SOCIAL ASPECTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
PE 4840
(2 semester hours)
INSTRUCTOR:
Daniel A. Gerdes, Ph.D.
105 Garrison Gym
543-4732
Conceptual Framework Information
Belief Statement
The Central educator is a competent, caring, reflective practitioner committed to the premise that all can
learn.
Mission
As a cornerstone of the institution for over 130 years, the University of Central Missouri's Teacher
Education Program develops teachers and other school professionals who are well grounded in theory,
display competence in content knowledge and instructional strategies, and possess the dispositions to
ensure success for all learners. The Teacher Education Program prepares individuals as professional
educators for an ever-changing, culturally diverse population. Faculty and candidates provide support
and service to schools in meeting their present and future challenges by developing communities that
learn through research and scholarly activities. Educator preparation is a campus-wide responsibility, a
commitment that reflects the honor and worth of serving a vital profession.
I. PURPOSE OF THE COURSE
A study of the application of social aspects and theories to the study of physical activity and
sport in American Society.
II. COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. To develop an enhanced appreciation of the role of social aspects interaction in physical
education. (MoSTEP Standard 1.2.3; 1.2.6; MoSTEP Competency 1.4; 1.8; 1.10; 2.1; 2.2; 3.2)
2. To develop an understanding of the major theoretical perspectives used in social aspects
of physical activity. (MoSTEP Standard 1.2.2; MoSTEP Competency 2.1; 2.2)
3. To develop an appreciation for the application of social aspects knowledge to physical
education, sport management, coaching, leadership effectiveness, and social interaction
enhancement. (MoSTEP Standard 1.2.6; MoSTEP Competency 1.4; 1.10; 2.1; 2.2; 3.4)
4. To critically evaluate the role of physical activity and sport in North American society.
(MoSTEP Standard 1.2.7; 1.2.9; 1.2.11; MoSTEP Competency 2.1; 2.2; 3.4)
III. COURSE OUTLINE
1. Introduction
a. Current Issues: Social aspects of physical activity
b. Current Issues: Social aspects of exercise & physical education
c. Traditional and recent forms of inquiry
2. Theoretical Perspectives in Sport Sociology
a. Functionalist perspective
b. Conflict perspective
c. Symbolic interaction perspective
3. Physical Activity and Social Values
a. Cross-cultural comparisons
b. Historical evolution of sport in the U.S.
c. Physical Activity: A microcosm of society?
4. Socialization into Various Physical Activities
a. Explanatory models of socialization process
b. Socialization "into" physical activity
c. Socialization "via" physical activity
d. Physical Activity involvement and social development
e. Socialization "out" of physical activity
f. The socialization process in physical activity and exercise
5. The Social Context of Sport
a. Expectations regarding sport roles
b. The nature of social interactions in sport contexts
c. The dynamics of sports groups
d. Symbolic interactionist perspective on sport behavior.
6. The Social Context of Physical Activity and Exercise Involvement
a. Current cultural views about physical activity/exercise
b. Identities/roles in exercise settings
c. The social context and exercise adherence
7. The Social Context of School-Based Physical Education
a. Cultural expectations about learning in physical education
b. The nature of social interaction in physical education classes
c. Social roles and expectancies
d. Critical perspective on American physical education
8. Physical Activity and Gender
a. History of physical activity opportunities for men and women in the U.S.
b. Gender-specific beliefs about physical activity participation
c. Critical perspective on physical activity and gender
d. Symbolic interactionist perspective on physical activity and gender
9. Toward an Applied Sociology of Physical Activity
a. Teaching applications
b. Coaching applications
c. Sport management applications
IV. COURSE EVALUATION
Evaluation will be done on the following basis:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Two (2) written tests
Two (2) Presentations (to be assigned and discussed in class)
Four (4) Current events reflection papers/internet search
One (1) Book Review or Movie Review
Attendance/Participation (loss of 5 pts. Per class missed)
200
200
60
100
100
pts.
pts.
pts.
pts.
pts.
6. Final grade is based on total points earned in the class during the semester with:
90 – 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
Below 60% = F
V. REQUIRED TEXT
Coakley, J. (2004, 8th Edition). Sport in Society: Issues and Controversies, St. Louis: Mosby.
Note: The instructor reserves the right to modify the syllabus during the duration of the course as
necessary.
Format for Article Summary
PE 4840
Submitted materials must be typed in 12pt. Times or similar font, double spacing between
lines.
1. Citation of Reference (APA style)
2. Overview of the article describing who, what, where, when, how, and why.
3. Identify what the article found (results). Summarize what the article says.
4. Identify three "take-home" coaching points you drew from reading this article...3 things you
could use in your coaching/teaching.
5. Attach 1 copy of the article.
Note: Only one newspaper article may be submitted among the four required articles.
You will prepare 4 article summaries 1-2 pgs. max. Due dates as follows
Article 1
Wednesday,
Sept. 14
Article 2
Wednesday,
Oct. 5
Article 3
Wednesday,
Oct. 26
Article 4
Wednesday,
Nov. 16
* Complete summary assignments must be submitted on the due date to receive credit.
Current Events Reflection Papers
PE 4840
The purpose is to provide students with an overview of trends and topics presently
happening in sports and to critically examine the nature of the activities. Stories can
relate to any sport at any level. It does not have to be scientific research.
You will be required to submit four current events articles, news clips, headlines,
magazine stories, or www.source stories describing some current events occurring in
sport and describe your thoughts about the topic. Papers must be 2-3 pages in length,
double-spaced, 12 pt. Font. You must provide your perspective of the issue and why
you believe it has social significance in sport or in society at large.
Use three sources to provide a greater perspective of the issue. Use of internet is
strongly encouraged. Possible sources include, but are not limited to:
ESPN Magazine
Time
Sports Illustrated
Sporting News
USA Today
Any local newspaper sports section
ESPN.go.com
www.cnnsi.com
www.ncaa.org (NCAA News)
www.kcstar
Scholastic Coach
Each current event paper is worth 15 points (4 papers@ 15 pts. = 60 points). Papers
must be submitted in class to receive credit. Be sure to attach 1 copy of all
documents used in the development of the reflection paper.
Due Dates:
Paper 1
Paper 2
Paper 3
Paper 4
Wednesday, Sept. 6
Wednesday, Oct. 4
Wednesday, Nov. 1
Wednesday, Nov. 20
Current Events Summary Assessment Form
Name:________________________
Criteria
Intro clearly explains direct relevance to the course
Paragraphs are well-structured (grammar, punct., spelling)
APA style used (pg #s, margins, font size, quotations)
Paper length = 2-3 pgs./ 3 Article copies are attached
Submitted on time
Score
01
01
01
01
01
Total
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3