Sport in Cinema and Television

Catalog description

The cinema (film) and television are powerful media that can shape psychosocial perceptions of sports, athletes, and coaches, as well as reflect the roles sports, athletes, and coaches have in our society. This course will investigate the view of sports, athletes, and coaches as presented by film and television. The students will analyze films and television productions, write and discuss criticisms that address the roles of sports, athletes, and coaches as seen by the camera and perceived by individuals and society. Materials will emphasize American cinema and television but will not exclude foreign and independent productions. Students will acquire an understanding of the language of sports as they focus on the power of the media to impact beliefs, psychosocial issues, and stereotypes related to the individual within the American society. Prerequisite: None; However, a course in psychology, sociology, sport psychology, and/or sport sociology is recommended. (Offered every spring term.)