Sport & Culture in Contemporary France

This course analyzes the role of sport in contemporary French society and the interrelationship between sport, identity, and politics in France from the end of the 19th century to the present day. Contemporary and historical sporting practices - including soccer, rugby, parkour, the Olympics, and the Tour de France - are analyzed to uncover issues around national identity, racism, gender, and the sport-media-market interface in the French context. Drawing on the French sociological tradition, which has been influential in the development of critical sports studies, as well as historical sources and cultural studies perspectives, the course includes the overseas territories and colonies both before and after decolonization. Students will actively engage various aspects of the host culture throughout the course of the term through case studies, onsite learning, and field research.