Sports and Social Change
This course is no longer being offered.
Course Description
All cultures have a history of play and sport that is both regionally unique yet profoundly familiar across national borders. Sport is a unique galvanizing force and can play a role in improving the lives of individuals and communities. This course will explore the historical and cultural constructs that influence our understanding of sport and examine the growing influence of sport in the global sphere, particularly in the developing world. The course will examine how the growing field of sport and development is redefining sport to include an understanding of human rights, political and policy implications, and the social and economic context.
The course is designed to help participants better understand how sport can be utilized by governments, NGOs, universities, and corporations to improve the human condition on a local and global scale. Using case studies, speakers, text and first person experience, the course will explore how sport has been and can be used as a vehicle to address inequality and discrimination; and to encourage and foster opportunity, respect, dignity, inclusion and acceptance. Students will be encouraged to think about ways to promote equality and engagement as they develop Action Plans informed by course materials and discussion.