Most people in industrialized countries are at least somewhat interested in sport, many are downright fanatical about it.  They attend games, read the sports magazines, and talk endlessly about the subject.  Although they often have knowledge of the most obscure facts about sport, they do not necessarily understand sport.  How is sport linked to other institutions of society?  What role does sport plan in transmitting values to youth?  Does sport perpetuate gender-role stereotypes?  How is sport linked to aggression?  Is it true, as many analysis argue, that sport is a microcosm of society?  These are some of the many issues that we will examine in this course.  

In general, this course is intended to enhance your abilities to think about, understand, analyze, and articulate relations between sport and society.  Sport is used to help you understand more about social patterns, issues, and problems in society.  The quality of your thinking and understanding will increase as you learn to think and express yourself more critically, systematically, and clearly.  You will be encouraged (expected) to ask and respond to critical questions.  You will be encouraged to take responsibility for your learning.

The purpose of this course is to examine current issues that are of concern to sport administrators.  The student will gain a basic understanding of these issues and develop appropriate strategies for effectively dealing with these issues/problems.  This course will concentrate on areas of concern in interscholastic, intercollegiate and professional sports.