FONT size=9Sports are a major part of society, captivating human interest and initiating a variety of activities. A significant amount of leisure time is devoted to participating in or viewing sports and now, at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, students can study the field from a sociological perspective.
FONT size=9The Sociology of Sport is a new course to be held on Wednesdays from 8:30-11:20 a.m. for the Spring 2005 term, Jan. 19 though May 10. This three-credit transferable course will examine the ever-increasing role that sport, sport spectatorship, and sports celebrities play in American culture.
FONT size=9Marshal Forman of Colts Neck, associate professor of sociology, created the new course in collaboration with sociology instructor Joseph Boyle of Woodbury. According to a press release from Brook-dale, it was Forman’s interest in sports, their impact on society and the cultural relevance for students that led to its development.
FONT size=9“After 9/11, venues of professional baseball in New York played a vital role in the healing process and helping our country return to a sense of normalcy. That sparked my interest, causing me to want to study it more from a sociological perspective,” Forman said. “Because sports are such a large part of our culture, and there are both positive and negative social issues surrounding the topic, the sociology of sport is a very relevant topic for students.”
FONT size=9Among the topics to be studied are American values and sport; sport and the mass media; athletes, drugs and crime; the growing popularity of extreme sports; women and sport; the economic impact of sport; and legal and ethical issues like sports gambling, contracts and free agency.
FONT size=9Forman, who has competed in several marathon races and participates in a variety of sports activities, was drawn to this topic because of his personal experience in this area.
FONT size=9“When I arrived at Brookdale in 1975, I was out of condition and somewhat overweight. With the guidance of my colleagues and athletic mentors, I began a training program that transformed me into an endurance athlete. During the 1980s and 1990s, I completed four marathons and countless road races of varying distances. I subsequently added mountain biking, road biking and cross country skiing to my fitness activities,” Forman said.
FONT size=9Registration for the spring term began Nov. 9 for current students and will begin Nov. 29 for the general population. To register or for more information call (732) 224-2345.