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.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Activism, culture, and sports legacy

According to students, this course offers an incredibly insightful and unique exploration into the intersection of sports and activism. Learners praise the high-caliber interviews with iconic figures like John Carlos and Jemele Hill, led by engaging instructor Chris Webber. The course is seen as providing a deeper understanding of historical protest moments and their relevance to current culture. While many find the content thought-provoking and inspiring, a few note that some modules, particularly earlier ones, could benefit from more in-depth analysis for those seeking advanced academic rigor, suggesting it serves as a strong foundation rather than an exhaustive study.

Connects historical activism to contemporary issues.

"It's not just history; it connects deeply to current events and helped me understand today's headlines."

"I found the course incredibly relevant, highlighting how past struggles continue to inform present-day activism in sports."

"The way the course framed historical events made it clear how crucial these topics are for understanding modern social movements."

Deep dive into sports activism's rich history.

"I gained a much deeper understanding of the history of activism in sports."

"The format with direct interviews is a huge plus, offering unique insights you won't find elsewhere."

"The course materials, including primary source documents, were well-curated and provided crucial historical context."

Led by Chris Webber, featuring iconic activists.

"Absolutely incredible course! Chris Webber is an amazing host and the interviews with icons like John Carlos and Jemele Hill were profound."

"Phenomenal course! Chris Webber's personal touch and the caliber of guests made this truly special."

"I really appreciated learning from the personal accounts of historical figures and the expert analysis provided."

Offers a solid introduction but some desire more depth.

"While it covers a lot, I sometimes wished for even more depth on certain events, but it's a great starting point."

"Interesting topic, but some parts felt a bit surface-level. The primary sources were great, but sometimes the analysis could have been deeper."

"I found the early modules felt a little rushed, and I hoped for more detailed historical context in those sections."

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 Activism in Sports and Culture with these activities:

Volunteer for a Sports Activism Organization

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Take your learning beyond the classroom by volunteering for an organization that is working to make a difference in the world through sports activism.

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Research different sports activism organizations to identify one that aligns with your interests and values.
Contact the organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend training sessions to understand the organization's mission, values, and policies.
Volunteer your time and effort to support the organization's activities and programs.

Gather Resources on Sports Activism

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Accumulate a collection of relevant materials to supplement your learning and keep you informed about current events in sports activism for future reference.

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Create a digital or physical library to store articles, videos, and other resources on sports activism.
Subscribe to newsletters and follow social media accounts of organizations and individuals involved in sports activism.
Attend webinars or lectures on sports activism to broaden your knowledge base.

Choose a Sports Activism Project

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Organize a project that will provide practical experience in sports activism while deepening your understanding of how sports intersect with social and political issues.

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Select an issue related to the topics covered in the online course, such as racial discrimination in sports, the impact of sports on national identity, or the use of sports for social change.
Determine the scope of the project, including the goals, target audience, and expected outcomes.
If appropriate, find a partner or group to provide diverse perspectives and support.

Four other activities

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Analyze a Contemporary Sports Activism Case Study

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Conduct an in-depth analysis of a recent sports activism campaign or event to gain insights and identify best practices.

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Select a case study, such as Colin Kaepernick's protests, the #MeToo movement in sports, or the Black Lives Matter protests by athletes.
Gather data from multiple sources, including news articles, social media posts, and interviews with stakeholders.
Analyze the data to identify the key factors and strategies that contributed to the success or failure of the activism.
Write a report summarizing your findings and discussing the implications for future sports activism efforts.

Participate in the Sports Activism Hackathon

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Collaborate with other students to develop innovative sports activism initiatives, gaining practical experience and potentially winning prizes for your ideas.

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Form a team of up to 4 students with diverse skills and interests.
Choose a sports activism challenge that you are passionate about.
Generate creative solutions and develop a comprehensive plan to address the challenge, including a budget and timeline.
Submit your proposal and participate in the hackathon to pitch your idea to a panel of judges.

Practice Debating Sports and Politics

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Engage in mock debates on sports-related topics to sharpen your critical thinking and communication skills.

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Identify a controversial sports topic that involves political or social issues.
Prepare arguments for and against the topic, considering different perspectives and ethical considerations.
Practice presenting your arguments in a clear and persuasive manner.
Listen to and engage with opposing viewpoints, evaluating the strength of their arguments.

Become a Peer Mentor for Students Interested in Sports Activism

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Gain valuable experience while making a positive impact on others by guiding students who are interested in sports activism.

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Reach out to your professor or classmates to express your interest in becoming a peer mentor.
Attend a training session to learn about the role and responsibilities of a peer mentor.
Meet with your mentees regularly to provide guidance, support, and encouragement.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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