SPT 213 - Sports Philosophy

3 credit hours - Three hours weekly; one term.
Examine, within a psychological, sociological and historical context, the origins of values within a sports context. Learn ethical theories such as rule utilitarianism and Kantian moral theory, using that framework as a means by which to assess such issues as sports identification, exploitation of athletes, gender, race and class issues in sports and sports violence.

Prerequisite(s): Eligibility for ENG 101 /ENG 101A .

Note: Typically offered OL; fall and spring terms.

Course Outcomes:

Develop an understanding of sports through a philosophical lens.
- Understand ethical theories relevant to sports.
- Identify arguments supporting and countering relevant ethical concepts related to sports.
- Examine and express an understanding of philosophical terms within specific situations that arise in sports.
Examine the practice and concept of tolerance within a sports paradigm.
- Assess areas of inequality that arise in sports, such as gender inequality, racial or ethnic inequality, and disability-related situations.
- Identify and create potential frameworks by which to support the promotion of diversity within sports.
- Explain areas in which sports can be a potential obstacle within tolerance and diversity.
Use the discipline of philosophy as a framework by which to address controversies within sports.
- Understand further the precipitants of violence through the examination of philosophical theory.
- Examine motivations and objectives behind the usage or non-usage of performance enhancing drugs.
- Address the issue of exploitation of intercollegiate athletes.
Understand the continued organic development of ethics within a sports context.
- Examine historical codes of ethics and rules within sports.
- Identify new ethical considerations specific to sports.
- Assess the construct of deviance within a sports context.
Examine the ethics regarding the use of animals within sporting events.
- Identity the historical nature of sports where animals were either central players or involved.
- Examine hunting within various ethical frameworks.
- Understand the current and future controversies surrounding use of animals within sporting events.
Examine the societal importance of sports.
- Understand the concepts of rational recreation and leisure.
- Assess the connection between achievement and sports.
- Examine the use of sports within broader social venues.