IDS 345Q - Athletics ,Sports, and Religion

Institution:

Belhaven University

Subject:

Description:

This course is an examination of the powerful role of sports and athletics as almost a religion in American society today. Beginning with the background of the Olympic games of the ancient world, we will explore several challenging ethical issues and behaviors in modern sports today. Has organized sports for children distorted the sense of "play" once associated with games? Should athletes be "role models" for children or not? Has all the money killed the sense of the game in professional sports? Has the continued growth of athletic violence, fights, and even criminal behaviors robbed American society of more than just the multi-billions of dollars spent on athletic contests year after year? We will address these questions and more in this course. We will also look at the positive aspects of athletics as a venue for breaking racial and gender barriers, developing a sense of teamwork, healthy living, and even inspiring patriotism. Students will learn about the athletic world, both ancient and modern, with a goal of gaining a deeper appreciation and understanding of the role of sports in society. Three credit hours/eight sessions.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.belhaven.edu

Phone Number:

(601) 968-5940

Regional Accreditation:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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