Module SPRT1271: Introduction to Sociology of Sport

Department: Sport and Exercise Sciences

SPRT1271: Introduction to Sociology of Sport

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• Introduces social issues and sociological enquiry that forms the basis for subsequent programmes at Level 2 and Level 3.
• On completion of this module, students will have acquired a basic knowledge and understanding of the place and significance of sport in society; how sport can impact upon the lives of people in contemporary society, including issues of inequality; and how social processes influence the structure and organisation of sport.
• Students will be introduced to, and should gain an appreciation of, the distinctive sociological approaches to sport through a consideration of the significance and prevalence of sport in contemporary society.

Content

• This module will introduce you to the sociological study of sport through a consideration of the significance and prevalence of sport in contemporary society and an examination of a range of issues that concern sport in society. The following areas will be investigated:
• The role, meaning and function of sport in society.
• Issues concerning the stratification of sport in society, which could include; socio-economic status, gender, race and ethnicity, and disability.
• Contemporary issues and problems in sport.
• The distinctiveness of the sociological approach to sport.
• An introduction to sociological theory and key concepts and their application to sport.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the role, meaning and function of sport in society and examine why sport matters.
• Discuss some of the contemporary issues that impact upon the participation, performance and administration of sport in society.
• Explain how participation in sport can enable and constrain the everyday lives of people in contemporary society.
• Identify the basic tenets of sociological theory and key sociological concepts and their applicability to sport.
• Explain the social relations of sport from a sociological perspective.

• Draw on and interpret sociological research studies to understand the place and significance of sport in society.
• Think critically about sport and the sociological research that examines it.
• Explain how sport can impact upon the lives of individuals, groups and communities and explain issues concerning the stratification of sport in society.

• Demonstrate the ability to search for appropriate academic literature, as well as reading and presenting evidence from a range of academic sources.
• Time management and independent learning.
• Be able to work collaboratively as part of a small group.
• Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Staff-led content, including individual and group-based activities will establish the theoretical underpinnings, approaches, perspectives and research regarding the significance of sport in contemporary society.
• Interactive group activities will enable students to expand their enquiry into the role and significance of sport in society. Seminars will also allow students to develop verbal communication skills.
• Independently, students will be required to invest time in directed reading, research activities, group-based activity preparation and study tasks.
• The formative and summative modes of assessment are academic written pieces of work that will be used to assess the ability of students to research and report on specific aspects addressed within the module.
• The summative examination will require students to review all work undertaken in the module and demonstrate an ability to respond to specific questions/issues that have been raised within the module.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Essay (1000 words).

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.