Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Department of Philosophy

Department of Philosophy / Courses / Archives / Summer 2014 (1144) / PHIL 331
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PHIL 331:  Selected Topics:  Philosophy of Sport

Summer Semester 2014 | Day | Burnaby

 

INSTRUCTOR: Jill McIntosh, WMC 5606 (jillmc@sfu.ca)

REQUIRED TEXTS

  • Philosophy of Sport:  Core Readings Jason Holt (ed.), Broadview Press, 2014.  ISBN:  978-1554811465
  • Other readings made available electronically

RECOMMENDED TEXT

  • Writing Philosophy:  A Guide for Canadian Students, 2nd edition.  Lewis Vaughn and Jillian Scott McIntosh, Oxford University Press, 2012.  ISBN:  978-0195446746.  This book will be particularly useful if you are relatively new to writing philosophy papers.  If you're an old hand, then not so much.  Flip through it and decide.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

What is sport or what is a sport?  What is the relationship between sport, play, games, and even art?   What is the role of the aesthetic in sport?  What sort of knowledge is involved in playing a sport?  Does sport have a role in society?  What is the appropriate attitude of the fan?  Should elite athletic teams be delineated by national affiliations?  What effect does gender have on sport, and sport on gender?  What reasons are there for somebody to engage in sport?  What values ought athletes to have, and does sport foster these?  What sort of training and supplements are legitimate?  Is there a relationship between sports and aggression?  What risks are acceptable from an individual and a societal point of view?  What is an acceptable sort of involvement in sport of non-human animals?

Philosophy of Sport is a relatively new field, and we will sample answers to some of the questions above and perhaps others.  No special knowledge of any sport is required, nor, even, is any appreciation for sport, either as a fan or a participant.  Also, just to forestall any misunderstandings, this is a philosophy course; we will not actually be engaging in any sports and there will be no field trips.  Just sayin’

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

  • Participation 20%
  • First essay 25%
  • Midterm 25%
  • Second essay 30%

Note:  Students will be required to submit written work to turnitin.com for plagiarism-checking and also, possibly, for anonymous peer review or as the basis for class discussion.

Prerequisites:  One of PHIL 100W, 120 or 144; also, it is recommended that students have completed at least 60 units.