Course Objectives

This course analyses the relationship between sport and society. Students are given the opportunity to examine closely how cultural and historical variations in sport develop through interaction with society, and how this affects the practice of sport by individuals and various social groups.

Course Description

Central themes within the field of ‘sport and society’ will be approached in the light of sociological concepts and perspectives. The following themes will be discussed, among others: the development of modern sports, education and sport, sport and nationalism, sport and health, sport and the body, politics and sport, and gender and sport.
The course is divided into four main parts:

• Introduction: an orientation on how and why sport as a social phenomenon may be described and explained through the use of various social-science concepts, perspectives and theories.
• The distinctive nature of sport: a discussion of how the characteristics of various sports are expressed through activities, organisational forms and sports facilities.
• Sport and other institutions: an analysis of the relationship of sport to education, politics and market forces, both nationally and internationally.
• Sport and the individual: a discussion of participation in sport, socialisation, sport idols and problems such as doping and eating disorders.

Learning Methods

Roughly 70 lectures spread over the academic year.
The subject material will primarily be presented in the form of lectures. Students are encouraged to participate and discuss the subject material, which will be made tangible through associations drawn from the students’ own experiences. Course literature will be made readily available, so that the students will be able to prepare for lectures, participate in discussions, ask questions and make comments on the subject material. Student groups will be expected to investigate particular subject-related problems and present written analyses of their conclusions. The subject matter may be related to themes encountered in the lectures or the syllabus, or be based on themes which the students find to be of particular interest. The students will also be expected to arrange a seminar on sports and society, with commentaries and panel debates.

Assessment Methods

Individual graded written examination, 6 hours.

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