USSO 212 - Sport and American Culture in the Twentieth Century

Institution:

Case Western Reserve University

Subject:

Description:

This seminar will examine the role of athletics in U.S. society throughout the century, examining in particular its influence on issues of race and gender as well as the religious and mythic aspects of sport. The focus will be on the grasp athletics has, at all levels, on our collective psyche, and as such the influence it wields on vast realms of U.S. society. The tendency in popular press is to cast sports in absolute terms. It is evil: look at the millions spent on professional players and sports complexes, unrelenting wagering and the corruption of college athletics through the near-endless accounts of recruiting violations, under-the-table booster payments and fudged test scores. Or it is noble: consider the Olympic ideal, the pursuit of excellence for its own sake, the power athletes have to inspire spectators and play a key role in influencing public attitudes about everything from race (Jackie Robinson) to gender (Billie Jean King). The following topics will be explored through readings, movies, guest speakers, and writing assignments based on controversial issues within each topic: Sport and Race, Sport and Gender, Sport and Community, Sport and Celebrity, Sport and the individual, Sport and the Academy. Prereq: Passing letter grade in a 100 level first year seminar in USFS, FSSO, FSCC, FSNA, FSSY or FSCS. Prereq or Coreq: FSTS 100.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.case.edu

Phone Number:

(216) 368-2000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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