury, media, bioethics, sport for development and globalization. Time permitting, reference will also be made to numerous other sports‐related issues. A primarily theoretical examination of these issues is intended to encourage students to think sociologically about the place and role of sport in society. Texts* There are three main texts required for this course: 1) Giulianotti, R. (2004). Sport and Modern Social Theorists. London: Palgrave/Macmillan. 2) Coakley, J. and Donnelly, P. (2009). Sports in Society: Issues and Controversies. New York: McGraw‐Hill (Second Edition). 3) Atkinson, M. and Young, K. (2008). Deviance and Social Control in Sport. Champaign: Human Kinetics. 1
*Note that in addition to weekly assigned readings from the textbooks, I may also post 2‐3 case studies on‐line for in‐class discussion and analysis. Course Evaluation There are two main assessments for the course: a written essay and a final examination. I. Sport and Social Change Essay (50%): The (3,500‐4,000 word) essay for the course asks you to consider recent arguments about the role of sport and physical activity as a lever of social change and development. (this assignment is due in Week 5) I. Final Examination (50%): The final examination, comprised of primarily short‐answer and essay questions, will involve your interpretation and application of a series of sociological theories and concepts to several case studies I provide to you for consideration. This exam will be held in class on the final day of the course. Class Content Section I: Social production through sport (Weeks 1‐2) - Sport as (physical) culture - The main ‘sociological’ players in sports theorizing - Sport and collective identity * Read: Coakley and Donnelly (chapters 1, 2, 4, 10, 13) * Read: Giulianotti (chapters 1, 4, 10) Section II: Contesting social problems in/through sport (Weeks 3‐4) - Social problems in sport (sexism, racism and homophobia) - Sport for development and peace * Read: Coakley and Donnelly (chapters 6, 7, 8, 9) * Giulianotti (chapters 6, 7, 12) * Read: Donnelly (2008). “Sport and Human Rights”. ‐‐‐ posted online Section III: Sporting spectacles (Weeks 5‐6) - Sport as a mediated spectacle - Sports violence and crime * Read: Coakley and Donnelly (chapters 11, 12) * Read: Giulianotti (chapters 9, 11, 14) * Read: Andrews (2006). “Disneyization, Debord, and the Integrated NBA Spectacle”. ‐‐‐ posted online * Read: Atkinson & Young (2003). “Terror Games”. ‐‐‐ posted online 2
Section IV. Bioethics and sport (Week 7) - Emerging bioethical issues and sport policy - Sport technology and transhumanism * Read: Coakley and Donnelly (chapter 15) * Read: Giulianotti (chapters 5, 13) * Read: Miah (2010). “Towards the Transhuman Athlete: Therapy, Non‐Therapy and Enhancement”. ‐‐‐ posted online PLEASE READ CAREFULLY Academic Dishonesty University policy on academic dishonesty must be strictly followed: Academic dishonesty consists of misrepresentation by deception or by other fraudulent means and can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: ‘Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty’), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university. It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the various kinds of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, specifically Appendix 3, located at: http://www.mcmaster.ca/senate/academic/ac_integrity.htm. The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty: 1. Plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not one's own or for which other credit has been obtained. 2. Improper collaboration in group work 3. Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.” (If applicable) In this course we will be using a software package designed to reveal plagiarism. Students will be required to submit their work electronically and in hard copy so that it can be checked for academic dishonesty. EMAIL COMMUNICATION: Effective September 1, 2010, it is the policy of the Faculty of Social Sciences that all e‐mail communication sent from students to instructors (including TAs), and from students to staff, must originate from the student’s own McMaster University e‐mail account. This policy protects confidentiality and confirms the identity of the student. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that communication is sent to the university from a McMaster account. If an instructor becomes aware that a communication has come from an alternate address, the instructor may not reply at his or her discretion. Email Forwarding in MUGSI: http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/support/email/emailforward.html *Forwarding will take effect 24‐hours after students complete the process at the above link 3
Departmental/University Policies Do NOT fax assignments. Please see your instructor for the most appropriate way to submit assignments. The Sociology staff will NOT date‐stamp assignments, nor do they monitor the submission or return of papers. Students should check the web, the white board and the Undergraduate Bulletin board outside the Sociology office (KTH‐627) for notices pertaining to Sociology classes or departmental business (eg. class scheduling information, location of mailboxes and offices, tutorial information, class cancellations, TA job postings, etc.). The McMaster Student Absence Form (http://www.mcmaster.ca/msaf/) is a self reporting tool for Undergraduate Students to report absences that last up to 5 lectures and provides the ability to request accommodation for any missed academic work. Please note, this tool cannot be used during any final examination period. You may submit a maximum of 2 Academic Work Missed requests per term. It is YOUR responsibility to follow up with your instructor immediately regarding the nature of the accommodation. If you are absent more than 5 lectures or exceed 2 requests per term you MUST visit your Associate Dean’s Office (Faculty Office). You may be required to provide supporting documentation. This form should be filled out immediately when you are about to return to class after your absence. Computer use in the classroom is intended to facilitate learning in that particular lecture or tutorial. At the discretion of the instructor, students using a computer for any other purpose may be required to turn the computer off for the remainder of the lecture or tutorial. The instructor and university reserve the right to modify elements of the course during the term. The university may change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses in extreme circumstances. If either type of modification becomes necessary, reasonable notice and communication with the students will be given with explanation and the opportunity to comment on changes. It is the responsibility of the student to check his/her McMaster email and course websites weekly during the term and to note any changes. 4