Why Sports Matter

Subject

Sport Studies

Faculty

Dr. Lee Ellis

Program Summary

Few social constructs impact institutions and cultural activities more than sport.  Sport is a powerful agent of change that influences human behavior—how people think, feel, and live their lives. Sport is big business, entertainment, fitness, emotional well-being, and the way we socialize and educate young people about race, gender, class, and various notions of character (e.g. effort, attitude, grit, and fair play). And, sport contributes to national pride, can serve political agendas, and often takes on religious fervor. 

The focus of this FYE program will explore the following questions: What is the symbiotic relationship between sport and culture? Who is affected? In what ways? Why does it matter?

Highlights of the of the FYE include playing the 1858 version of the Massachusetts game of Base Ball on the Chapel Green; watching some great films—Race (the Jesse Owens Story), 42 (the Jackie Robinson Story), and Miracle (the USA hockey victory in the 1980 Winter Olympics), and highlights from the 1999 USA women’s World Cup victory; and we’ll hear from some terrific guest speakers.

SPRT 119: Intro to Sport Studies (3 SH, GESS)
This course offers an introductory look at sport through specific events in history that have impacted many of the things we take for granted as sport participants, consumers, and as average “Joes” and “Josephines” with absolutely no interest in sport at all.

GEN 101 WS: ILC Why Sport Matters (3 SH)
Thisis a foundational course used to develop, practice, and apply college-level reading, critical thinking, writing, information literacy, and speaking skills. As part of each FYE program, this course serves as a bridge between learning skills and content. Students complete an annotated bibliography, a written research project, a cover letter and other writing and discussion assignments.