ABOUT THE COURSE

This course is about sport, American culture, race and writing. It is a course that has everything to do with sports and yet, is about much more than sports. We will use sports as our conduit to knowing the world around us, ourselves and to explore multiple forms of writing. Sports and the athletes who play them have significant roles in modern American culture. Since this is a writing intensive course, writing will be the focus of our readings, discussion, and film viewing about race, sport and American culture.
The goal of this course is to see sports and our culture differently than we previously imagined. We will examine myths, lies, and inequities regarding sports and our culture. By understanding the role sports play in our socialization and culture we will see them for what they really are—good and bad. In addition, these insights will inform our critical thinking and our approach to writing good essays ranging from autobiographical to critical.

REQUIRED TEXTS

Charles Mills, The Racial Contract
D. Stanley Eitzen, ed., Sport in Contemporary Society
Leroy (Satchel) Paige, Maybe I’ll Pitch Forever
Gerald Early, ed., Body Language: Writers on Sport
David Skwire and Sarah Skwire, Writing with a Thesis
Phil Jackson, Sacred Hoops
Larry Platt, New Jack Jocks

OPTIONAL TEXTS

John Hoberman, Darwin’s Athlete (Also on Reserve)
Shulman & Bowen, The Game of Life (also on Reserve)

PARTICIPATION/ATTENDANCE

Students must attend all classes; prepare for discussion by viewing films and reading all assignments, and by completing all written work. I expect participation in class discussions and collaborative projects. All assignments must be turned in on time. Those papers turned in late will be lowered one letter grade. Assignments turned in after three days will not be accepted. Finally, students are expected to regularly check Blackboard for discussions and assignments (or modifications) in addition to what is listed here.
Students are allowed two (2) absences (excused or unexcused) which is equal to six class because we meet once each week. Any absences after the second absence will result in the lowering of your overall class grade one letter (for example, from an A to B). Tardiness will also result in a penalty. Three (3) such occurrences equal one absence. I consider it disrespectful to arrive late to this class 20 minutes or more after we begin class. I will ask you to leave in such instances. If you arrive before me you are on time.

RESERVED READING

See listed in syllabus (below) or list in library

COURSE EXPECTATIONS

I expect that each student will read for day scheduled. Come to class having read assigned material, having thought about it, and having questions and ideas. Also, come prepared to answer questions—you may be called upon. The theme for each week is listed on the heading for that week throughout the syllabus. To prepare, you should draft a list of questions from the readings around that week’s topic. This will comprise the focus of our discussions each week-- within the scope of the assigned readings. Although race and sport is our topic, this is a writing intensive course, thus much of our discussion will center on writing. At times it may be necessary for the instructor to alter the syllabus to meet the overall goals of the course. Finally, I expect each student to approach this class in an independent, scholarly manner. If you are unclear what this means please ask for further explanation.
All films will be viewed outside of class unless otherwise indicated (Tenatively in Playhouse 216 between 5-8)
Tentative Writing Assignments:
Profile Essay = 20 points
Critical Essay: “Student Athlete Bill of Rights” = 30 points (5 points come from presentation)
Critical Film Essay: Images in Modern Sport Film = 20 points
Personal Essay = 10 points
Please Note: I allow myself 1- 2 weeks to grade papers

REVISIONS

Students are allowed to revise two papers. The revisions are allowed for the first and third paper. If you decide that you want to revise your paper you must notify me immediately. The revised paper must be submitted two weeks from the time graded paper was returned to student. No exceptions. Those revisions submitted after the two-week period will not be accepted. The final paper assignment cannot be revised because of time constraints.

EVALUATION

Final grades will be based on:

1. Regular class participation (20 points), which includes working with peers in writing groups as readers and editors; thoughtful contributions to class discussion relevant to the assigned reading and themes for the week.
2. Presentation and thoughtful discussion of your final paper (5 points)
3. Your papers (75 points). You will be given the criteria for what is expected of you for your papers (Basically a clear, original, thesis that follows an outline, and is well organized)
4. Please pay very close attention to the paper grading criteria that I give you

Grade Scale:

• A = 95-100 points
• A- = 94-90 points
• B+ = 89-84
• B = 84-80
• B- =79-77
• C+ = 76-75
• C = 74-70

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Class Contract:

I ________________________________, have read the course agenda and goals and fully understand what is expected of me. My instructor has explained his pedagogy process, which I also understand and agree is clear. Instructor has answered all questions prior to my signing this agreement.