Assignment Title: The Power of Play in Society
Assignment Objective: This paper provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of key sociological concepts explored in class throughout this semester. You will be asked to analyze a sport-related topic or issue through both a sociological lens and personal reflection. This paper will connect concepts explored in class with your own lived experience in sport as an athlete, fan, and/or coach.
Assignment Directions:
SpMgt 567_Power of Play_Assign_Details_updated.docx
Download SpMgt 567_Power of Play_Assign_Details_updated.docx
1. Using information covered in class this semester, please analyze one of the topics from the list below:
1. The impact of media on your sport identity or participation
2. Socioeconomic barriers to sport access in your community
3. How team culture reinforced or challenged social norms
4. Fan identity and how it intersects with regional identity
2. As a part of your analysis of the topic you choose, please reflect on your own experiences related to sport. For example, how have you seen social issues play out in your personal observations or experiences in sport? How do those experiences impact and influence your analysis?
3. Your paper should include:
1. An
Introduction to your topic and why it is sociologically and personally significant.
2.
Background information or context on the topic you are analyzing. For example:
1. If you choose to analyze socioeconomic barriers to sport access in your community, consider sharing things like information about the standard of living in your community, poverty rates, or access to jobs so the reader has a better understanding of the dynamics of the community. Additionally, what else could you share about the community to help the reader has a clearer understanding of how barriers to sport might exist?
2. If you are studying the impact of media, please consider describing the different types of media you consume and why you use those types. Additionally, consider sharing things like why you choose not to use other types, how often you use your preferred media, and additional information that will help the reader to understand your relationship with media usage.
3. If you are discussing team culture, please consider sharing information about the team you are analyzing and information about the culture of the athletic department. Also consider sharing information about the role and perceived importance of the team in your town and additional information that will help the reader understand factors influencing the culture of the team.
3.
Personal Reflection: Please include a description about your own background and experience in sport (as a player, fan, etc.) that you will draw from and will impact your analysis of the topic you chose.
4.
Discussion/Analysis: Please connect your analysis and personal reflection to broader social issues or trends. Please also discuss the societal implications of your topic.
5.
Suggestions for Change: Please provide one suggestion for change at the personal, institutional, and societal level (3 total) that could help to improve sport as it relates to the topic you are analyzing and help it reaches its full potential as a positive changemaker.
4.
Requirements:
1. 4 pages of text, double-spaced paper
2. 1” margins, 12-point, Times New Roman font
3. APA citation style; at least 4 academic sources (can include class readings); please note that the reference page does not count towards the 4 pages of text
4. Submitted in .doc or .docx format
5.
Due date:
Thursday, December 11 at 5:00pm PST
Rubric (50 points)
1. Topic chosen from approved list (4 points).
2. Topic Analysis & Use of Evidence (15 points).
1. Critical examination of the issue and using examples and course concepts (15).
2. Strong analysis with relevant examples and clear sociological depth (11-14).
3. Good analysis, some evidence used appropriately (8-10).
4. Basic analysis, some evidence present, but not well integrated (4-7).
5. Minimal or no analysis (0-3).
3. Personal Reflection (15 points).
1. Thoughtful integration of personal sport experiences; connection to course ideas (15).
2. Deep reflection; personal insight clearly linked to sociological concepts (11-14).
3. Good reflection; some link to course themes (8-10).
4. Reflection present but underdeveloped or superficial (4-7).
5. Minimal or missing reflection (0-3).
4. Organization & Writing Quality (10 points).
1. Logical structure, clear writing, grammar, and tone (10).
2. Well-organized and clearly written; few to no errors (8-9).
3. Mostly clear; minor issues with flow or grammar (5-7).
4. Some disorganization or noticeable grammar issues (2-4).
5. Unclear writing or major structure issues (0-1).
5. Research & Citation (6 points)
1. Use of at least four (4) scholarly sources; proper citation style (6).
2. Meets or exceeds source requirement; accurate citations (5).
3. Meets requirement; minor citation issues (4).
4. Some sources or citation issues (1-3).
5. No sources or improper citation format (0).
