Sports History Syllabus

Colonia High School

Sports History Syllabus

 Synopsis of Curriculum

In this course students will examine the development of sports through various historical perspectives. There will be an emphasis on helping students gain a better understanding of the inner relationship that sport has on social, economic, cultural, and political forces that are at work in the United States as well as the world. Students will examine the historical context as well as the significance of gender, race, ethnicity and social class through readings, primary sources, audio and visual materials as well as class discussions.

Units of Study Title

1. The Passion of Sports

                    a.  What are Sports?

                    b. Sport Motivations

      c. Heroes & Villains

      d. Scapegoats in Sports

                    e. Curses in Sports

    f. Corruption & Gambling in Sports

      2. Olympics

     a. Ancient Olympics

     b. Modern Olympics

     c. Politics & the Olympics

     d. The Price for Gold

3. American Big 5 Sports

     a. Baseball (Major Leagues, Minor Leagues, Negro Leagues)

    b. Basketball (NBA, College, Rivalries, Dynasties, Champions, March Madness)

     c. Football (Professional & College)

                   d. Hockey (NHL, Fight Culture, Issues in Hockey)

     e. Nascar

     f.  Steroids, Scandals, Corruption

  4. Gentleman Sports/Lifestyle Sports

  a. Golf 

b. Tennis (4 Majors and the differences of each tournament)

c. Horse Racing (Triple Crown)

d. Boxing & MMA (Icons of Boxing, the rise of the UFC, the evolution of combat sports)

e. Hunting & Fishing

d. Soccer

e. Running, Surfing, Skateboarding, Skiing

   Other topics of study

Commercialization of sports

    a. Free Agency and Salaries

    b. Television and its influence

   c. Gatorade, Wheaties, Shoe Deals

Defining the impact and role of sports in America

    a. Emergence of ESPN and sports entertainment

   b. Winning and losing – steroids, youth sports, legal issues, concussions

   c. Athletes as role models

d. Women in Sports/Title IX

Grading Policy

50% is based on major assessment: Tests and Major Projects

50% is based on homework, class work, quizzes, class participation

All students should take an active role in class discussions as it will only enhance the class.  The class is designed to provide the student with a comprehensive understanding of the role sports has in our culture as well as the historical analysis of various sports.