This course introduces students to the dynamic interaction between sports, politics, and law, primarily (but not exclusively) focusing on the United States. It will do so primarily from a social science perspective. While some people have argued that "sports and politics don't mix" (e.g., five-time gold medal speed skater Eric Heiden), many prominent examples exist that demonstrate they are, in fact, inseparably intertwined. In reality, sports are more than just games and this class will highlight how sports occupies an important role in American culture and because of this, serves as a stage where many important political and legal battles are waged. As a part of this, the class also explores how sports themselves are tied to the politics and laws relating to gender, race, and class. This class will explore these dynamics primarily using a topical approach, covering a variety of topics that examine the connections between sports, politics and law. These topics will include: how sports play a role in American life and interact with the government institutions, the political economy of sports, how sports are used in international politics, sports at universities, health and well-being, as well as examining issues involving the intersection of sports and race, gender, and class. Importantly, you do not have to be a "fan" of any particular sport to see, analyze, and understand the importance of these connections. And, in fact, being a super fan may actually make it harder. In sum, this course is designed to examine sports, which are typically thought of as a leisure or entertainment activity, and to understand how sports are much more and that they can reflect, magnify and impact the concerns and issues found in society.

This course introduces students to the dynamic interaction between sports, politics, and law, primarily (but not exclusively) focusing on the United States. It will do so primarily from a social science perspective. While some people have argued that "sports and politics don't mix" (e.g., five-time gold medal speed skater Eric Heiden), many prominent examples exist that demonstrate they are, in fact, inseparably intertwined. In reality, sports are more than just games and this class will highlight how sports occupies an important role in American culture and because of this, serves as a stage where many important political and legal battles are waged. As a part of this, the class also explores how sports themselves are tied to the politics and laws relating to gender, race, and class. This class will explore these dynamics primarily using a topical approach, covering a variety of topics that examine the connections between sports, politics and law. These topics will include: how sports play a role in American life and interact with the government institutions, the political economy of sports, how sports are used in international politics, sports at universities, health and well-being, as well as examining issues involving the intersection of sports and race, gender, and class. Importantly, you do not have to be a "fan" of any particular sport to see, analyze, and understand the importance of these connections. And, in fact, being a super fan may actually make it harder. In sum, this course is designed to examine sports, which are typically thought of as a leisure or entertainment activity, and to understand how sports are much more and that they can reflect, magnify and impact the concerns and issues found in society.