This thematic course draws upon sports to chronicle social, cultural and political topics, and issues in American history. Students will explore colonial America, slavery, progressive reform, urbanization, world wars, women's rights, and the black freedom struggle. Students will examine how heroic athletes have contributed to the construction of American business and politics. Students will examine primary sources and scholarly essays in order to enhance their critical thinking skills about America's consuming and controversial investment and interest in sports.

This thematic course draws upon sports to chronicle social, cultural and political topics, and issues in American history. Students will explore colonial America, slavery, progressive reform, urbanization, world wars, women's rights, and the black freedom struggle. Students will examine how heroic athletes have contributed to the construction of American business and politics. Students will examine primary sources and scholarly essays in order to enhance their critical thinking skills about America's consuming and controversial investment and interest in sports.