Module Details

Module Code: SPRT7043
Title: Soc. Perspectives in PA/Sport
Long Title: Sociological Perspectives in PA & Sport
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 8130 - Sports and Recreation
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will enable students to understand how engagement in physical activity (PA) and sport is shaped by social expectations and the social structures within which these expectations are formed. This module also examines and analyses social issues in PA and sport. It will explore the ways in which social identity markers related to gender, gender identity, sexuality, ethnicity, disability, and class influence our access to different life experiences and shape the meanings we give to them. It will develop students’ understanding of how individual choices are influenced by the structures of society, and the ways in which patterns of discrimination and exclusion might constrain some individuals’ access and opportunities to participate.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Demonstrate the importance of critical thinking skills (using the concept of the sociological imagination) to explore diversity, equity, and inclusion issues in sports and leisure
LO2 Discuss the notion of physical activity and sport as socially constructed contexts
LO3 Applied knowledge of the impact of social difference across issues such as gender, gender identity, sexuality, disability, ‘race’ and ethnicity, and social class and their impact on participation and engagement in sports and leisure
LO4 Explore, examine and apply relevant sociologically informed literature and theories to analyse participation trends across different social groups
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).

Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.

No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Critical thinking and ‘The Sociological Imagination’
Explore what sociology is and its significance in the study of sport and leisure. Use the ‘sociological imagination’ to question sport and leisure experiences.
Discrimination in Physical Activity & Sport
Gender and Physical Activity & Sport: Introduce key terms related to gender and sex in society. The social construction of gender in society. Explore how sport and leisure help to construct and reproduce gendered inequalities. (Dis)ability and Physical Activity & Sport: Explore ability and disability. Consider the relationships between sport and disability. ‘Race’ & Ethnicity in Physical Activity & Sport: Introduce key terms - ‘race’, racism, and ethnicity. Explore different forms of racism present within sport and leisure. Explore the concept of ‘white privilege’. Sexuality in Physical Activity & Sport Introduce key terms related to discrimination of LGBTQ+ people. Explore if and how homophobia, heteronormativity, and transphobia are constructed and reinforced through sport and leisure. Explore various responses to these forms of discrimination in the context of sport. Social Class in Physical Activity & Sport Introduce what is meant by ‘social class’. Identify different theoretical approaches towards social class. Explore the ways in which social class impacts on sport and leisure.
Ethics and Physical Activity & Sport
Explore moral and ethical issues in sport and leisure such as aggression and violence, drug use, sponsorship, and gambling.
Politics in Physical Activity & Sport
Consider how political systems, the government, and its departments, impact upon and use sport and leisure.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 2,4
Assessment Description
Project based on selected themes from the module content
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,3
Assessment Description
Group Debate on relevant and appropriate themes from current Physical Activity & Sport topics.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Class Based Instruction Every Week 1.00 1
Tutorial Contact Group Discussion & Debate Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Research Exploration of relevant Resources Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Class based Instruction Every Week 1.00 1
Tutorial Contact Group Discussion & Debate Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Research Exploration of relevant Resources Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Dagkas, S.. (2011), Barriers to learning in physical education and youth sport: Does social class still matter? In Armour, K. (Ed) Sport Pedagogy: An Introduction for Teaching and Coaching, Pearson, London, [ISBN: 9781315847108].
  • Fitzgerald, H.. (2011), Disabling experiences of physical education and youth sport. In: Armour, K. ed. Sport Pedagogy: An Introduction for Teaching and Coaching, Prentice Hall, London, [ISBN: 978131584].
  • Green, K.. (2008), Understanding Physical Education., Sage, London, [ISBN: 9781473902947].
  • Green, K. & Hardman, K. (Eds). (2005), Physical Education: Essential Issues, Sage, London, [ISBN: 9780761944980].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Anderson, E.. (2015), Assessing the sociology of sport: On changing masculinities and homophobia., International review for the sociology of sport,, 50(4-5), p.363.
  • Azzarito, L. & Harrison, L.. (2008), 'White Men Can't Jump': Race, Gender and Natural Athleticism, International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 43 (4), p.347.
  • Azzarito, L. and Solomon, M.. (2005), A reconceptualization of physical education: The intersection of gender/race/social class, Sport, Education and Society,, 10(1), p.25.
  • Barber, H. and Krane, V.. (2007), Creating a Positive Climate for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youths, Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 78 (7), p.6.
  • Oliver, K. &Kirk, D.. (2016), Towards an activist approach to research and advocacy for girls and physical education, Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 21 (3), p.313.
  • Watson, R., Tucker, L., &Drury, S.. (2013), Can we make a difference? Examining the transformative potential of sport and active recreation, Sport in society: cultures, commerce, media, politics, 16 (10), p.1233.
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BCSSP_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Coaching Science and Sports Pedagogy 1 Mandatory