Soccer as Social Science

Soccer is more than a game — it is a reflection of global society, a mirror of cultural exchange, and a platform for activism, identity, and power. This course examines soccer through the lens of social science, exploring how it shapes and is shaped by globalization, politics, ethics, and media. From the sport’s colonial legacies and its role in nationalist movements to the ethical dilemmas of FIFA governance and the inequalities exposed by its global reach, students will investigate soccer’s profound societal implications. Through interdisciplinary analysis, case studies, and personal reflections, students will delve into topics such as soccer’s power to foster community and drive social change, its commercialization as an asset class, and its portrayal in media. This course invites students to explore soccer not just as a sport but as a powerful lens for understanding the complexities of the modern world.

To successfully complete this course, students will need access to a laptop or desktop computer with a reliable internet connection and a working webcam and microphone. This course may also require purchase of texts or other course materials.

This Fixed-Paced course incorporates a blend of synchronous and asynchronous elements. Students and teacher meet live via zoom on a regular weekly schedule. In addition, students complete coursework including guided readings, interactive videos, text and video-based discussion threads, problem sets, individual and collaborative projects, and so on. While these activities are time-flexible, teachers sequence them with weekly deadlines to help students keep on track and encourage and support the development of productive time management skills.

During the course orientation period, CLI asks students to complete a survey on their availability for live class meetings. Teachers set individual class meeting times based on student responses.