SOCY 1718 How Sports Explain America: The Sociology of Sports in the United States
This is an Enduring Question course and is open to FRESHMEN only. You must take both HIST1718 and SOCY1718. How have sports served to define and illustrate the essence of American society and culture throughout history and in contemporary times? These paired courses will explore the complex relationship between sports and society. Through an interdisciplinary approach to history and sociology, students will analyze the evolution of sports, assess how they mirror the changing dynamics of American society and culture, and investigate the multifaceted roles sports have played and continue to play in shaping our society. By the end of these courses, students will understand how sports serve as a microcosm of American society and a platform for social change, fostering critical thinking and a deep appreciation of the nation's cultural fabric.
Course overview
- Department
- Sociology
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
Catalog details
- Satisfies core
- Social Science,Cultural Diversity
Requirements fulfilled
- Applied Psychology and Human Development: Major electives — any Psychology (PSYC) or Sociology (SOCY) course (no more than two electives from outside LSEHD) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Sociology: Sociology electives (18 credits, generally six courses) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- University Core: Cultural Diversity (All undergraduates)
- University Core: Social Science (All undergraduates)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 3.87 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 3.98 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 2
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Kyoung-yim Kim | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4–6 hrs/week | 17 of 19 |
| Spring 2025 | Kyoung-yim Kim | 3.5 | 3.6 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4–6 hrs/week | 14 of 19 |