Cultural History of Sports
This course is designed for students to explore sports’ origins in
ancient society, its emergence during Greek and Roman civilizations, and its
present-day role in shaping and defining cultures throughout history. Students will examine competition from around
the world while surveying the influence of race, gender, ethnicity, age, and
class. Emphasis will be placed on the
political, economical, and technological factors that transformed not only
sports participation but how societal views have changed over time. Students’ critical thinking and research
skills will be challenged by completing a variety of assignments including
essays, debate arguments, and theme projects that answer essential questions
within the scope of the curriculum.
Sport before High Culture
Sport before the Greeks
Spread of the Taste
Sport in Pre-Industrial High Culture
Induced Sport
American Sport
Modern Olympics
Sport and Society in the Late 20th
Century