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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 367H"
COURSE NAME: "Global Politics and Sports"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2015
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Lars Rensmann
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 10:00AM 11:15AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS: w 2-3:30pm and by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This upper-level course will introduce students to the interactions between global politics and the world of sports. It provides an introduction to central issues, institutions, and conflicts of modern global politics through the lens of globalized sports. It addresses the role of the latter in international relations, global, and domestic politics. The class explores how sports, politics and culture influence and permeate each other in a “partially globalized world” (Robert Keohane). Issues include sports as a factor in the political sociology of modernity and globalization; global sports and institutions of global governance; global sport events as soft power tools of international diplomacy; global sports, local conflicts, and human rights; global sports and the global public sphere; sports and the politics of national and cosmopolitan identity; global sports, race, and gender; the international political economy of sports; sports in different political systems; global policy-making and global sports policy.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

The course provides, first, a theoretical framework and different methodological approaches to the study of global politics and sports, and to the role of sports in different political systems. Second, the course explores the institutions of global and international governance shaping sports and sports policy, and their historical evolution. Third, we examine various dimensions and areas in which sports and global politics intersect. Topics include sports as a factor in the political sociology of modernity and “globalization;” global sport events as soft power tools of global politics and international diplomacy; global sports, local conflicts, and human rights; global sports and the global/European public sphere; sports, ‘glocalization,’ and the politics of national and cosmopolitan identity; global sports, race, and gender; the international political economy of sports. Fourth, the course addresses and engenders the comparative empirical analysis of sports and politics in different (autocratic, semi-democratic and democratic) societies. Fifth and finally, different aspects of global policy-making and global sports policy will be explored.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

This course exposes students to a long marginalized but increasingly popular field of political science and international relations that has almost exponentially grown in recent years. In so doing, students learn about the history of sports’ globalization in modernity; international political institutions and organizations, from the UN to the European Union, and institutions of global sports governance such as FIFA, UEFA and the IOC; the relationship between local and global identities, and the role sports play in forging them; aspects of the international political economy of sports and the relationship between sports, global conflicts, and human rights, as well as global public policymaking intersecting or dealing with sports. Students will also explore national cases (from American exceptionalism to issues of power, glory and corruption in Italian soccer politics), and learn to develop a cross-national comparative perspective that understands both the politics of localism and of globalism. This comparative analysis entails a look at the ‘darkest’ sides of international sports: the role of racism, aggressive nationalism, and violence in the sports world. Finally, the course will examine the role of sports in shaping autocracies and democracies, and the place of sports in global public policy and world politics at large.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Gaming the World: How Sports are Reshaping Global Politics and CultureAndrei S. Markovits & Lars RensmannPrinceton University Press9781400834662     
Global Sports PolicyCatherine PalmerSage9781849205184     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Mid-term examEight questions testing content and analytical competence, short essay answers20%
Final examEight questions testing content and analytical competence, short essay answers20%
Reading reflectionsQuality of reviewing and processing academic work, reflexivity20%
In-class presentation and participationQuality of research presentation, active class participation and level of contributions10%
Final research paper, 15 pagesHonors course research paper, assessed based on particular quality of research topic, design, methods, academic debate, reflexivity30%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

INTRODUCTION

 

September 1: Introduction to the Course: Why Sports Matter in the World of Power and Politics

Introductory Lecture & Course Organization

PART I: FRAMING THE STUDY OF GLOBAL POLITICS AND SPORTS: THEORETICAL AND EMPIRICAL APPROACHES

 

September 3: The Power of Sports in Shaping Global Politics, Cultures & Identities I

Readings: Andrei S. Markovits & Lars Rensmann, Gaming the World: How Sports are Reshaping Global Politics and Culture (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2010), Chapter 1, pp.1-25.

 

September 8: The Power of Sports in Shaping Global Politics, Cultures & Identities II: Competing Accounts

Readings: Andrei S. Markovits & Lars Rensmann, Gaming the World: How Sports are Reshaping Global Politics and Culture (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2010), Chapter 1, pp.26-42; Lincoln Allison, “Sport and Globalization: The Issues,” in Lincoln Allison, ed.,  The Global Politics of Sport (New York: Routledge, 2005), pp.1-4; Paul Gilchrist, “Local Heroes and Global Stars,” in Lincoln Allison, ed.,  The Global Politics of Sport (New York: Routledge, 2005), pp.118-139.

 

September 10: The Second Globalization of Sports as a Cultural and Political Phenomenon: The Evolution of Global Games from Europe to Asia--the Case of Football

Readings: Markovits & Rensmann,  Gaming the World, Chapter 2, pp.43-75.

