SHL4302 - Sociology/Psychology of Sport

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1) classify sporting activities;
2) analyse the information processing demands of sporting activities;
3) demonstrate an understanding of a range of factors which influence sports performance;
4) critically evaluate the process of talent selection;
5) apply their theoretical knowledge to practical examples;
6) demonstrate a basic understanding of social action with particular reference to sport and leisure;
7) demonstrate awareness of a variety of explanations for actions in the social context;
8) apply their theoretical knowledge to practical exemplars.

Content:

Definitions of skill and ability and systems of skill classification.
Information processing models of motor performance.
Factors affecting performance, e.g. arousal, confidence.
Measurement of performance and evaluation of the talent prediction process.
Practical exemplars from contrasting sporting activities.
The place of sport and leisure within the social world;
socialisation, social control, catharsis, consensus.
Differing historic and contemporary explanations for social action and how these apply to sport and leisure.
Introduction to the “Founding Fathers” of social theory and how their ideas have been developed and applied with particular reference to sport and leisure.
The need for understanding sociological method; its application for research, planning and policy.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Independent study requirements will be equivalent to approximately 100 hours and will involve seminar preparation, background reading, assignment preparation.

Progress will be monitored through seminars and practical workshops.
Lectures
Contact Hours:20
Number of Groups:1

Seminars
Contact Hours: 27
Number of Groups:4

2 x 10 hour practical activites
Contact Hours: 20
Number of Groups: 1

Assessment:

001 Essay 1 x 2000-2500 words (end of sem 1) 50%
002 Unseen paper 1 x 1 hour (end of sem 2) 20%
003 Portfolio 1 x 1000 words (end of sem 2) 30%


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