Overview

The best way to explore the Sport & Society web content is to complete modules 1 through 9 in order. All modules can be accessed through the navigation bar at the top of this site as well as in the heading links below. Having said this, you should continue to refer back to the Final Assignment tab after each module to help collect your thoughts and do some brainstorming about your sport campaign's big question. Be sure to follow your teacher's instructions as they may have a different use in mind for the module content.

Creation of a Country (1860-1944)

Module 1 | History

In this first module, we are going to start by looking at the beginning of life in Canada, the beginning of sports in Canada, and the beginning of our sport significance on the international stage.

Module 2 | Social Justice

In module 2, we will focus on prominent examples of social justice issues in Canadian sport including racism and sexism.

Module 3 | Business

Module 3 will focus on the roots of sports marketing and advertising beginning with early civilizations. We will also look at North American sport and leisure in the early 19th century. To do this, we will look at early sport organizations and their shift toward promoting amateurism and developing young athletes with the help of government funding.

Amateurism and Modern Olympics (1945-1980)

Module 4 | History

Over the course of module 4, we are going to look at different athletic levels by discussing the development of each level, how the growing popularity of sports led to the development of professional leagues, and how over the course of time, international sporting events such as the Olympics have evolved due to societal influences.

Module 5 | Social Justice

In module 5, we will focus on social justice issues leading up to 1980. We will take an in-depth look at the evolving inclusion of women and differently-abled athletes.

Module 6 | Business

Module 6 will focus on major sport organizations in Canada. You will learn about the humble beginnings of the CFL and its expansion as well as the success and failures of NHL teams throughout history. We want you to understand how intercollegiate sports began and how they have grown across the country. We will be digging deep into the background and funding for Collegiate Sports in Canada (OUA/OCAA).

Sports and a Modern World (1980-present)

Module 7 | History

Over the course of module 7, we are going to look at how the world of sports has become more than just playing a sport. Over the years, professional athletes have discovered that they are in positions of power and influence that can be used to encourage social and political change. We will also look at how our approach to modern athletics has evolved through the use of technology and due to the understanding of the influence sports can have on the lives of those who participate.

Module 8 | Social Justice

Throughout module 8, we will dive into modern social justice issues. We will cover a lot of examples of LGBTQ+ inclusion and acceptance as well as the continued fight against racism and sexism in the Canadian sports community. We will also discuss the evolving influence of mental health stigma and financial barriers to participation within modern sports.

Module 9 | Business

The final module will take a look at how Olympic athletes receive funding as well as the obstacles they face when trying to supplement their incomes to compete at the highest level. In a time of uncertainty, you will also analyze and compare examples of successful and unsuccessful 'return to play' plans in various leagues following COVID-19 with an opportunity to create your own plan.

Learning Goals

Creation of a Country (1860-1944)

By the end of this section I will be able to:

• Identify the way sport developed as Canada evolved

• Understand why sports continue to hold such significance in our modern society

• Understand the barriers many early Canadian athletes had to overcome to participate in sport as well as the widespread exclusion of many communities in sport (based on race, gender, and more)

• See how and when sport became an 'industry' and understand the beginnings of the business of sport

Amateurism and Modern Olympics (1945-1980)

By the end of this section I will be able to:

• Identify the different levels of athletics and what it means to participate at each level

• Recognize how the growing interest in sports has led to the demand for higher levels of competition both professionally as well as the evolution seen through the Olympic structures

• See how the inclusion of women and differently-abled athletes began and how they were integrated into the world of athletics

• Recognize the beginnings, expansions, successes, and failures of major sports organizations in Canada

• Understand how intercollegiate sports began and how they have grown across the country

Sports and a Modern World (1980-present)

By the end of this section I will be able to:

• See how the world of sports has provided an opportunity for encouraging political and social changes

• Recognize how far the world of athletics has come while looking into the future to better understand what still needs to be done in athletic communities (particularly for LGBTQ+ athletes)

• Recognize that there is still a great need for increased inclusion of all individuals within the sport community

• Identify the financial structures and obstacles for Olympic athletes

• Think critically about the future of sports in regards to health and safety due to COVID-19