Course Objectives

Sociology of Sport I aims to train students to carry out independent social analyses of phenomena within the sphere of sport and outdoor activities. We have chosen 6 concepts which are all very important when attempting to understand social patterns and contrasts within the sphere of sport and outdoor activities. The concepts are also suitable for describing differences in lifestyles and customs.

Course Description

The course examines and discusses 6 concepts: Identity, socialisation, institutionalisation, power, gender and globalisation. All these concepts will be related to observations and analyses within the field of sport and outdoor activities. There is no common agreement concerning the meaning of these concepts; however, we will demonstrate how various interpretations may have consequences with regard to what one is looking for and how empirical data is interpreted. The concepts are also woven into each other, and we will examine how interpretation of one concept provides input when interpreting and critically analysing the other concepts.

This course description will be adjusted somewhat for students who are taking the specialisation in Sport Management.

Learning Methods

Eighteen 3-hour lecture sessions.

Assessment Methods

An anthology that consists of four small assignments that illuminate, discuss and provide concrete examples of four of the six concepts. Each small assignment presupposes preparatory reading in addition to discussions on the basis of concrete examples taken from the fields of training, administration or outdoor life. The anthology should also include an introduction and a conclusion. Each student will be given 1 hour of supervision before final submission. Graded marks.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean