Physical Education 105 ( Formerly  P.E. 4)

Student Athletes in Society

 I.                    Catalog description

A.     This course provides students with an analysis and interpretation of issues affecting student athletes in past and present societies.  Physiological, Sociological and psychological aspects of student athletes as related to sport and education will be covered.  Students will plan for future career opportunities.

B.     Class hours: 2 lectures

C.     Prerequisites: None

D.     Recommendation: None

II.                 Text and other instructional materials

A.      Required texts

      Eitzen, Stanley.  Fair and Foul: Beyond the Myths and Paradoxes of Sport.

      Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 1999

B.     References

1.        Coakley, J. Sport in Society: Issues & Controversies.  California: McGraw-Hill, 1998

2.        Kirk, Wyatt D. and Kirk, Sarah V. Student athlete: Shattering the Myths and Sharing the Realities. Virginia: American Counseling Association, 1993.

C.    Required materials:  None

III.               Course content

A.     Physiological issues

1.      Athletic competition and resulting physical stress on the body

2.      Use of drugs and alcohol

3.      Life-long physiological aspects of athletics competition and training

B.     Sociological issue

1.      Balancing academics and athletics

2.      Race and sport

3.      Economics and sport

4.      Women and sport

5.      Influence of the media

6.      Influence of professional sports

7.      Agents & gambling in sport

C.     Psychological issues

1.      American Sports Creed

2.      Self-esteem and athletics

3.      Dealing with reality – athletics as a means to education

D.     Continuing Education

1.      Advantages of obtaining the bachelor’s degree

2.      Graduate assistantships

3.      NCAA graduate school program

4.      Life after sport

IV.              Course objectives

A.     Introduce students to the discipline of Sport Sociology

B.     Incite each individual to think critically and analytically

C.     Developing a positive attitude about student athletes and academic ability

D.     Develop student responsibility

E.      Introduce to past and present issues as they relate to student athletes in society.

V.                 Assignments

A.     Reading

Selected chapters from the text, references, current events, and handouts related to student athletes in society.

B.     Research report

C.     Critical thinking

1.      Analyzing issues facing the student athlete

a.       Balancing academics and athletics

b.      Coping with the pressure of game competition and performance

c.       Individual perception of career opportunities after eligibility has ended or graduation requirements have been met

VI.              Methods of instruction

A.     Lecture on issues surrounding the student athlete

B.     Class discussion on the various aspects of each issue facing the student athlete

C.     Media presentation related to course content

D.     Guest speaker including: former student athletes, scholars, coaches, and professional from the many related course content areas

E.      Class discussions to present the many aspects of each issue

VII.            Methods of evaluation

A.     Participation in class discussions and/or other activities

B.     Research paper based on reading and teaching assignments

C.     Mid-term examination

D.     Self evaluation of each individual’s perception of his/her experiences, past, present, and future, as a student athlete in society

E.      Final examination