History of Sport: Cultural and Social Dynamics

Catalog description

This seminar explores the literature, methodologies, theoretical challenges, and research questions confronting the field. KINES 540 History of Sport: Cultural and Social Dynamics (3) The History of Sport: Social and Cultural Dynamics explores the significant literature, key methodologies, and major questions currently confronting scholars of sport and leisure. The class will survey a variety of national sporting cultures and a wide range of topics. Students will read works in major research areas in the field. They will debate arguments and issues raised in those readings. They will write critiques of their readings. Students will undertake several research expeditions. The expeditions familiarize the students with the resources available at Penn State and other libraries and archives. The research expeditions also introduce them to the scholarly tools necessary for undertaking research in the social and cultural dynamics of sport. They will also produce a primary-source based research paper on a topic that they select in consultation with the professor. This course seeks to prepare graduate students to explore the history of sport. The course also seeks to develop the basic academic skills necessary for success in scholarly endeavors. Students will read, debate, and write. Writing assignments include journal article summaries, book critiques, and a research paper. The completed research paper should serve as a platform for producing a conference presentation and/or journal publication.