Undergraduate Seminar (398-0-75)
Topic
Sports Globalization in Africa
Instructors
Gerard Akindes
Meeting Info
Northwestern Qatar Room 2-254: Tues, Su 2:30PM - 3:45PM (AST)
Overview of class
This course investigates complex interactions and relationships between sport and contemporary African societies. This provides a lens for improved understanding of how the ongoing transformation of both in socio-economic development. ‘Modern' sport as been entrenched in the political, cultural and socio-economic life of African societies. Sport has functioned as an instrument of both colonialism and liberation, and served as a nation building tool in the period since African countries gained independence from colonial rule. Today, sport has a dynamic role as an interface between local and transnational interests, and is increasingly an international industry with a global agenda that encourages the growing commodification of sport practices and experience. Topics covered in this course include: the history of sport, the role of sport in anti-apartheid movements and independence struggles, issues related to athlete migrations, the roles and impact of media and communication technologies, the emphasis on nationalism and the modern state, dynamics of globalization, the politics of international governing bodies and institutions in sport, contrasting African elite sport versus mass sport, and the hosting of "major sport events." The course features a close focus on understanding contemporary Africa through the medium of sport.
Registration Requirements
- Prerequisites: None
- Open to Sophomores and above, MIT majors only
- Open for cross registration
- Satisfies Media & Politics Minor
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Registration is reserved for COMM Majors who are Sophomores and above.