1. Chapter 20
The Sport Humanities

2. Definition of the Sport Humanities as Fields of Study
Comprises of three fields
Sport History
identify and describe pattern of change in sport during the time period
analyze with regard to the relationship and events
Sports Philosophy
metaphysics
axiology
epistemology
logic
Sports Literature
poetry
fiction and non-fiction books
films

3. Development of the Sport Humanities
From , history and philosophy of Physical Education was an interest to professionals
In 1973, the first meeting occurred for the National Society for Sport History (NSSH)
Academic philosophers took sport seriously during the 1970’s

4. Development of the Sport Humanities, cont’d
The Philosophic Society for the Study of Sport (PSSS) formed in 1973
The field of Sport Literature did not emerge until the 1980’s
The Sports Literature Association (SLA) formed in 1982

5. Current Status of the Sport Humanities
Changes in direction in undergraduate and graduate programs in Physical Education have affected growth
Sport Humanities programs have not grown since there are too few programs (dispersed discipline)
The field can stimulate interest and promote critical thinking abilities needed for today’s society

6. What Do Sport Humanities Specialists Do?
Employed in academic positions at colleges and universities
Usually found in Physical Education, History, Philosophy, or English departments
Teaching classes, performing research, and engaged in service to their specific discipline

7. How to Prepare to Become a Sport Humanities Specialist?
Two paths
Physical education path
undergraduate degree
graduate studies – doctoral degree
History major path or philosophy, literature emphasis

8. Current Issues and Problems
Sport humanities is too small and underrepresented in teacher education and sport sciences
Very few graduate programs
Each specialization is too focused upon sport and not on fitness or physical education

9. Chapter 20
The Sport Humanities