COPPIN STATE UNIVERSITY

 

 

                                                                SOCI 306.001    Sociology of Sport

                                                                3 credits

                                                                T and Th   11:00 a.m. –  12:20 p.m.

                                                                PM  003

 

 

Functionalism, conflict, and interaction theories are used to examine the social nature of sport in society. Topics include the interrelation of culture and sport, the socialization of the athlete, sport and ethnic background, women and sports, the political and economic implications of collegiate or professional sport, and the social causes of violence in sport.

 

 

Fall, 2008

 

Dr. Elias L. Taylor

 

 

Text: A Sociology of Sport, Howard L. Nixon II and James H. Frey

         Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1996

         

 

 

OFFICE:  GJ 433

Tel:  410/ 951-3524

ETaylor@coppin.edu

 

 

OPEN OFFICE HOURS

 

M    W       11:00 a.m.  –  12:30 p.m.

T     Th         2:00p.m.  –    4:30 p.m.

F                11:00 a.m.  –    1:00 p.m.

 

OTHER TIMES BY APPOINTMENT

 

 

       

 

Visit our library and familiarize yourself with several periodicals and books from the list below.  I strongly urge you to read additional material and utilize this knowledge in your written work.  If you prefer, you can discuss the content of the material you read during class discussions or, having made an office appointment, with me.  This type of activity will increase your understanding of the subject matter in this course, improve your class performance, and better your grade.

 

PERIODICALS

 

Sports Illustrated

Sporting News

ESPN: The Magazine

Sports Jones

Inside Sport

Sporting News Magazine

Sports Fan Magazine

Sociology of Sport Journal

Journal of the Philosophy of Sport

 

 

BOOKS

 

Past Publications

 

Applied Sociology of Sport, Andrew Yiannakis and Susan L. Greendorfer, 1991

Sport, Men, and the Gender Order, Michael A. Messner and Don Sabo, 1990

Sport and Religion, Shirl J. Hoffman, 1992

The Social Significance of Sport, Barry D. McPherson, James E. Curtis, John W. Loy, 1989

Learning Experiences in Sociology of Sport, Susan L. Greendorfer and Cynthia A. Hasbrook, 1991

The American Sporting Experience, Steven A. Riess, 1984

Major Violation: The Unbalanced Priorities in Athletics and Academics, Gary D. Funk, 1991

Drugs, Sport, and Politics, Robert Voy and Kirk D. Deeter, 1991

Sport and Social Theory, Roger Rees and Andrew W. Miracle, 1986

Sport and Higher Education, Donald Chu, Jeffrey O. Segrave, Beverly J. Becker, 1985

The Olympic Games in Transition, Jeffrey O. Segrave and Donald Chu, 1988

Play, Games and Sports in Cultural Contexts, Janet C. Harris and Rebecca J. Park, 1983

Sport and the American Dream, Howard L. Nixon, 1984

The Sporting Woman, Mary A. Boutilier and Lucinda SanGiovanni, 1983

The Athletic Revolution, Jack Scott, 1971

The Revolt of the Black Athlete, Harry Edwards, 1970

Sociology of Sport, Harry Edwards, 1973

Sport: Mirror of American Life, Robert Boyle, 1963

Social Problems in Athletics: Essays in Sociology of Sport, Daniel M. Landers, 1976

Sociology of Sport, G. Luschen, 1968

The Theory of the Leisure Class, Thorstein Veblen, 1965

From Ghetto to Glory, B. Gibson, 1968

Out of Their League, Dave Meggyesy, 1971

Sociology of American Sport, Stanley D. Eitzen and George Sage, 1978

Sports in America, James Michner, 1970

 

 

Recent Publications

 

Sport: Critical Concepts in Sociology, Eric Dunning and Dominic Malcolm, 2003

Social Issues in Sport, Ronald B. Woods, 2007

Handbook on the Economics of Sport, Vladimir Andreff and Stefan Szymanski, 2006

Sport Worlds: A Sociological Perspective, Joseph A. Maquire, 2002

Sociology of Sport, Howard L. Nixon and James H. Frey, 1996

The Sociology of Sport: An Introduction, Conrad C. Vogler and Stephen E. Schwartz, 1993

