HIST 312 - The History of Women in Sports

Credits: 5

This course examines the historical development of women’s sports. It focuses on the U.S. from the American colonial era to the present and explores sports and sporting activities from folk games, and equestrienne activities to the highly organized, often commercial, professional contests of modern era. We will devote special attention unique physiological considerations and ethical dilemmas within this history and examine how historic sporting moments and events have important ties to feminism and politics. Students will learn how physiological differences affect female athlete performance as well as how cultural, historical, and political forces shaped women’s participation in sport. Since sports have historically served as symbolic sites of exclusion, inclusion, protest, and power for women and minority groups, we will examine the impact of athletic competition on the development of race and gender relations.

Prerequisites: None, but a survey-level US History course is recommended
Course Attributes: DPD, COM, CRIT
Course Outcomes: Communication, Critical Thinking