Activism in Sports and Culture from Coursera

Sports have become an ever-present reflection of American culture, and an important symbol of the divisions and alliances in our society. Sports and political change walk hand in hand in America. The way that athletes and institutions deal with questions of race, economic hardship, nationalism, and political ties have become central to the way that we understand ourselves and our society. And yet, there are those who would prefer their sports free of controversy and opinion. Dedicated athletes, coaches, and media personalities have pushed back against this refrain, demanding to be seen not just as entertainers but as fully formed humans with political opinions and experiences. Their struggles against injustice have changed the face of America and kicked off a reckoning within modern-day sports.

How does context inform the shape and outcome of protests? What is it about sports that provides space — or doesn't — for political statements? Why do some of us expect athletes to be activists, when others would rather they "shut up and dribble"? We'll explore all of these questions and more in this class.

Your professor will be NBA All-Star and TNT Sports journalist and commentator Chris Webber, who leads interviews with iconic activists, including John Carlos and Jemele Hill as they wrestle with the meanings and outcomes of their activism. You'll read and watch primary source documents about acts of protest, and academic and journalistic work that reckons with the legacies of those acts. By the end of the course, you'll have a better understanding of historical and contemporary protest moments, and be able to create and apply new ways of thinking about the activism within the world of sports in history and today.

What's inside

Syllabus

The Icons

The history of activism and sports stretches to the beginnings of athletics in America, but perhaps the most iconic moment of protest was at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. In this module, you'll learn about the men who took a stand there, the historical context of the act, and how their country and the world responded.

The Reluctant Protester

Not all acts of protest are committed by people who consider themselves activists. In this module, you'll learn about NBA Hall of Fame honoree Spencer Haywood. At 19 he was the youngest American to win a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics. At 21, he brought a lawsuit against the NBA that would forever change the game.

The Commentator

What role do journalists play in activism? Is it better to use an existing platform, or to build their own? In this module you'll witness the evolution of Jemele Hill from ESPN personality to outspoken activist.

The Organizer

This module spans the career of Dr. Harry Edwards. As a sociologist and academic, Dr. Edwards created the field of sports sociology. As an activist, he has supported and counseled athletes in their acts of protest, from the Olympic Project for Human Rights to Colin Kaepernick's protest of the National Anthem.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Applicable to a wide audience, from those with a casual interest in sports and social change to those with a professional interest

Taught by Chris Webber, a former NBA All-Star and current sports commentator, who brings a wealth of experience and insights from his playing and broadcasting career

Explores the historical and contemporary intersections of sports, race, politics, and activism

Features interviews with renowned activists, including John Carlos and Jemele Hill, providing first-hand accounts of their experiences

Analyzes primary source documents and academic literature to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic

Facilitates critical thinking about the role of athletes and sports in shaping social consciousness and change

Reviews summary

Highly praised activism course

Learners say this well developed course on activism in sports and culture is highly educational, enjoyable, and transformative. Students especially appreciate the insights from Professor Webber and the diverse perspectives offered. They believe it should be mandatory in academic curricula because of its relevance to understanding society and striving for a more equitable future.

Course offers a range of viewpoints.

"The diverse perspectives offered in this course, both from Morehouse and from students like myself, have enriched my learning experience immensely."

Instructor is highly regarded.

"This was a great course. I especially appreciate Professor Webber."

"Thank you Chris Webber, your interviews were great I look forward to you continuing with more!"

Course challenges preconceptions and inspires action.

"It's not just a course; it's a transformative journey that challenges preconceptions, fosters empathy, and inspires action."

Course is highly educational and enjoyable.

"Very educational and enjoyable experience."

"I with all my heart believe that this course should be mandatory in academic curricula."

Career center

Learners who complete Activism in Sports and Culture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Activist

Activists work to bring about social and political change. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful activist, including organizing, advocacy, and public speaking. By learning about the history of activism and sports, you can develop a deeper understanding of the social and political issues that shape our world. This knowledge can help you create more effective activist campaigns that achieve your desired results.

