Football: More than a Game from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Football: History, myths and power

This week considers the past, football myths and how history can help us understand football today. We will explore an extraordinary football journey not only taking in major milestones along the way, but getting a feel for how history can help us understand the present as well as the past.

The global spectacle of football

We now move on to consider the game to-day and how it has grown into a global spectacle. In 2023 the English Premier League chief executive stated that we should not be too concerned at the moment about Saudi Arabia's growing influence in world football. In 2022 we had the Men’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar and in 2023 the Women’s FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Local teams in parts of the world are teaming up with other teams in other countries as we increasingly think of clusters or families of football clubs working together. Many local football teams have an international reach with a fan base that does not live in the local community but connects with the club through a world that is connected through social media. When Ronaldo signed for Al Nassr club in Saudi Arabia international broadcasters from over 170 territories became interested. It is this relationship between the global and local that we ask you to think about this week.

Great football clubs, nations and matches that changed the world

It is impossible to cover every great club and rivalry. Nonetheless, in Week 3 we will look at football wealth, rivalry, community, and matches that made a difference.

The FIFA World Cup – Who are the champions of the world?

We take a look at three different competitions, the Men’s World Cup, the Women’s World Cup and the Homeless World Cup.

Football for International Development, Diplomacy and Peace

In week five we examine how football helps with international development, diplomacy and peace. We continue to advance the case for football delivering non-football outcomes. As a form of soft power football is often able to broker moments of normality within tense situations or periods of conflict. The activities associated with this week introduce you to issues of development, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. You are asked to consider whether football can act as a resource of hope. You are asked to continue thinking about football delivering Non-Football Outcomes.

Football finances, ownership and review

This final week introduces you to some issues around football finance and governance It also provides you with an opportunity to consider why you think football is more than a game.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores history, finance, international development, diplomacy, and peace, offering a comprehensive overview of the world of football

Presents a global perspective on football, examining its reach and impact across different cultures and regions

Features insights from experts Grant Jarvie, who are recognized for their work in the field of football management

Incorporates a variety of multimedia, including discussions and readings, to enhance learning

Delves into the social impact of football, examining its role in community development and international diplomacy

Suitable for learners with a general interest in football, as well as those seeking a deeper understanding of its multifaceted nature

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Football: More than a Game with these activities:

Review Basic Statistics Concepts

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Strengthen foundational statistics knowledge, ensuring a solid understanding for analyzing football data and metrics.

Browse courses on Statistics

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Review key statistical concepts such as mean, median, and standard deviation
Practice calculating and interpreting statistics using real-world football data

Revisit Football Rules and Regulations

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Refresh understanding of fundamental football rules and regulations, ensuring clarity and accurate interpretation of gameplay.

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Read through the official FIFA Laws of the Game
Pay attention to any recent rule changes or interpretations

Revisit elementary football history

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Reviewing the basic foundational history of football can help lay the groundwork for the more advanced topics that will be covered in this course.

Browse courses on Football History

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Review the history of football from its origins to the present day.
Identify the key figures and events that have shaped the development of football.
Consider the social and cultural impact of football throughout history.

Nine other activities

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Review the history of football

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Start the course off on the right foot by reviewing the full expanse of football history, including milestones, key figures, and how this context can help understand the game of football today.

Browse courses on Football History

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Explore an interactive timeline of football history
Read articles or watch documentaries about key figures in football history
Discuss the role of football in society and culture throughout history

Read 'The Ball is Round'

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Provide historical context for the modern game and enhance understanding of football's global reach.

View The Age of Football on Amazon

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Read the chapters 'In the Beginning' and 'The Foreign Game'
Summarize the origins and spread of football
Identify the key figures and events that shaped the early development of the game

Create a Football Timeline

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Reinforce the chronology of significant football events and foster a deeper understanding of the game's evolution.

Browse courses on Football History

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Research key dates and events in football history
Create a visual timeline using a tool like TimelineJS
Include images, videos, and descriptions to enhance the timeline

Learn about the FIFA World Cup

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Deepen your understanding of the FIFA World Cup, including its history, format, and impact on the world stage.

Browse courses on FIFA World Cup

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Watch videos or read articles about the history of the FIFA World Cup
Explore the official FIFA website to learn about the tournament format and rules
Follow the FIFA World Cup on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest news and highlights

Complete a football finance quiz

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Enhance your understanding of football finance by completing a quiz that covers key concepts.

