Sports Studies (SPO) 301 – Athletes and Society
Course Description & Outline
Winter 2012 – Monday 7:00 - 10:00 pm / N 211
Instructor:
Office:
Hours:
Email:
Morgan W. Quinn - M.Ed.
TR 4 (Between Library and B&G)
6:00 – 6:45 pm / Mondays / January 16th – April 11th
mquinn@ubishops.ca
Prerequisite: Sports Studies 201 (Culture & Society of Sport)
Course Description and Objectives:
The study of Athletes in Society has predominately been ignored by
the general public. Society has historically regarded the status of an athlete
in high esteem, to the level of being idolized. However the impact of
athletes’ influence on society and contrarily, how they have been influenced
by society, intrigues academic explanation. This course will consider and
process the many factors that identify the role, which athletes "play" within
the "game" of society. A chronological study from the amateur athlete in
progression to becoming a professional will be critically examined. A
number of methodologies will be used to acquire the objectives of the
course. They include Reflexive Inquiry, the Narrative, Constructivism, Film
Analysis, an Autobiographical Application and the Lecture. The course will
revolve around the acquisition of knowledge through the study of themes,
such as the critical examination of self-discovery; the role of the media in
being an influence with amateur athletes, in professionalizing sport, in the
role of technology in sport, with the proliferation of drugs in sport, the code
of conduct in sport and a business model of sport professionals.
The course will be similar in design to the Sports Studies 201 (Culture
and Society of Sport) course, in that it is interdisciplinary. As a result, the
student, to a degree, will be able to pursue the study of Athletes and Society
through the perspective of their academic interest.
Obligations:
Presence, participation and punctual assignments will be
paramount to student success. Please prepare accordingly and attend all
scheduled classes. Group work, with the above, will ensure a paragon.
Expectations:
Considering the various methodologies used in this course, the
common denominator for student success would be engagement, with
conviction. Therefore the Sports Studies Student is expected to be prepared
with the given readings, group work in problem-based learning, as well as
the application of deconstruction in film analysis, an autobiographical
application and an ongoing reflexive inquiry analysis.
With student engagement being imperative, intrusive communicative
technology will not be tolerated. Please "turn off" your device during class
sessions. In the event of an emergency, please demonstrate appropriate
behaviour and indicate the reasoning to the instructor either after class or
during office hours. Your cooperation with this matter will be collectively
appreciated.
Late assignments, plagiarism and/or general academic dishonesty will
not be tolerated. Please speak to the instructor prior to an assignment due
date, in the event of unforeseen emergencies. Appropriate professional
documentation will be expected in addition to the emergency rationale.
Evaluation Allocation:
Group Presentations__________As Scheduled @ 5% each____ 25%
Reflexive Inquiry____________Jan. 30th _________________ 15%
Film Analysis_______________Feb. 27th _________________ 15%
Autobiographical Application __April 11th ________________ 15%
Final Exam _______________ Exam Schedule ____________ 30%
Group Presentations & Attendance
Students will divide themselves into groups of no more than six on the
first day of class, Monday, January 16th, 2012. A variety of case studies will
be undertaken and critically examined by the groups, with frequent
collaboration among peers during class time. It is recommended that the
formulation of the groups consider similar personal characteristics, as well
as accessibility to ensure a maximum positive outcome. Group meetings
outside of class time will be required. Any medium desired may be used for
group presentations. Attending every class is clearly expected, as the group
participation aspect will be worth 25% of the final grade.
Group Presentation Dates
Theoretical Framework of Study ______________________ Jan. 30th
Media Influence with Controversial Athlete______________ Feb. 13th
High School Sports Study Program __________________Feb. 27th
Technology & Sport_______________________________March 19th
Business Model___________________________________April 11th
Assignment Format
Written assignments, paper copy only, are to be handed in at the
beginning of class, on the designated date only. They are to include a title
page; be appropriately spaced; be proof read & edited; font 14; specific
thesis statement; and to be followed with substantiation and a conclusion.
