Introduction to Sports Science

Sport is analyzed in terms of organised and unorganized activities, as well as socialization into sport via institutional and structural factors (including class, gender and ethnicity). Understanding sport as a voluntary organization is stressed. Practical work with central political documents provides insights into the objectives of physical activity in general and organized sport in particular. Sport is studied from alternative theoretical approaches, including organizational, economical and political perspectives. Another aim of the course is to analyze how organizational, economical and political factors influence decisions to participate on different levels of sport; child-and youth sports, recreational- and elite sports, and sport for disabled persons. Sport as entertainment in light of globalisation and market forces is also discussed.

The main objective of the course is to provide students with an overview of central approaches and concepts within sport science rooted in the social sciences. The concept of sport and its development will be presented.

Throughout the semester there are 2 hours of lectures and 2 hours of group education per week, apart from the weeks reserved for writing the compulsory term paper. Tutoring is available for the term paper. Form of assessment is a 4 hours written exam.
Admission to the course is restricted. All students must register in STUDWEB within 1 June (autumn semester) and 1 December (spring semester) if they want to take a course with restricted admission. This procedure must also be followed by students admitted to a programme of study where the course is obligatory. Students admitted to the particular programme of study will be given priority.