Contemporary Issues in Sociology of Sport, Andrew Yiannakis and Merrill J. Melnick, 2001

Handbook of Sport Studies, Jay J. Coakley, 2000

The Sociology of Sport and Physical Education, Anthony Laker, 2002

Sociology of North American Sport, D. Stanley Eitzen and George H. Sage, 1997

Sociology of Sport, John C. Phillips, 1993

Power and Ideology in American Sport, George H. Sage, 1998

Making Sense of Sports, Ernest Cashmore, 2000

Sport Histories: Studies of the Development of Modern Sports, Eric Dunning, D. Malcolm, Ivan Waddington, 2004

Sports Marketing, Stephen Hardy, Bernard James Mullin, William Anthony Sutton, 2007

Sport, Racism, and Ethnicity, Grant Jarvie, 1991

Sport in Contemporary Society: An Anthology, D. Stanley Eitsen, 2001

Sport Matters: Sociological Studies of Sport, Violence, and Civilization, Eric Dunning, 1999

Masculinities, Gender Relations, and Sport, Jim McKay, Michael A. Messner, Donald F. Sabo, 2000

Sport, Culture, and Advertising, Stephen J. Jackson and David L. Andrews, 2005

 

Economic of College Sports, John L. Fizel and Rodney D. Fort, 2004

Sport and the Color Line, Patrick B. Miller and David K. Wiggins, 2004

Juicing the Game, Howard Bryant, 2007

The Ball is Round, David Goldblatt, 2006

 

 

VIDEOS

 

“Women in Sport”

“Recruiting”

“Diamond Dreams”

“Gender Equity in Sport”

 

 

 

                                                                          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OBJECTIVES

 

 

 

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

 

1.      Understand and appreciate enduring and significant social patterns and issues in society through the study of sport.

 

2.      Move beyond the general familiarity or knowledge of sports and get a perspective of how societies operate.

 

3.      Recognize and appreciate the fact that the sociological perspective is not intended to disturb or anger anyone who loves a particular sport.

 

4.      Understand the importance of raising questions, testing assumptions, unmasking myths and unfounded biases, and finding out what is true about sport and society.

 

5.      Know the meanings of the basic concepts and terms used by sociologists who study sport.

 

6.      Identify with ease many sports, sport personalities, and many sport activities in various societies.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                     

 

 

 

 

       OUTLINE – LECTURES                    

 

 

 

Sociological Perspective

            Definitions – Clarifications

            Theoretical Frames

 

Historical Cultural Context

            Development of Modern Sport

            Culture and Sport in the U.S.A.

            Religion and Sport

 

Sport in Society

            Socialization – Learning to be a Participant

            Deviance and Social Problems (Crime, Drug Use, Illegal Actions)

 

Sport and Educational Institutions

            Issues in Intercollegiate Sports

            Pressures on Intercollegiate Sports

 

Sport as a Corporate Phenomenon

            Development of Modern Professional Sport

            Owners and Players

 

Sport and Stratification

            Class

            Race

            Gender

 

Sport and Politics

            Governmental Interest in Sport

            Olympics

 

 

 

   READING ASSIGNMENTS

 

Date                Topic

 

September      Organizational Meeting

 

                        Sociology and Sport                                           1 – 17

 

                        Development of Modern Sport                         18 – 38

 

                        Culture, Meaning of Sport, Fans                      39 – 59

 

                        Religion and Sport                                            60 – 77

 

                        Socialization and Sport                                     78 – 98

 

                        Social Deviance and Sport                                99 – 121

 

                        High School Athletics                                     122 – 141

 

                        College Athletics                                            142 – 166

 

                        Professional Sports                                         167 – 187

 

                        Owners, Professional Athletes, Fans              188 – 205

 

                        Social Class and Status                                   206 – 226

 

                        Race Relations and Sport                               227 – 249

 

                        Gender Relations and Sport                           250 – 272

 

                        Sport, Politics, and the Olympics                   273 – 296

 

Note: Read one chapter each week.

