1. Review assigned readings and your notes from lectures and discussions.
2. In a brief introduction (1 paragraph), make an overall argument defining the relationship between physical culture and society. In doing so, provide an overview of the historical relationship between sport, politics and business. Include a formal thesis statement.
3. In 1 paragraph, assess the logics underpinning Brundage’s statement and, broadly, why his statement may be accurate or mistaken.
4. The majority of the essay should be your critical analysis of Brundage’s statement as you discuss the ways in which American sport and physical culture have been historically situated within political and economic relationships. In doing so, you need to:
• Broadly define the key terms of politics and business. As we have spoken about these concepts broadly and in great detail, you need to narrow the focus your analyses so you can demonstrate a depth of knowledge in your answer.
• Use appropriate examples from lecture (including film clips), discussions and readings that demonstrate the ways in which physical culture has been historically situated within political and economic relations.
• Provide appropriate examples from different time periods.
5. You MUST use at least 3 articles from the assigned readings (no additional credit will be given for using outside sources) to conduct the required critical analysis.
• Give evidence within your paper that your analysis has been informed by these
articles and lectures
• This article must be appropriately referenced in an appropriate academic style (APA
is preferred, MLA or Chicago will be accepted). Reference information for articles
will be found on pages 4-6 of the syllabus.
• Use quotes from articles SPARINGLY. If you use a quote, you MUST incorporate
your own interpretation and analysis to demonstrate your understanding.
• You are not required to find outside sources (though they could be helpful). Any
outside sources will not count towards your requirement to use 3 assigned readings.
6. Conclusion: While relating your conclusion to Brundage’s statement, describe the relationship between sport and society in general and why studying the history of physical culture is useful for understanding American history.
Sport and Politics
October 24th, 2016