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Pastime, Disciplinary Tool, Mass Culture: A Global History of Sports circa 1700-2000
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:38:07
Abstract
The course gives an overview of the historical trajectories of sports and games in various parts of the world since 1700. It seeks to understand sports as leisure activity, method of physical (self-) optimization, political tool and form of mass Entertainment and explores the interrelation of games and sports with moving forces of modernity such as capitalism, colonialism and consumer culture.
Objective
On one level, the course aims to familiarise students with the historical development of an ubiquitous aspect of modern everyday culture, namely leisure, sports and play. Each case study is used to deepen the participants' understanding of complex historical transformations by telling the story of what has been termed "the ludic diffusion" from a decidedly non-eurocentric, global perspective.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Pastime, Disciplinary Tool, Mass Culture: A Global History of Sports circa 1700-2000 |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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