Document Type
Syllabus
Publication Date
Fall 9-1-2024
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? In what ways do social class, race, gender and perceived ability intersect with questions of who competes, when and how? How do the Olympics illuminate politico-historical contexts? What are the rituals and meanings of Olympic symbols and spectacle? What is 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?
Recommended Citation
Dewey, Robert, "HIST 197A FYS: The Olympic Games Dewey Fall 2024" (2024). All Course Syllabi. 705, Scholarly and Creative Work from DePauw University.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/records_syllabi/705
Student Outcomes
Students will be able to: Outcome: Analytical Skills - evaluate historical arguments, historiographical debates and develop and frame historical arguments in their own work. Outcome: 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: Breadth of historical knowledge - understand the past with respect to diversities of culture, geography and chronology.