 

September 15: The Second Globalization of Sports as a Cultural and Political Phenomenon: The Evolution of Global Games from Europe to Asia--the Case of Football

Readings: Richard Giulianotti & Roland Robertson, “The Globalization of Football: A Study in the Glocalization of the ‘Serious Life’,” The British Journal of Sociology 55, 4 (2004): 545-568 (http://www.wcas.northwestern.edu/projects/globalization/secure/articles/robertsonpdf.htm.pdf).

 

September 17: The Second Globalization of Sports as a Cultural and Political Phenomenon: The Evolution of Global Games from Europe to Asia--Other Sports

Readings: Markovits & Rensmann,  Gaming the World, Chapter 2, pp.75-106; Chapter 3 (only pp.138-156).

 

September 22: Sports, International Relations, (Soft) Power, and Global Public Opinion

Readings: Lincoln Allison & Terry Monnington, “Sport, Prestige and International Relations,” in Lincoln Allison, ed.,  The Global Politics of Sport (New York: Routledge, 2005), pp. 5-23. FIRST READING REFLECTION DUE.

Additional Readings: Joseph S. Nye, Jr., “Public Diplomacy and Soft Power,” Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Vol. 616, Public Diplomacy in a Changing World (March, 2008), pp. 94-109; James Stimson, Michael B. MacKuen, Robert S. Erikson, “Opinion and Policy: A Global View,” PS: Political Science and Politics 27, 1 (1994): 29-35 (material will be provided).

 

September 24: The Role of Sports in International Relations: Realism, Liberalism & Constructivism 

Readings: Brian R. Sala, John T. Scott and James F. Spriggs, “The Cold War on Ice: Constructivism and the Politics of Olympic Figure Skating Judging,” Perspectives on Politics 5, 1 (2007): 17-29 (material will be provided).

 

September 25: Make-Up for November 26: Special Session/Individual Project Mentoring

 

PART II:  SPORTS, GLOBAL/INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, AND GLOBAL SPORTS POLICY

 

September 29: Sports and International Organizations of Governance: Contested Authorities--FIFA & the IOC

Readings: John Sugden & Alan Tomlinson, “Not for the Good of the Game: Crisis and Credibility in the Governance of World Football,” in Lincoln Allison, ed., The Global Politics of Sport (New York: Routledge, 2005), pp.26-45; IOC, “Olympic Charter;” additional material.

 

October 1: Sports, International Organizations and Global Governance

Readings: Catherine Palmer, “Globalization and the Governance of Sports Policy,” in Catherine Palmer, Global Sports Policy (London: Sage, 2013), Chapter 3, pp.39-57.

 

October 6: Global Networks, New Technologies & Global Sports Policy/Alternative Models of Global Sports Regulation: America vs. Europe? 

Readings: Catherine Palmer, “Globalization and the Governance of Sports Policy,” in Catherine Palmer, Global Sports Policy (London: Sage, 2013), Chapter 4, pp.58-76; Ken Foster, “Alternative Models for the Regulation of Global Sport,” in Lincoln Allison, ed., The Global Politics of Sport (New York: Routledge, 2005), pp.63-86.

 

October 8: Professional Sports, Power, Economic Interests, and the European Union: The Case of the Champions League 

Readings: Anthony King, The European Ritual: Football in the New Europe (Aldershot: Ashgate, 2003), ch.8 (will be available at the Frohring Library).

 

PART III: GLOBAL POLITICS, SOFT POWER, AND GLOBAL SPORTS EVENTS 

 

October 13: Global Sports and Sports Events as Soft Power Tools

Readings: Jonathan Grix & Donna Lee, “Soft Power, Sports Mega-Events and Emerging States: The Lure of the Politics of Attraction,” Global Society 27, 4 (2013): 521-536.  (http://pure-oai.bham.ac.uk/ws/files/12780007/2013_Global_Society_Soft_Power_Emergings_States_and_Sport.pdf). SECOND READING REFLECTION DUE.

Additional Readings: Catherine Palmer, “Globalization, Sports Policy and Sporting Events,” in Catherine Palmer, Global Sports Policy (London: Sage, 2013), pp.103-123.

RESEARCH PAPER TOPICS/ASSIGNMENT TO BE HANDED OUT.

 

October 15: Global Sports Events as Soft Power Tools and Transnational Protests: The Olympics I

Readings: Jonathan Grix, “Sport Politics and the Olympics,” Political Studies Review 11, 1 (2012): 15-25; Alan Tomlinson, “Olympic Survivals,” in Lincoln Allison, ed., The Global Politics of Sport (New York: Routledge, 2005), pp.42-56.

