Dr. Krystal Beamon
University of Texas at Arlington
SOCI 3341-01: The Sociology of Sport
MWF MWF 11:00-11:50, UH 25
Krystal Beamon, Ph.D.
420 University Hall
272-3778
Office Hours: MW 12:00-1:30 PM and by appointment
Course Description: This course is a sociological examination of the institution of sport in American society. By examining selected topics (such as sport and socialization, sport and politics, sport and education, race and sport, violence in sport, women in sport, and the business of sport) this course will address the social significance of sport and its function as a major social institution. We will examine the manner in which society has been shaped by the institution of sport and how sport has been shaped by society. The goals of this course will be to provide students with a sociological understanding of sport that will complement their knowledge of sociological theories and concepts.
Course Objectives:
- To analyze sport through the sociological imagination and be able to apply interrelating sociological theories and concepts to gain a greater understanding of sport’s influence on individuals and groups in society.
- Be able to understand the importance of sports as a major agent of socialization.
- To gain insight into the relationship that sport has with race, class, gender, and religion.
- The relationship between the institution of sport with other major American social institutions such as education, religion, business, politics, and media.
Required Text:
Coakley, Jay. Sports in Society: Issues and Controversies. 10th edition. Boston: McGraw Hill.
Additional readings will be placed on WebCT
Course Requirements:
This course is designed to be interactive. You must come to class prepared to discuss and actively participate. As you see below, outside work and participation points outweigh exam points. This means that you must be dedicated to completing all assignments and intend on attending class regularly. Grades will be based upon the following percentages: 90% = A, 80% = B, 70% = C, 60% = D, <50% = F.
1. 2 Objective Exams 200 points
2. Class participation, reading reports, group work, 100 points
projects and all other assignments 300 total
Course Schedule (tentative)
Week # Chapter
1 IntroChapter1the Sociology of Sport: What is it and why study it?
2 Finish chapter 1
3 Chapter 2 Producing Knowledge about Sports in Society: What is the
Role of Research and Theory
4 Chapter 4 Sports and Socialization: Who Plays and What Happens to Them?
5 Chapter 5 Sports and Children: Are Organized Programs Worth the Effort?
6 Chapter 6 Deviance in Sports: Is It Out of Control?
7 Chapter 7 Violence in Sports: How Does It Affect Our Lives?
8 Midterm Exam Wednesday March 10
9 SPRING BREAK
10 Chapter 8 Gender and Sports: Does Equity Require Ideological Changes?
11 Chapter 9 Race and Ethnicity: Are They Important in Sports?
12 Chapter 10 Social Class: Do Money and Power Matter in Sports?Chapter 11:
Sports and the Economy: What Are the Characteristics of Commercial Sports?
13 Chapter 12 Sports and the Media: Could They Survive Without Each Other
14Chapter 14 Sports in High School and College: Do Varsity Sport Programs
Contribute to Education?
15 Group Presentations
16 Group Presentations/Make up exams
Final Exam Wednesday, May 12, 11:00-1:30
Course Work:
NOTE: All course work must be typed, double spaced, no larger than 12 point font. Late work will be penalized.
- Group Presentations. Chose from a list of topics below and prepare a twenty minute class presentation including visual aids. The topics are as follows:
- Violence in sport: in the stands and/or on the field
- Gender and sports: Sexism in the media, treatment, pay etc.
- Youth sports: It’s value and meaning for participants
- The Olympics: What social values do they transmit
- The role of race in sport: do sports hinder or help race relations?
- The nature of college sports: Amateurism? Are reforms needed?
- The influence of media on sports
- Gambling and sports
- Drug use and sport
- Athletes as role models/heroes
- The meaning of high school sports for community, school, and participants? 50 points, Due: See course schedule
The remaining 50 points will come from in class assignments, random attendance checks, quizzes and other miscellaneous activities.
Class Attendance: Class attendance is expected. You are also expected to arrive to class on time and not to leave early. Group and individual active learning reports will be completed in class and class participation points may not be made up under any circumstance. Additionally, class notes are essential in this course.
Exams: In preparation for each exam, you should read all assigned materials and attend all class meetings prior to the specific exam. Make-up exams will be given only if approved by me prior to the time of the regular exam and then only because of major crisis with proper documentation (e.g. serious illness, death of immediate family member etc.) Make-up exams and in-class exams will not be the same. Make-up exams will be given May 5th.
WebCT: Relevant information will be posted on WebCT.You will use your UTA login and password to get on to the site. I have no access to your login ID or password, so if you are having difficulties gaining access to the website call the helpdesk.
Special Accommodations for Students: If you have a disability and need special accommodations of any nature, I will work with you and the Student Disabilities Services Office to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that you have a fair opportunity to perform in this class. Please contact the Student Disabilities Services Offices as soon as possible and advise me of such disability.
Class Conduct: It is very important to create an environment conducive to learning. Therefore, I expect you to refrain from disruptive behaviors such as sleeping, excessive conversation during class, and reading the newspaper. If students continually display disruptive behavior, they will be asked to dismiss themselves and forfeit the class participation points offered for that day. In addition, NO CELLULAR PHONES OR PAGERS should be heard or seen in class.