Document Type

Syllabus

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Course Description

This class will focus upon the “modern games” developed by Baron Coubertin and first staged in Athens in 1896. Fundamental questions posed by the class include the following: What is “Olympism” and how have its values shifted? How did an event with deep political implications in its origins come to be regarded as “above politics”? In what ways do social class, race and gender and ableism intersect with questions of who competes, when and how? When were the Paralympics developed and how have they changed? How do the Olympics illuminate politico- historical contexts such as those surrounding white supremacy, nationalism, the rise of Fascism, Cold War divisions, decolonization, etc.? What are the legacies of the games for host cities and countries? What is the role of the International Olympic Committee and how has it deliberated over sportsmanship, cheating scandals, athlete protests and the tensions between amateurism and professionalism? What has been the impact of print, broadcast and more recently, social media on the conduct of the games and their meanings? How can we define the games as a “megaevent”? What are the roles and meanings of Olympic symbols and spectacle? Our class coincides with the final planning and organizational work towards Paris 2024 Olympics (July 26-August 11) and Paralympics (August 28 – September 8). We will be following the publicity and build-up to the Games, including controversies, in the context of our course.

Student Outcomes

Student Outcomes: Students will be able to: Outcome 1: Analytical Skills - evaluate historical arguments, historiographical debates and develop and frame historical arguments in their own work. Outcome 2: Writing and Oral Communication Skills - communicate complex historical analysis in written form with appropriate scholarly attribution and communicate effectively in class discussions and presentations. Outcome 3: Breadth of historical knowledge - understand the past with respect to diversities of culture, geography and chronology.

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