Module Details

Module Code: SPRT7026
Title: Sociology of Sport & Leisure
Long Title: Sociology of Sport & Leisure
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: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module is designed to introduce the student to concepts of leisure and sport and to deepen their understanding of the contribution of both to the well-being of society. The course examines and analyses social issues in sport and leisure. It identifies the benefits, promoters and barriers to successful sport and leisure participation. It examines from a global and sociological perspective some of the major issues which concern the organisation and administration of sport and leisure.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Apply social theories and sociological themes to the study of sports and leisure
LO2 Identify the key participation determinants of sport and leisure participation
LO3 Discuss the importance of sport and leisure in modern society and the key issues facing sport
LO4 Identify and evaluate the specific facilities and supports which participants of all ages and elite athletes require
LO5 Recognise the influence of social systems on the development and status of sport
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
Introduction to sociology and applied social theories
Fundamental themes and concepts. Using social theories: how they can help us study sport and leisure and the complex interface between the individual and society. Traditional and contemporary sociological thinking. A selection of applied social theories: sociology of the body and health; gender studies.
Historical overview: Leisure in society
Concepts of leisure and recreation. History of sport and leisure. Leisure experience as a service.
Sports and leisure participation
Determinants of sports and leisure participation. Identity and socialisation. Barriers to successful participation. Inequality. Benefits of leisure. Sport and leisure participation across the lifespan. An analysis of ESRI (Economic and Social Research Institute) and Irish Sports Council findings. International perspectives.
Macro influences and current trends
Social, cultural, technological and commercial factors promoting the growth of sport. Role of the media. Commercialisation of sport and professionalism. Opportunities.
Sport and government
The structure and organisation of sport in Ireland. The role of government departments in providing sport and leisure. The role of local sports partnerships in leisure and sport.
Role of GAA in Irish society
The unique contribution of the GAA to sport in Ireland.
Key issues facing sport and leisure
Deviance in sport and leisure. Aggression and volence in sport. Stadium and crowd safety. Ethics. Drug use. Child abuse. Volunteer involvement in sport. Sponsorship.
Elite sports
Elite sports support, The Irish Institute of Sport (IIS) and the role of the National Governing Bodies of sport - Irish Olympic Committee.
Sport and education
Sports in schools and colleges. Standards and developments.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 60
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 1,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Project based on selected sport and leisure participation determinants.
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,5
Assessment Description
In-class exam based on theoretical concepts and knowledge of module material.
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 2.00 2
Tutorial Contact Group Discussion & Debate of presenting themes. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Library, readings and internet research, case studies 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 2.00 2
Tutorial Contact Group Discussion & Debate of presenting themes. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Library, readings and internet research, case studies 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
  • Woods, R.. (2011), Social issues in sport, 2nd. Human Kinetics, IL, [ISBN: 9780736089829].
  • Giddens, A.. (2013), Sociology, 7th. Polity Press, London, [ISBN: 9780745652931].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Cashmore, E. (2010), Making sense of sports, 5th. Routledge, London, [ISBN: 9780415552219].
  • Coakley, J.. (2014), Sports in Society, 2nd. McGraw-Hill, [ISBN: 9780077160548].
  • Human Kinetics, editor. (2012), Introduction to recreation and leisure, 2nd. Human Kinetics, IL, [ISBN: 9781450424172].
  • Scambler, G.. (2005), Sport and Society: History, Power and Culture, Open University Press, London, [ISBN: 9780335210701].
  • Connor, S. (2003), Youth Sport in Ireland, The Liffey Press, Dublin, [ISBN: 9781904148296].
  • McLean, D. & Yoder, D.. (2005), Issues In Recreation And Leisure, Human Kinetics, IL, [ISBN: 9780736043991].
  • McLean, D. & Hurd, A.. (2014), Kraus' recreation and leisure in modern society, 10th. Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Sudbury, Mass., [ISBN: 9781284034103].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Related Articles, Journal: Sociology of Sport.
  • Related Articles, Journal: Contemporary Sociology.
  • Related Articles, Journal of Sport & Social Issues.
  • Related Articles, Journal: Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health.
  • Related Articles, American Journal of Sociology.
  • Related Articles, Journal: Sport, Education and Society.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BSPRT_8 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Sport & Exercise Management 3 Mandatory
CR_BRECL_7 Bachelor of Business in Recreation and Leisure Management 3 Mandatory