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Sports Journalist

Sports journalists are responsible for covering sports news and events. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful sports journalist, including writing, interviewing, and research. By learning about the history of activism and sports, you can develop a deeper understanding of the social and political issues that shape the world of sports. This knowledge can help you write more informed and engaging articles that resonate with your audience.

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Writer

Writers are responsible for creating written content, which can include articles, blog posts, books, scripts, and more. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful writer, including critical thinking, research, and communication. By learning about the history of activism and sports, you can develop a deeper understanding of the social and political issues that shape our world. This knowledge can help you write more informed and engaging content that resonates with your audience.

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Lawyer

Lawyers are responsible for representing clients in legal matters. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful lawyer, including research, writing, and public speaking. By learning about the history of activism and sports, you can develop a deeper understanding of the social and political issues that shape our world. This knowledge can help you better represent your clients and achieve their desired outcomes.

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Historian

Historians are responsible for studying and interpreting the past. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful historian, including research, writing, and critical thinking. By learning about the history of activism and sports, you can develop a deeper understanding of the social and political issues that have shaped our world. This knowledge can help you write more informed and engaging historical accounts that contribute to our understanding of the past.

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Journalist

Journalists are responsible for gathering, analyzing, and reporting on news and current events. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful journalist, including research, interviewing, and writing. By learning about the history of activism and sports, you can develop a deeper understanding of the social and political issues that shape our world. This knowledge can help you write more informed and engaging articles that inform the public.

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Sociologist

Sociologists are responsible for studying human society and social behavior. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful sociologist, including research, writing, and critical thinking. By learning about the history of activism and sports, you can develop a deeper understanding of the social and political issues that shape our world. This knowledge can help you conduct more informed and engaging sociological research that contributes to our understanding of society.

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Politician

Politicians are responsible for making and enforcing laws. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful politician, including public speaking, negotiation, and compromise. By learning about the history of activism and sports, you can develop a deeper understanding of the social and political issues that shape our world. This knowledge can help you create more effective policies that benefit your constituents.

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Sports Agent

Sports agents are responsible for representing athletes in contract negotiations and other business matters. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful sports agent, including negotiation, communication, and business acumen. By learning about the history of activism and sports, you can develop a deeper understanding of the social and political issues that shape the world of sports. This knowledge can help you better represent your clients and achieve their desired outcomes.

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Sports Psychologist

Sports psychologists are responsible for helping athletes improve their mental performance. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful sports psychologist, including psychology, counseling, and communication. By learning about the history of activism and sports, you can develop a deeper understanding of the social and political issues that shape the world of sports. This knowledge can help you better understand the challenges that athletes face and develop more effective interventions to help them succeed.

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Sports Administrator

Sports administrators are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of sports organizations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful sports administrator, including management, leadership, and communication. By learning about the history of activism and sports, you can develop a deeper understanding of the social and political issues that shape the world of sports. This knowledge can help you make more informed decisions and create a more positive and inclusive environment for athletes and fans.

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Sports Marketing Manager

Sports marketing managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns for sports teams, athletes, and brands. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful sports marketing manager, including marketing, communication, and business acumen. By learning about the history of activism and sports, you can develop a deeper understanding of the social and political issues that shape the world of sports. This knowledge can help you create more effective marketing campaigns that resonate with your target audience.

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Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists are responsible for managing the public image of organizations and individuals. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful public relations specialist, including communication, media relations, and crisis management. By learning about the history of activism and sports, you can develop a deeper understanding of the social and political issues that shape our world. This knowledge can help you create more effective public relations campaigns that achieve your desired results.

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Broadcaster

Broadcasters are responsible for delivering news, information, and entertainment to the public through radio, television, and the internet. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful broadcaster, including public speaking, communication, and media literacy. By learning about the history of activism and sports, you can develop a deeper understanding of the social and political issues that shape our world. This knowledge can help you create more informed and engaging content that resonates with your audience.

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Professor

Professors are responsible for teaching and conducting research at colleges and universities. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful professor, including teaching, research, and writing. By learning about the history of activism and sports, you can develop a deeper understanding of the social and political issues that shape our world. This knowledge can help you create more informed and engaging courses that inspire your students.

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