  GRADE GUIDELINES

 

You will be evaluated on the following objective and subjective criteria:

 

10%                 CLASS PARTICIPATION – Instructor’s Evaluation

 

Reading your textbook, knowledge of subject matter, understanding of terms and subject matter during class discussions, evidence of any additional reading, work habits, the ability to participate in class exchanges, clarity of points, work initiatives, and the skill to raise substantive or relevant questions.

NOTE: Indicate on the daily class roster your class contributions.

 

 5 %                 ATTENDANCE – Avoid absences (…none if possible)

                        When officially absent, provide evidence (i.e. doctor’s note).

                         Absences beyond 3, whether excused or unexcused, will count against

                         your performance.

 

35%                 PANEL PRESENTATION AND PARTICIPATION

 

Each student is required to select one of several panel topics.

Prepare one or two page presentation (pro or con)

Total (5) presentations for each student

 

·         Winning isn’t everything, it is the only thing.

·         College players in Division 1-A are essentially professionals bringing large sums of money to the institution and should receive a salary.

·         Indian mascots and the perpetuation of stereotypes.

·         Has science/technology improved sport?

·         The public needs sport heroes.

·         Professional athletes are overpaid.

·         Should athletes be permitted to use performance enhancing drugs?

·         In what ways is racism or sexism reflected in sport?

 

15%                 VIDEO-MOVIE REVIEW

            Selection of a Video-Movie Related to Sport

            Review – Half a page

 

35% FINAL PAPER

Observing/Attending a sport event(s) and investigating a sociological question    related to sport.

 

If you need assistance, in any aspect of your work, see me as soon as possible.

Do not delay!

 

Work not completed receives a zero grade.               

 

 

                     GENERAL POINTS

 

  1. Read your textbook every day. When you read or listen to lectures…

 

                         * Focus

                         * Make the Material Relevant to You

                         * Keep Some Notes

 

  1. Take extensive notes and keep a well-organized notebook for this course.

 

  1. If you did not understand some of the material, raise questions in class.

 

  1. Make sure you keep in touch with your instructor, explaining to him your individual concerns in matters academic.  I will listen and try to help depending on the particular circumstances and specifics presented.

 

  1. Make-up examinations, work, papers, or viewing films will not be easily given.  In the event you had to miss such work, you must immediately get in touch with the instructor. If in his judgment there is evidence and a reasonable excuse (bring an acceptable written excuse), he may reschedule your work or offer you a time extension. You must make up the exam/quiz/work before the on-time graded work has been returned to all other students.

 

  1. Written material must follow all the rules and technical aspects pertaining to formal presentation of papers. Written work will be evaluated on grammar, syntax, utilization of language and terms, analytical thinking, technical aspects, and physical appearance. Assignments must be typed doubled-spaced. Keep a copy for your own records.

 

  1. University-wide writing standards, published in the Writing Standards Document, apply in this course. You can obtain this document from the bookstore for a nominal fee.

 

  1. Make sure you proofread all your work before you hand it to the instructor.

 

  1. Students are encouraged to use the following supplementary documents, books, and references to improve their written work.
    1. Coppin State College Writing Standards Document
    2. Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary
    3. Harbrace College Handbook

 

 

 

  1. Examinations in this course will include brief essay questions, multiple choices, definitions, short responses, and true or false questions.

 

  1. Explanations of academic honesty will be given orally in class.

 

  1. Do not smoke or bring drinks/food of any kind in the classroom. This is a university-wide policy.

 

  1. It will be taken for granted that any work, oral or written, produced by a student in this course is her/his original work and not a direct copy from some other person or source (i.e., book, magazine, periodical, or the internet).  Any violation of this rule constitutes plagiarism.  Plagiarism includes any form of cheating on examinations, tests, quizzes, or any unacknowledged or undocumented use of another’s writing or ideas, whether published or unpublished.  Those who plagiarize, if proven, will receive an F for that project and may fail the course.  If you are not certain of such rules, make sure you speak to the instructor.