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Find a football finance quiz online or in a book
Take the quiz and review your answers

Join a football discussion group

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Engaging in discussions with peers allows for exchanging perspectives, asking questions, and broadening understanding.

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Identify online or offline football discussion groups.
Participate in discussions by sharing your thoughts and asking questions.
Listen actively to others' perspectives and engage in respectful dialogue.

Football Discussion Group

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Engage in discussions with peers, fostering critical thinking and diverse perspectives on various football-related topics.

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Join a football discussion group
Participate in discussions on current events, historical matches, or tactical strategies
Share insights and opinions while considering alternative viewpoints

Write a blog post about the role of football in diplomacy

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Enhance your understanding of football's diplomatic role by creating a blog post that explores how football can be used as a tool for international development, diplomacy, and peace.

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Research the use of football in international development and diplomacy
Interview experts in the field of football diplomacy
Write a blog post that presents your findings and insights

Develop a Football Club Profile

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Enhance understanding of club management, finances, and player recruitment by creating a comprehensive profile of a selected football club.

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Select a football club for analysis
Research the club's history, ownership, and financial data
Analyze the club's player roster, transfer history, and coaching staff
Write a report summarizing your findings and providing insights into the club's strengths, weaknesses, and potential

Career center

Learners who complete Football: More than a Game will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sports Journalist

A Sports Journalist writes for a newspaper, magazine, website, or other publication about sports. By taking this course, you will learn about the history, myths, global spectacle, and diplomacy of the game. This knowledge will allow you to write informed and insightful articles that will appeal to a wide audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sports Journalist

Sports Broadcaster

A Sports Broadcaster provides commentary on sporting events for radio or television. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this field. You will learn about the history of football, the different styles of play, and the key players and teams. You will also learn how to analyze games and provide insightful commentary.

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Football Agent

A Football Agent represents the interests of professional football players. This course will help you understand the business side of football and the role of agents in the game. You will learn about contract negotiations, player transfers, and the legal issues involved in representing professional athletes.

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Sports Marketing Manager

A Sports Marketing Manager develops and executes marketing campaigns for sports organizations, teams, and athletes. This course will help you understand the principles of sports marketing and how to create successful campaigns. You will learn about market research, public relations, and social media marketing.

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Football Coach

A Football Coach leads and instructs a team of football players. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful coach. You will learn about offensive and defensive strategies, player development, and team management.

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Sports Administrator

A Sports Administrator manages the day-to-day operations of a sports organization. This course will help you understand the different aspects of sports administration, including finance, marketing, human resources, and event management.

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Football Scout

A Football Scout evaluates players for professional football teams. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful scout. You will learn about player evaluation, scouting techniques, and the different types of scouting reports.

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Sports Event Manager

A Sports Event Manager plans and executes sporting events. This course will help you understand the different aspects of sports event management, including venue selection, marketing, and budgeting.

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Football Analyst

A Football Analyst provides analysis and commentary on football matches. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful analyst. You will learn about different analytical techniques, how to use data to support your analysis, and how to communicate your findings to a variety of audiences.

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Sports Lawyer

A Sports Lawyer represents the interests of athletes, teams, and sports organizations in legal matters. This course will help you understand the legal issues involved in the sports industry. You will learn about contract law, player rights, and the different types of legal disputes that can arise in the sports world.

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Sports Psychologist

A Sports Psychologist helps athletes improve their mental and emotional performance. This course will help you understand the principles of sports psychology and how to apply them to help athletes reach their full potential. You will learn about motivation, confidence, and the different mental challenges that athletes face.

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Sports Nutritionist

A Sports Nutritionist helps athletes optimize their nutrition to improve their performance. This course will help you understand the principles of sports nutrition and how to create personalized nutrition plans for athletes. You will learn about the different nutrients that athletes need, how to fuel for different types of training, and how to recover from exercise.

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Sports Medicine Physician

A Sports Medicine Physician treats and prevents injuries in athletes. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in learning more about the medical side of sports. You will learn about the different types of sports injuries, how to diagnose and treat them, and how to help athletes prevent injuries.

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Athletic Trainer

An Athletic Trainer provides medical care to athletes and helps them prevent and recover from injuries. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in learning more about the practical side of sports medicine. You will learn about the different types of injuries that athletes face, how to assess and treat them, and how to help athletes prevent injuries.

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Physical Therapist

A Physical Therapist helps people regain movement and function after an injury or illness. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in learning more about the rehabilitative side of sports medicine. You will learn about the different types of injuries that athletes face, how to assess and treat them, and how to help athletes regain their full range of motion and function.

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