Have you ever wondered why sports are such a big deal in the United States?
Or why American’s don’t love futbol (soccer) as much as the rest of the world?
This course investigates the multi-billion dollar sports industry as a way to discern American cultural values. Themes we will explore:
-- Sports media’s glorification of sport
-- America’s religious-like fandom
-- The "sport as war" frame and the implications
-- Gender, racial, and political systems of power
Read more
Have you ever wondered why sports are such a big deal in the United States?
Or why American’s don’t love futbol (soccer) as much as the rest of the world?
This course investigates the multi-billion dollar sports industry as a way to discern American cultural values. Themes we will explore:
-- Sports media’s glorification of sport
-- America’s religious-like fandom
-- The "sport as war" frame and the implications
-- Gender, racial, and political systems of power
Have you ever wondered why sports are such a big deal in the United States?
Or why American’s don’t love futbol (soccer) as much as the rest of the world?
This course investigates the multi-billion dollar sports industry as a way to discern American cultural values. Themes we will explore:
-- Sports media’s glorification of sport
-- America’s religious-like fandom
-- The "sport as war" frame and the implications
-- Gender, racial, and political systems of power
This course will open your eyes to the power of sport as a cultural institution. You’ll analyze the discourses of sports culture and apply critical thinking to your personal experiences with sports. Whether you're a sports fanatic or a curious learner, this course will instill a deeper understanding of American values and how they play out on the field.
What's inside
Syllabus
America’s Religious Devotion to Sport
We have faith in our favorite teams, idolize athletes, and believe in superstitions. This unit will explore the religious-like discourses, rituals, and symbols of our sport fanaticism. We’ll conclude with a mock campaign for team advertisement.
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Syllabus
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Activities
Read "The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance"
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of the science behind athletic performance by reading and analyzing the research in this book
View
The Sports Gene
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Purchase or borrow a copy of the book.
-
Read the book.
-
Take notes on the key concepts in the book.
-
Write a summary or review of the book.
Analyze sports statistics
Show steps
Strengthen your ability to interpret and apply sports statistics to real-world scenarios
Browse courses on
Sports Analytics
Show steps
-
Choose a sport to focus on.
-
Locate relevant sports statistics.
-
Identify trends and patterns in the data.
-
Draw conclusions from the data.
Discuss how sports are portrayed in the media
Show steps
Enhance your critical thinking skills by discussing the portrayal of sports in the media with peers
Show steps
-
Form a peer group with other students from the course.
-
Select a sports media article or video to discuss.
-
Meet with your group to discuss the article or video.
One other activity
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Show all four activities
Create a social media campaign for a sports team
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of sports marketing by developing a social media campaign for a real or fictional sports team
Browse courses on
Sports Marketing
Show steps
-
Define the target audience.
-
Develop a campaign strategy.
-
Create social media content.
-
Track and measure the results of the campaign.
Read "The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance"
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of the science behind athletic performance by reading and analyzing the research in this book
View
The Sports Gene
on Amazon
Show steps
- Purchase or borrow a copy of the book.
- Read the book.
- Take notes on the key concepts in the book.
- Write a summary or review of the book.
Analyze sports statistics
Show steps
Strengthen your ability to interpret and apply sports statistics to real-world scenarios
Browse courses on
Sports Analytics
Show steps
- Choose a sport to focus on.
- Locate relevant sports statistics.
- Identify trends and patterns in the data.
- Draw conclusions from the data.
Discuss how sports are portrayed in the media
Show steps
Enhance your critical thinking skills by discussing the portrayal of sports in the media with peers
Show steps
- Form a peer group with other students from the course.
- Select a sports media article or video to discuss.
- Meet with your group to discuss the article or video.
Create a social media campaign for a sports team
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of sports marketing by developing a social media campaign for a real or fictional sports team
Browse courses on
Sports Marketing
Show steps
- Define the target audience.
- Develop a campaign strategy.
- Create social media content.
- Track and measure the results of the campaign.
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