WSS 2333 - The Story of Sports

Course Information:

May Session

9:00am-12:00pm

PE Center 250

Text:

NON REQUIRED

Course Description: 

Sports have become one of the best ways to understand the broad developments in the twentieth century of our society. We can see these developments though interdisciplinary studies in sociology, anthropology, history, and English literature. Many of these developments have been presented in the form of movies, music, poetry, short stories, novels and stories handed down through the generations. This course will examine these developments, how they are told to us though stories and how sports can be useful for thinking about and teaching the history of the twentieth century.

Grading Criteria:

Assignments/Papers

Most of the assignments will be graded on a 5 point scale and each assignment will be given a point value.  The assignments point value will be multiplied by the 5 point score to get the total points for the assignment. EXAMPLE – a paper will have an assignment score of 5 - 5x5= 25 points. 

5   Represents achievement that is outstanding - student went above the expectations for the assignment

4   Represents achievement that is significantly above the level necessary to meet assignment 

3   Represents achievement that meets the assignment requirement - 

 2   Represents achievement that is worthy of credit even though it fails to meet assignment

Class Grade

A   Represents achievement that is outstanding relative to the level necessary to meet course requirements.

B   Represents achievement that is significantly above the level necessary to meet course requirements.

C   Represents achievement that meets the course requirements in every respect.

D   Represents achievement that is worthy of credit even though it fails to meet fully the course requirements.

S   Represents achievement that is satisfactory, which is equivalent to a C- or better.

I -- (Incomplete) Assigned at the discretion of the instructor when, due to extraordinary circumstances, e.g., hospitalization, a student is prevented from completing the work of the course on time. Requires a written agreement between instructor and student.

F (or N) -- Represents failure (or no credit) and signifies that the work was either (1) completed but at a level of

Blog Web Site:

http://blog.lib.umn.edu/devriesc/ummwss/

Class Activities/Projects:

Race, History and Sports – Pride and Glory Road

The movies “Pride” and “ Glory Road ” use the setting of sports to depict a clear picture of race and ethnic issues that we see and are a part of in everyday life. Students will watch these 2 films and compare and contrast both movies as they relate to race, sports and history.

Children and Sports - The Bad News Bears or Sand Lot
”What can The Bad News Bears tell us about our kids and the world of sports?” Using the movie, class discussions, discussions with you family and friends and you own experiences students will write and paper that explores the complex yet very simple subculture of youth sports.

Interscholastic Sports and the Media – Friday Night Lights

"Friday Night Lights offers a biting indictment of the sports craziness that grips . . . most of American society, while at the same time providing a moving evocation of its powerful allure." (New York Times Book Review) Students will write a feature article for a newspaper based on the Permian Panthers of Odessa

Religion and Sports – Facing Giants
Answer questions based on the readings provided, the movie “Facing Giants” and your own experiences. You will also be required to come up with 2 more questions for the class discussion. Students will be required to address their experiences with religion as it relates to sports

Deviance and Sports - Blue Chips and For the Money
Students will watch two films and discuss the implications that deviance would have on the personal sports experience if they were put in the same situations and how our value system can be compromised.

History of Sports
You and a partner are to watch one of the provided documentaries and present to the class a critical review of the movie. You will have 15 minutes to present your review and you must select at least one scene to show the class as part of your review. After all the reviews have been presented the class will decided which one we will watch.

Music and Sports
Students will be required to write a research paper on how sports have influenced the music industry and the role music play on sports. A collection of music must be presented with the paper to support the student's finding.

Your Stories about Sports
Students will be required to put together a collection and poems and antidotes that tell the story about sports. The student will also be required to include a brief explanation of the each reading was chosen. This collection should be used to highlight your story. Your story should be creative and be in story and presented to the class in Power Point format.

The Next Great Story

Working in 2 groups – Each group will be required to come up with the next Great Sports Story. You will conduct research to find the next “Sports Story” that needs to be told trough a movie and prepare your “Sales Pitch” to the studio.

Class Schedule (subject to change):

Make-up exam policy

Make-up quizzes and exams are available only when a student has an excellent reason for missing the regular quiz or exam and arrangements are made either before the missed quiz or exam or as quickly as humanly possible thereafter.

Senate student academic workload policy

For undergraduate courses, one credit is defined as equivalent to an average of three hours of learning effort per week (over a full semester) necessary for an average student to achieve an average grade (C) in the course. For example, a student taking a four credit course that meets for four hours a week should expect to spend an additional eight hours a week on course work outside the classroom.

Statement on accommodations for students with disabilities

It is University policy to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities.  Please contact the Disability Services office, 589-6163, Room 362 Briggs Library to discuss accommodation needs.

Statement on classroom conduct

Students are expected to interact with the instructor and other students with respect and courtesy. Students should attend every class session prepared to learn and work. Participation in class is expected, which includes both speaking up and listening. Give class your full attention while here. Complete all assignments including the reading -- in a timely fashion. Do not bring cell phones or recording equipment to class without the instructor's consent. Students whose behavior is disruptive either to the instructor or to other students will be asked to leave. Students whose behavior suggests the need for counseling or other assistance may be referred to counseling services. Students whose behavior violates the University Student Conduct Code will be subject to disciplinary action.

Statement on academic misconduct

Scholastic dishonesty means plagiarizing; cheating on assignments or examinations; engaging in unauthorized collaboration on academic work; taking, acquiring, or using test materials without faculty permission; submitting false or incomplete records of academic achievement; acting alone or in cooperation with another to falsify records or to obtain dishonestly grades, honors, awards, or professional endorsement; altering forging, or misusing a University academic record; or fabricating or falsifying data, research procedures, or data analysis. In this course, a student responsible for scholastic dishonesty can be assigned a penalty up to and including an "F" or "N" for the course. If you have any questions regarding the expectations for a specific assignment or exam, ask.

Statement regarding sexual harassment

University policy prohibits sexual harassment as defined by the University of Minnesota Regents ' policy: http://www1.umn.edu/regents/policies/human resources/SexHarassment.pdf