History 591K - S-Race&Sport in the 20th Cent

This course examines the interactions between race and sport in the twentieth century. Using a variety of different media, including both primary and secondary sources, we will investigate the topic by utilizing the sport of boxing as a case study. Among other topics we will examine the careers of various fighters including Jack Johnson, Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali and Oscar de la Hoya to help illustrate the changing ways that race and sport interact. Significant course content will enable students to formulate, research and write a major research paper. Although the course employes boxing as a case study, student are encouraged to use their research paper to examine issues of race as they pertain to other sports. Other assignments include different types of short writings, class discussion, an oral presentation and participation in peer reviews of written work. This course fulfills the Junior Writing Seminar requirement for History majors.

Open to Seniors and Juniors in History, Middle East and Judaic majors only.