Sports, Modernity and Modernisation

This course presents and discusses the rise, institutionalization and development of modern sport, in the light of theories and perspectives from the social sciences. Attention is given to the growth and establishment of modern sport from the late 19th century, and, more thoroughly, changes and processes since the 1980s. Core issues are the sportification and commercialization of sport, sport as a popular culture phenomenon, the relation between sport and leisure, as well as the growth of novel forms of sport and activities, such as lifestyle sports.

Knowledge:

• Students shall have good knowledge of the development and changes in modern sport, as well as to social science theories which can shed light on such processes.

Skills:

• Students shall be able to discuss a sport phenomenon by using relevant theories in a competent and independent manner.

Lectures 2 hours/week. Seminars 2 hours/week