Sport and Society

This course introduces students to anthropological principles and theories to comprehend the interconnectedness of sport, culture, and society using case studies beyond mainstream North American sports. It serves as a primer on the vital concept of embodiment, which delves into the intersections among biology, culture, and aesthetic experiences. Initially, we delve into the evolutionary, prehistoric, and historical underpinnings of play and ritual in sports. Subsequently, we investigate how modern sports, ranging from everyday activities to highly ritualized events, are intricately linked to broader social and cultural phenomena from case studies across the globe.