Sierra Madre Middle School HISTORY ​ OF SPORT CLASS SYLLABUS

“Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona. Not all holes or games are created equal” - George Will

Course Description: This history elective class will examine the development of sport(s) in America. Our historical study will focus on helping students gain a better understanding of the inner relationship that sport has on social, economic, cultural and political forces that are at work in the United states as well as the world. We will examine the historical context as well as the significance of gender, race, ethnicity and social class. Students will: a. Gain historical knowledge about the origins and development of various ports in America as well as worldwide, major political, social, cultural, economic, and intellectual concepts through the chronological history of sport. b. Understand why and how sports have become a popular cultural phenomenon. c. Learn a greater appreciation for the issues that have affected sports such as gender, discrimination, race bias, and class economics. d. Begin to recognize the influence that commercialization has within the sports world.

Curriculum: I. The Olympic Games a. The Ancient Games b. The Modern Games c. 1936 Games in Belin “Hitler’s Games” i. Primary doc: The Olympic Motto dissect it d. Mexico City Games i. Black athlete revolt lecture e. Munich Games f. Lake Placid Games g. Los Angeles Games h. Rio Games

II. America’s Pastime: The Game of Baseball a. Origins of the game, early influences b. The Negro Leagues, AAGPBL c. Icons of the game i. Past vs. Present d. New era of baseball i. Free agency, strikes, unions, scandals ii. Hall of Fame or Hall of Good iii. Dynasties and Rivalries iv. Steroids

III. The Games of Gentlemen: How class affects sports a. The creation of golf i. The US Open, The Masters, The British Open b. The sport of kings: Horse Racing i. Triple Crown ii. Andrew Jackson iii. Creation

IV. The Lure of Football (College and Professional) a. Origins of the game, early influences b. Creation of the NFL, the AFL, the NCAA c. The evolution of the game i. TV Contracts, Monday Night Football, NBS d. Dynasties and Rivalries i. Professional and College e. Icons and Heroes i. Past vs. Present: Hall of Fame ii. Issues concerning the game 1. Strikes, replacement players, the WWE f. Legends and Traditions of the college game

V. The Sweet Science a. Boxing and the 20’s b. The “Little Guys” of boxing c. Boxing and Geographical awareness d. Muhammad Ali (When We Were Kings) e. The media circus i. Press Conferences, pay per view, movies, f. Sport or not g. Deaths in the ring

VI. The Hardwood (Professional and College) a. The origins of the game and early influences b. Creation of the NBS, ABA, CBA, WNBA c. March Madness d. Other influences such as women, high school, AAU e. Dynasties and rivalries f. Hip Hop and Basketball i. Music, personalities, clothing g. Olympic Dream Team i. Influence on international game ii. Evolution of the NBA game h. One and Done i. Should there be an age limit for the NBA? ii. Should college players get paid?

VII. The Journey of the African American Male Athlete a. Jim Brown b. Paul Robeson c. Jesse Owens d. Jackie Robinson e. Doby f. Civil Rights and Sports i. 1968 Olympic Games

VIII. The Journey of the Female American Female Athlete a. From “Fair Sex” to Feminism b. Billie Jean King c. Title IX

IX. Sports during the War Years a. The Age of Heroes b. AAGPBL c. Athletics vs Duty as citizens i. Muhammad Ali d. A League of their Own

X. Commercialization of Sports a. Free agency and Salaries b. Television and its influences c. Gatorade, Wheaties and shoe deals d. Fan identification and its addiction e. Images and messages

XI. Defining the impact and role of sport in America a. Impact of sports on American society b. Emergence of ESPN and sports entertainment c. Winning and Losing d. Current Issues i. Equal pay for Women’s Soccer Team ii. CTE iii. Steroids iv. Legal Issues e. Athletes as role models