 

October 20: Global Sports Events as Soft Power Tools and Transnational Protests: The Olympics II

Readings: Daniel Golebiewski, “Intercultural Communication and Transnational Protests at the Olympics,” E-International Relations 3, 2013 (http://www.e-ir.info/2013/03/16/intercultural-communication-and-transnational-protests-at-the-olympics/); Roger I. Abrams, “Olympic Boycotts and International Relations,” in Abrams, Playing Tough: The World of Sports and Politics (Boston: Northeastern University Press, 2013), pp.143-174 (will be available in the Frohring Library).



October 22: Global Sports and Sports Events as Soft Power Tools with Unintended Consequences: The World Cup

Readings: Paul Michael Brannagan and Jonathan Grix, “Qatar’s Soft Power Gamble: The 2022 World Cup.”  E-International Relations, January 2014 (http://www.e-ir.info/2014/01/18/qatars-soft-power-gamble-the-fifa-world-cup-2022/); Andreia Soares e Castro, “2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games: Brazil’s Strategy to ‘Win Hearts and Minds’ Through Sports and Football,” Public Diplomacy Magazine (Winter 2013): 28-35 (http://publicdiplomacymagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/2014-FIFA-World-Cup-And-2016-OlympIc-Games-BrazIl%E2%80%99s-Strategy-%E2%80%98to-Win-Hearts-and-Minds%E2%80%99-Through-Sports-and-Football.pdf).

Additional Readings: S. Cornelissen & K.Swart, “The 2010 World Cup as a Political Construct,” in D. Horne & D. Manzenreiter, eds., Sports Mega-Events: Social Scientific Analyses of a Global Phenomenon (Oxford: Blackwell, 2006), pp.109-123.

 

October 27: Midterm Review 

 

October 29: MIDTERM IN-CLASS EXAM.

 

PART IV: ARENAS AND CONFLICTS OF GLOBAL POLITICS AND SPORTS

 

November 3: Global Sports Politics and International Human Rights

Readings: Catherine Palmer, “Mega-events, Sports Policy and Human Rights,” in Catherine Palmer, Global Sports Policy (London: Sage, 2013), pp.144-160.

 

November 5: Sports and International Conflict: Epitomizing Cosmopolitan Politics of Global Pacification or Engendering Political Conflict and Violence?

Readings: Andrew Bertoli, “Nationalism and Interstate Conflict: A Regression Discontinuity Analysis,” 2013 American Political Science Association Annual Meeting, Chicago, August 29-September 1, 2013. (http://polmeth.wustl.edu/media/Paper/NationalismandInters_1.pdf) 

 

November 10: Global Sports and International Diplomacy in Conflict Environments

Readings: Ryan Robertson, “Sports Diplomacy in a Conflict Environment: The Case for Continued Efforts in Afghanistan,” Exchange: The Journal of Public Diplomacy 3: 1 (2012) (http://surface.syr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1004&context=exchange) 

 

November 12: Sports and Local/National Conflict

Readings: Roger I. Abrams, “Sports and South African Liberation,” in Abrams, Playing Tough: The World of Sports and Politics (Boston: Northeastern University Press, 2013), pp.143-174 (will be available in the Frohring Library).

 

PART V: COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVES ON POLITICS AND SPORTS: ISSUES,  CLEAVAGES & CONFLICTS IN DEMOCRATIC AND AUTHORITARIAN SOCIETIES

 

November 17: Nationalism, Racism and Violence in European Sports Cultures: Western and Eastern Europe

Readings: Markovits & Rensmann,  Gaming the World, Chapter 5, pp.207-270.

 

November 19: Global, National and Local Identities & Political Power: The Case of Italian Soccer

Readings: John Foot, Winning at all Costs: A Scandalous History of Italian Soccer (New York: Nation Books, 2007), Chapter 13, “Power and Politics,” & Final chapter: “The Great Italian Football Scandal and the World Cup Triumph.” (will be available at the Frohring Library).



November 24: Sports and Politics in Autocratic and Conflict Societies: Soccer in Iran and Iraq

Readings: James Montague, When Friday Comes: Football in the War Zone (London: Mainstream, 2008) [excerpts] (will be available at the Frohring Library; Blogs from the Washington Post’s “The Monkey Cage” Political Science Blog).

 

November 26: THANKSGIVING BREAK

 

PART VII: SPORTS AND GLOBAL POLITICS: PRESENT & FUTURE CHALLENGES

 

December 4: Wrapping Up: The Power of Sports (and its Limits) in Global Politics Revisited

Final Discussion. 

Readings: Catherine Palmer, “Reflections on Global Sports Policy,” in Catherine Palmer, Global Sports Policy (London: Sage, 2013), pp.183-190.

RESEARCH PAPER DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE CLASS PERIOD

December 5-11 FINAL EXAM (Look for Announcements)