Introduction to the Study of Sport and Leisure in Society

Curriculum guideline

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Course
SPSC 1105
Discontinued
No
Course code
SPSC 1105
Descriptive
Introduction to the Study of Sport and Leisure in Society
Department
Sport Science
Faculty
Science & Technology
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester length
15 Weeks
Max class size
35
Course designation
Certificate in Global Competency
Industry designation
None
Contact hours

Lecture: 4 hours/week

Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Learning activities

Class time will be used for lectures, discussions, debates, problem-solving activities, and/or in-class assignments. Optional field trips may occur outside of scheduled class hours.

Course description
This course introduces students to the sociological study of sport and leisure and presents students with a survey of social issues in sport and leisure. As such, instructors focus on the issues they think will most engage students. Students examine the various ways in which sport and leisure intersect with other social, cultural, political, and economic structures in society. The influence of social identities on access to, and experiences of, sport and leisure is also explored.
Course content
  • A sociological approach to sport and leisure
    • The sociological imagination
    • Agency and structure
    • Ideologies
    • The sport ethic
    • Sport as a social institution
    • Capitalism and neoliberalism
  • The intersection between sport, leisure, and other social institutions
    • Economy
    • Politics
    • Media
    • Family
    • Education
    • Other selected institutions
  • The influence of social identities on access to, and experiences of sport and leisure
    • Gender and sexuality
    • Indigeneity
    • Race and ethnicity
    • Social class
    • (Dis)ability
    • Age
    • Other selected social identities
  • Selected social issues in sport and leisure
Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

  • explain the sociological perspective and its relevance to the study of sport and leisure;
  • explain why sport and leisure are considered social institutions;
  • apply select theoretical approaches to explain, and offer solutions to, issues in sport and leisure;
  • identify and discuss the impact of major social identities (e.g., race, gender, sexuality, social class, (dis)ability, age, indigeneity) on access to, and experiences of, sport and leisure;
  • identify and discuss the intersections between sport and leisure and other major social institutions (e.g., government, media, education, economy, family);
  • identify ways sport and leisure institutions both enable and constrain the development of individuals and society;
  • evaluate current sport and leisure practices through a sociological perspective;
  • discuss future possibilities in the field of sport and leisure from a sociological perspective.
Means of assessment

Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:

Individual Assignments               15-25%

Group Assignments                      15-20%

Participation                                 0-10%

Test(s)                                        15-70%

Final Exam                                  0-30%

Total                                          100%

Textbook materials

Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:

  • Crossman, J. & Scherer, J. (Current Edition) Social Dimensions of Canadian Sport and Physical Activity. Pearson.
Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Equivalencies

None