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SMGT10060

Academic Year 2025/2026

Sociology of Sport (SMGT10060)

Subject:
Sports Management
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Public Hlth, Phys & Sports Sci
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Tom Fabian
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Sport is an integral part of culture and society. To be effective as a sport management professional, 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 analyzed. There will be a particular focus on how issues such as identity (local and national), socialization, doping, violence, race, and commercialism are addressed and how they impact the sports context.

About this Module

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:

1. Intro + Class Rules
2. Debate & Discussions
3. Topic 1 (decided by students)
4. 2
5. 3
6. 4
7. Midterm Exam
8. 5
9. 6
10. 7
11. 8
12. Review Class

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

36
Autonomous Student Learning

65
Lectures

24
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 co-produced with students and incorporate interactive methods, including class discussions and group workshops. Assessment will be conducted through weekly group work (i.e. thinktank debates), weekly reading quizzes, a sit-in midterm exam, and a sit-in final 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 Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Introductory essay in class Week 1 Graded No
5
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Fill in a one-page choice sheet for topics to be covered over the semester Week 2 Graded No
5
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Readings quizzes based on the assigned readings. Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11 Graded No
24
 No
Exam (In-person): Mid-semester in-person exam (1 hour). The exam will consist of short answer questions and essay questions on the content covered during the first six lectures. Week 7 Graded No
20
 No
Exam (In-person): 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. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Graded No
30
 No
Group Work Assignment: At the beginning of each class, students will be divided into equal groups and given a set of topics to debate and discuss. Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11 Graded No
16
 No

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
Assoc Professor 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) - 31 Fri 12:00 - 13:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 32, 33 Mon 12:00 - 13:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 22 Wed 12:00 - 13:50
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