 

  1. Do not come late to class or any other time (i.e., during an exam).  If you are away from this class for many days, you should consider the option of withdrawing.  Accumulated absences beyond two (2), whether officially or unofficially excused, will count against your class performance.  In fact, if a student is absent from this course more than four (4) times, the instructor may suggest an official withdrawal. This is a serious matter, so be careful.

 

  1. Under certain circumstances, a student may explore the option of receiving an “Incomplete” grade for this course.  It is the responsibility of the student to initiate such a discussion and receive the necessary information from the instructor.

 

  1. You should frequently consult the textbook glossary for assistance with various sociological terms and concepts. Use these words in your daily conversation and in your work to strengthen your vocabulary. Words have a hidden power!

 

  1. You are encouraged to take full advantage of modern technology in your studies at this academic institution. Make use of word-processing, e-mail, and the internet.

 

  1. Beepers and cell-phones must be de-activated or placed on silent as you enter the classroom. Noises of this kind are disruptive and rude. If you receive an emergency call (vibration), please leave the room quietly before attempting to answer the call.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Since you are interested in becoming a college graduate, a sense of professionalism should guide your manners, actions, behavior, and physical appearance/presentation in this class. Business casual is expected. Avoid using caps (while sitting in class), head wraps, dropped pants, clothes that display excessive skin, etc. I will try to look professional when I conduct my lectures in class and I expect no less from each one of you.

 

  1. Treat other people with respect, convey sensitivity and consideration by your outward demeanor, and let your actions, industry, and good effort proclaim the person that you really are.  In turn others will treat you with respect and appreciate your work.

 

Note: Class Rosters are the official document used to verify a student’s enrollment in this course. If your name does not appear on the class roster, you cannot attend this class. Please return immediately to the Registrar’s Office to resolve the matter.

 

Note: Coppin State University supports all students in their academic endeavors. Should you need academic accommodations because of a disability please contact the Disability Support Services (DSSP) Counselor, Ms. Patricia Johnson located in the Human Services Building, HHSB Room #355, to register the special needs you request. If already registered with this program, please provide the DSSP accommodation form to the instructor.

 

Note: The method of calculation for this course is…

 

            90 – 100          points  A

            80 – 89            points  B

            70 – 79            points  C

            60 – 69            points  D

            59 or less         points F

 

 

                                                              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twelve most useful terms and concepts to discover…

 

Antitrust Law

Brawn Drain

Deep Fan

Doping

Free Agency

Game

Jingoism

Little League Syndrome

Play

Reverse Clause

Sportianity

Stacking

 

 

 

 

                                                      

 

 

 

 

 

 

      HOW TO WRITE YOUR ESSAY

 

 

Writing an essay can be a simple process, when you include the following three parts:

 

                  Introduction

                  Body of the Essay (questions you need to answer)

                  Conclusion

 

Each part must be fully and clearly developed.

Additionally, to be effective, one needs to write in complete sentences and paragraphs.

 

 

The introduction must clearly state the general topic.

It should also include several sentences to indicate the essential matter under consideration and inform the reader about the subject under discussion.

 

The second part must deal with the specific questions given to you.

Each question must be discussed with several details (examples, illustrations, information from sources used) and it could be developed in several paragraphs.

 

The conclusion is an effective closing paragraph made up of several sentences bringing the entire material to its logical end.

 

 

 

 

Writing effectively is an enjoyable task.

Take every opportunity to improve this skill.

It can be a very powerful tool in your personal and professional growth.

 

            

                                                                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DATES TO REMEMBER

 

 

 

 

1. September 25          1st Response – Pro or Con                                   

 

2. October 9                2nd Response – Pro or Con

 

3. October 21              Open Discussion – Panel

 

4. October 30              3rd Response – Pro or Con

 

5. November 18          Open Discussion – Panel

 

6. November 20          4th Response – Pro or Con

 

7. December 9             Return Final Research Paper

 

8. December 11           5th Response – Pro or Con