Sport, Philosophy, and Practice
Sport, Philosophy and Practice
An IATL interdisciplinary module
Module Code
- IL211-15 Level 5 (Intermediate)
- IL311-15 Level 6 (Year 3/Finalist)
Module Convenor
Paul Prescott (Autumn 2025)
When/Where
Autumn term
Tues 11:00 - 13:00
Studio 1, Millburn House
Assessment
- Practical Presentation (50%)
- Critical Review (50%)
What is the module about?
Sport has profound connections with our physical, social, and psychological lives. It perforates our everyday experiences whether we participate in it or not. What precisely do we understand as 'sport' and what constitutes a sporting environment? What is the distinctive value and nature of sport in human experience? How do ethics, aesthetics, and a search for knowledge about ourselves and the world factor into our sporting endeavours? Where does sport as an extra-curricular activity meet established curricula? These are just some of the questions this module will invite you to explore. In addressing them you will encounter theories from a variety of disciplines, have the chance to analyse film, literature, and your own sporting practice, and engage in practical field work through active learning.
What will the module cover?
The module will cover three philosophical approaches to sport: the aesthetic, the ethical and the experiential. These overarching principles will inform particular sessions on play, movement and beauty in sport as well as issues of identity, coaching and health. Finally, we will explore the ways in which sporting cultures and philosophical study can develop your own personal practice. Students will be able to identify their own topics and examples around these themes. All practical activities will be designed to be as inclusive and participatory as possible, and students can have any engagement in sport which will be broadly defined to include amateur and community settings, as well as professional and commercial contexts. You do not need to be able to play sport to a high level in order to engage with this module, but you will need to identity a practical example through observation or participation.
1) Practical Presentation (50%)
You will plan and lead the group in a 10-minute activity designed to address your reflections on the module. You will demonstrate through the activity your critical understanding of a specific concept, issue, and/or practice that the module has covered. This will take the form of a participatory, physical activity which you will be asked to reflect upon during the 5-minute debrief.
2) Critical Review (50%)
The critical review of a sporting event takes the form of an essay. (2000 words for Level 5 or 2500 words for Level 6)
Learning Outcomes
See module catalogue:
Please select IL211 Level 5 (Intermediate)
Please select IL311 Level 6 (Third Year / Finalist)
How to apply
Complete our online form to request your place.
Once IATL has confirmed you have been allocated a place, follow your home department's procedure to register.
Find out how this module relates to IATL strategy
