Course
Description

The essential purpose of the course is to study the inter-relationships between sport, aesthetics, and art. By viewing sport as the subject of the artist as well as looking at sport as a medium for aesthetic expression an attempt will be made to analyze the relationships between sport, aesthetics, and art. It is intended that the student will gain new ideas and insights about the sport aesthetic through interdisciplinary study and the synthesis of concepts. Lectures, small group discussions, video/DVD presentations, individual and small group in-class/out-of-class assignments, slide/image reviews, online images and selected readings are the essential methods/materials employed during the course in order to fulfill the following objectives.

Methods of Course Instruction

To fulfill the purpose of the course instructional/learning objectives have been identified and, therefore, enabling the student to,

• define the meaning of sport and identify the aesthetic as well as the non-aesthetic in sport

• view sport as a medium for aesthetic expression

• examine various works of art in order to understand the aesthetic potential for sport

• propose changes in traditional sport in order to enhance the aesthetic appeal

• explore scholarly questions raised by aestheticians and sport theoreticians that

• reflect upon the potential of sport as an art form

• complete an analysis of an elite athlete

• critique a film that is sport related and identify the sport aesthetic in cinema

• provide the option for students to create works of art with sport as the theme

Completion of in-class/out-of-class assignments, submission of a film critique, an analysis of an elite athlete, and one examination are required to complete the course successfully. Optional activities for ‘bonus’ points are available The examination is scheduled for the last class meeting. THE EXAM WILL NOT BE GIVEN EARLIER THAN THE ANNOUNCED DATE AND TIME.

(A). In-class/Out-of-class assignments: Each assignment, involving 20 to 30 minutes each, is related to a specific topic in the course and may be completed as a small group project or individually depending upon the nature of the assignment. The assignments have a point range from 5 to 15 points. In-class assignments are usually unannounced and, if missed, cannot be made up!

(B). Film Critique: Following our in-class discussion about sport in the cinema each student is required to select a sport-related film to critique. A specific form included in the course manual is provided for the critique. Film selection is on a “first-come, first-serve” basis and students are required to ‘reserve’ a film. Pre-approval is required! Point Value = 30 pts. DUE DATE: Last class meeting

(C). Elite Athlete Analysis: You are required to select an “elite” athlete of your choice. The choice of the athlete is on a “first come, first serve” basis. This out-of-class assignment is related to Topic 10 (see manual, Sport Aestheticism). Each student is required to submit the “pre-approval” form prior to starting the research and analysis. The resulting analysis is to be typed, double-spaced and in compliance with the style/format guidelines that will be outlined in class. Point value = 60 pts. DUE DATE: Last class meeting

(D). Examination: On the last day of the course, there is a two-part examination. The first part of the exam involves an image analysis’ of selected works of sport art. The random sampling of images are selected from the “Index of Color Reproductions” that are listed in the course manual and available for viewing online. A ‘practice’ session will be held during the middle of the last week of the course in order to familiarize each student with the process and the format of the exam. The second part of the exam is a combination of short answer and essay questions. Total pts.for the Exam = 100

Optional Activities

The optional activities involve the awarding of bonus points.

(E). Museum and/or Gallery visit: A student may visit an art museum (e.g. Columbus Museum of Art) to view art that portrays sport. At least one piece needs to be reviewed in order to earn any points. Three works of sport art, successfully reviewed, would earn the maximum number of bonus points. A verification form (included in the course manual) needs to be submitted for this activity. Only the official form can be submitted.

Point range = 5-10 pts. DUE DATE: Last class meeting !

(F). Creating a ‘work of sport art’: Using sport as your subject you may complete a drawing, painting, or any other piece in a medium of your choice. There are no restrictions on size or the medium. The only restriction is that the work of art must be

 completed during the intersession and the piece must be sport-related. A description of the intended ‘sport aesthetic’ needs to be submitted with the art work. Points = 20 pts. max..

DUE DATE: Last class meeting !

Optional Activities continued;

 (G). Taking a sport photograph: Using a film or digital camera you may shoot one photographic image of a sport in either color or black and white. The resulting print must

be at least 5” x 7”, mounted, but not framed; however, a single or double mat is recommended. A short explanation of the procedures followed along with the technical information (e.g. camera type, lens selected, shutter speed, etc.) needs to be placed on the back of the mounting board. Your name and the title for the photo should be placed on the back of the board as well. The photo must be taken during the two-week period in which the class meets. Points = 10 pts. max. DUE DATE: Last class meeting !

(H). Other bonus opportunities: To be announced in class…

Materials

Required

Text(s)
The following manual is required: Sport Aestheticism (© 2010) by T.E. Cook, will be available at Grade A Notes. In addition, selected articles have been placed on reserve at Alden Library and may be viewed online. Sport art images of paintings, drawings, sculpture and photographs can be reviewed online.

Additional or Optional Materials

Alternative source where materials can be obtained


Note: The books for the course are in stock at College Bookstore, (740) 594-3505. Click here for online ordering.

Note: Books for the course are in stock at the Zane State/OUZ Campus Bookstore or College Book Store in Athens, (740) 594-3505. Click here for online ordering.

Exams
Requirements

one exam - No proctoring required

How is the exam to be taken: online

Date of Exam
TBD