In the United States, sport has become inextricably enmeshed in the fabric of our 21st century culture. It arouses passions as deeply as any human activity. It is the common language that binds together people of different backgrounds, of different ages, of different races, of different social stations. Sport, in short, is a profound social phenomenon, the study of which can provide students with deep insights into the dynamics of our society.
The sports studies minor aims to:
- Foster an understanding of the role of sport in society and culture
- Explore the complex relationships between sport and various industries and institutions (business, medicine, media, politics, law, etc.)
- Prepare students for careers in sports-related industries by raising awareness of the major issues facing professionals in these fields.
- Make connections between what students learn in their foundational coursework and their major by illustrating how sport bridges various disciplines.
To complete the sports studies minor, students must take six courses for a total of 18 credits. All students are required to take SPS 101: Introduction to Sports Studies. In addition, students must select at least one course from two of the following areas: business, communications, health science and arts and sciences. Students earn the remaining credits from any courses offered as part of the minor.
Classes are cross-listed with the SPS designation. Students in the School of Communications may not take more than six credits in communications courses for the sports studies minor.
Courses include:
SPS 101 Introduction to Sports Studies
SPS105/MEP 105 Video Essentials--Sports Broadcasting
SPS 201/AT 201 Medical Aspects of Sport & Activity
SPS 226/MA 226 Baseball & Statistics (UC)
SPS 240/PL 240 Philosophy of Sport
SPS 307/SO 307 Sociology of Sport
SPS 311/PRR 311 Sport Public Relations
SPS 325/EC 325 Sports Economics
SPS 352/HS352 History & Social Impact of Baseball
SPS 361/JRN 361 Sports Reporting
SPS 420/MSS 420 Sports, Media & Society
SPS 488 Internship
SPS 499 Independent Study