Reflexive Inquiry
This assignment will involve a self-inquiry procedure to determine
how and why the individual has evolved into their present athletic status.
Implementation of the "readings" ideology, where and if applicable, is to be
expected. Therefore the question to be addressed is, “What has driven
and/or caused me to be the athlete I am today?” With this reflexive inquiry,
the student will evaluate the different influences responsible for their present
athletic status. Inclusion of course related factors, as well as related personal
aspects, should be the essence of the assignment. One may conclude with
the possibility of future goals and objectives being influenced by this
process. The value will be 15% of the final grade.
Film Analysis
Many film critics have regarded the movie, "Hoosiers," as
controversial. Using formal media literacy analysis (concepts), the student
will fully deconstruct the text demonstrating media literate comprehension.
As a result of deconstruction, students will conclude with if and why the
film has earned the above classification. This assignment will be worth 15%
of the final grade. Consult class related topic discussion, as well as the
"Reading Packet" for the formal deconstruction structure and objectives.
Autobiography – Social Theories
Andre Agassi is considered by many to have been one of the best
tennis professionals, ever. His autobiography reveals the many challenges
an athlete must endure as an early amateur, through to the end of a
professional career. The Athletes & Society student is expected to read the
autobiography, "Open," by Andre Agassi, available at the Bishop's
bookstore. Considering that Theorizing involves a combination of
description, analysis, reflection and application (Coakley & Donnelly), this
assignment will thus evaluate these implication modes of study accordingly,
in association with one of the five social theories. Students will choose one
of the social theories, studied earlier in this course, and suggest how and
why they may qualify with examples given in the autobiography. This
assignment is worth 15% of the final grade.
Final Exam
The final exam is worth 30% of the final grade. It will be
approximately two hours long and held during the final exam period. This
final evaluation may include aspects from the readings, class discussion,
group work inquiries or previous assignments. Students should prepare by
acknowledging the significance of the Outline of Weekly Topics & Required
Readings, as well as the assignments given in the course outline.
Required Texts:
Coakley, Jay & Donnelly, Peter (2009) Sports in Society:
Issues & Controversies
nd
2 Canadian edition, Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson.
Agassi, Andre (2010) Open / An Autobiography
First Vintage Books edition,
Random House, Inc. New York
A course packet, with a number of specific thematic texts, will be
included as required readings. (available in bookstore) Please refer to the
schedule for application. Additional handouts will also be distributed
throughout the duration of the course and are required reading as well.
Outline of Weekly Topics & Required Readings
Dates
Jan. 16th
Topic
Required Reading
Course Introduction
Course Outline
Reflexive Inquiry
Knowles/Cole – Course Packet
Hunter/Gatherer & Sports Cashmore – Course Packet
Chapt. 4 / p 53 – 65 (3rd
paragraph)
Jan. 23rd
Social Theories
Jan. 30th
Sports & Media
Feb. 6th
Sports & Adolescence
Feb. 13th
Film Viewing
“Hoosiers”
Feb. 20th
Film Analysis
“Hoosiers”
Feb. 27th
Code of Conduct
Siedentop/Hastie/Van der Mars
Appropriate Behaviour/Fair Play
Coakley/Donnelly - Chapt. 4 p89-91
Course Packet/Code of Conduct
March 12th
Technology & Sport
Course Packet/Miah & Eassom,
Levine / Rosandich
March 19th
Technology & Sport
Course Packet/Miah & Eassom,
Levine / Rosandich
March 26th
Proliferation of Drugs Course Packet/Cashmore
In Sport
Chapt. 10 / p 227 – 266
April 2nd
Business Model of
Sports Professionals
Coakley/Donnelly – Chapt. 11
Heidrick & Struggles Article
April 11th
Business Model of
Sports Professionals
Coakley/Donnelly – Chapt. 11
Heidrick & Struggles Article
Coakley/Donnelly – Chapt. 2
Coakley/Donnelly – Chapt. 12
Course Packet/Media Supplement
Coakley/Donnelly
Chapt. 5 & 14