Sporting events are and always have been inseparable from politics, power, and social identity. This course examines the prominence, variety, and cultural functions of sport in ancient and modern western societies, using athletic contests as a lens for understanding political history and contemporary global issues. The first weeks focus on the Ancient World through the Renaissance, with special emphasis on how Greek Olympics functioned as diplomatic forums and expressions of civic pride, and how Roman spectacles served as instruments of imperial control. These were not mere pastimes but essential mechanisms of political power and social organization. We then trace sport's evolution through the 20th and 21st centuries as a vehicle for political ideology and social change, examining how major sporting events became stages for fascist propaganda, Cold War proxy battles, and civil rights movements. Throughout the semester we connect historical patterns to present-day issues and upcoming international competitions, analyzing how these spectacles reflect and shape contemporary politics, social movements, nationalism, and global power relations. Case studies include the Olympics, the World Cup, the significance of soccer in Europe, the interplay of race and sport, and gender equity issues. Students will select key moments of American or global sport history to illuminate broader social or political dynamics, building presentation projects in an engaged and interactive classroom environment. In addition to lectures and presentations, class activities include many discussions, brainstorming sessions on contemporary sport events, and documentary screenings.
- Professor: Erika Bianchi