Foundations of Sport and Active Recreation

This unit introduces students to the broad social, historical and cultural contexts in which sport and active recreation takes place. Research findings and theoretical concepts from history, sociology and cultural studies are used to help explain why some groups and individuals are excluded from, or marginalised through sport and active recreation. Students will undertake a series of learning activities which will enable them to identify and critique sport and recreation participation data and to deconstruct some common myths about Australian society. This unit also provides foundational knowledge and skills required in other units in the Sport Management courses.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Identify participation rates in sport and active recreation in Australia and explain how the popularity of particular sports and recreational activities is related to the broader historical, social and cultural context
2. Apply key concepts from history, sociology and cultural studies to explain why some groups and individuals are excluded from, or marginalised through sport and recreation
3. Compare and contrast the participation patterns of one sport or activity in Australia to another nation and describe the similarities and differences using social, historical and/or cultural explanations
4. Participate in an academic community through reflective and critical engagement in academic texts and understanding of principles of academic integrity.