SMGT10060 Sociology of Sport

Academic Year 2023/2024

Sport is an integral part of culture and society. To be effective as a sports manager, scientist, coach, educator, or sports leader, it is essential that you have an understanding of the culture of the society in which you exist. Knowledge of the social significance of sport will enhance your understanding and effectiveness in your future life and work. This module explores the relationship between sport and society, examining the influences these entities have on each other. The links between sport and social structures, such as politics, social class, the commercial and business sectors, education, and the media, will be analysed. There will be a particular focus on how issues such as identity (local and national), socialisation, doping, violence, race, and commercialism are addressed and how they impact the sports context.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of sport and leisure in the modern world.
2. Understand the historical and current structures and content of sport in Ireland.
3. Trace the main developmental trends in modern sports and leisure activities.
4. Recognise the socially constructed nature of sport in Western societies.
5. Understand the role of sport and leisure in the construction and reinforcement of social identities.
6. Identify the impact of commercialism and politics on the conduct of sport.

Indicative Module Content:

Week 1: Social and Historical Origins of Modern Sport
Week 2: Sociology of Sport: Theoretical Foundations
Week 3: Sport and Socialisation
Week 4: Sport and Social Class
Week 5: Sport and Gender
Week 6: Sport and the Media
Week 7: Sport and Politics: Nationalism
Week 8: Sport, Commerce, and Globalisation
Week 9: Sport, Race, and Protest
Week 10: Sport, Drugs, and Deviance
Week 11: Sport and Violence
Week 12: Sport and Environmental Sustainability

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Specified Learning Activities

36
Autonomous Student Learning

65
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Formal teaching will occur during two-hour lecture sessions held in weeks 1 to 12 inclusive. These lectures will incorporate interactive methods, including class discussions and group workshops. Assessment will be conducted through a group project, a 1,500-word essay, and a sit-in exam at the end of the term. Active participation in class discussions during lectures is expected from all students. Therefore, it is expected that students cover the recommended readings ahead of each lecture and be prepared to discuss them in class. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

No subject-specific prior learning required.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: End of semester in-person exam (2 hours). The exam will consist of short answer questions and essay questions on the content covered during lectures. 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

50
Essay: Individual essay on the relationship between sport and social issues (e.g., sexism, racism, conflict, consumerism). The social concept varies each year. Week 10 n/a Graded No

30
Group Project: In this project, groups of 4-5 students will work together to produce an assessment artefact (e.g., an essay, report, presentation, video, etc.) on a social issue using sociological frameworks. Week 12 n/a Graded No

20

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback individually to students, post-assessment; Group/class feedback, post-assessment.

Name Role
Professor Eamonn Delahunt Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Ross Neville Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Alvy Styles Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 31, 32, 33 Mon 12:00 - 13:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 22, 30 Thurs 16:00 - 17:50
Spring