Global Sports and Culture

A program unique to Tiffin University, the B.A. Global Sports and Culture program builds on our existing programs of Sports Marketing and Sports Psychology by adding sports and culture to the mix.

In the program, you’ll learn about and reflect on how sports can affect and influence the development of one’s personal identity, and how such identities may change over time. Particular attention will be paid to reviewing how one’s personal sports identity can bridge differences related to class, race and gender differences.

You’ll trace the role of sports and culture within local and regional communities, then broaden your investigation to national and international cultures and how sports affects areas such as economics, diplomacy and more.

You’ll look at sports in American society, as you survey the influential role of sports and the sports industry in American culture. You’ll gain a fundamental understanding of the many career avenues in sports, nationally and internationally. And, you’ll acquire the skills to become an effective communicator, a critical asset in whatever career path you choose.

Finally, your program will culminate with a capstone experience, as you connect the knowledge, skills and abilities gained throughout your coursework, and prepare for employment in your chosen field.

In the global sports and culture program, you’ll gain valuable insight into the study of culture and sports through experiential methods. You’ll have opportunities to build your professional network during your coursework and leverage that network when you enter into the professional world. You’ll understand the connections between the local, regional, national and global identities and practices, which will make you highly marketable in a variety of positions within the global sports industry.

Particular attention will be paid to researching real-life case studies and how such examples can illuminate the relationship between sports and culture. You’ll hear about the real-world of sports and culture from guest speakers from the Tiffin community, especially coaches and others associated with the sports industry.

In your study of global sports and culture, you’ll engage in an immersive program. Your classroom work will revolve around experiential assignments and activities in addition to academically rigorous class discussions about a multiplicity of themes related to the study of sports, culture and gender.

Outside the classroom, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with sports industry professionals and work with local and regional sports teams as part of class projects and assignments. For example, in a study on the relationship between culture and youth basketball, you may travel between different municipalities to compare and contrast local sports cultures with broader regional cultures.

You’ll also work to create a research portfolio on the role of sports in nations outside of the U.S. and work to identify career opportunities within the international context.

CURRICULUM

• GSC110 Global Sports & Culture I – 3 hours
• GSC210 Global Sports & Culture II – 3 hours
• GSC310 Global Sports & Culture III – 3 hours
• ENG301 Professional Communication – 3 hours
• PSY101 Introduction to Psychology – 3 hours
• SOC101 Principles of Sociology – 3 hours
• SOC280 Sports in American Society – 3 hours
• SCS220 Introduction to Leadership – 3 hours
• SMG160 Introduction to Sports Management – 3 hours
• GSC410 Global Sports & Culture Capstone – 3 hours

Total – 30 hours

GSC CONCENTRATION

• Complete 2 tracks or complete the Sports Psychology Minor (18 credit hours)

TRACK 1: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & WELLNESS

• NAT261 Principles of Health and Fitness Training *Includes Certification Option*
• HFW313 History of Physical Activity
• HFW413 Sociology & Psychology of Physical Activity

TRACK 2: CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE & LEADERSHIP

• SCS440 Theory and Application of Leadership
• SOC360 Multicultural Issues
• SCS335 Leading with Cultural Intelligence

TRACK 3: SPORTS INFORMATION

• COM241 Introduction to Mass Communication
• SMG235 Sports Marketing and Promotions
• SMG335 Sports Media Technology

This is a sample course sequence to illustrate course offerings for this major. Consult the official Academic Bulletin for detailed registration and advising information.

SAMPLE COURSES

Global Sports and Culture I: Sports and Identity (GSC110) – This course introduces the study of sports and culture by reviewing these topics within the context of the individual. Students will learn about and reflect on how sports can affect and influence the development of personal identity and how such identities may change over time. Particular attention will be paid to reviewing how ones’ personal sports identity can bridge differences related to class, race and gender differences.

Global Sports and Culture II: Sports and Community (GSC210) – This course traces the role of sports and culture within local and regional identities. Students will review the reflexive ways regional and local sports identities interact with culture and how such interactions create culturally unique experiences and values. Particular attention will be paid to researching specific case studies and how such case studies can illuminate the relationship between sports and culture. The course will also incorporate guest speakers from the Tiffin community, especially coaches and others associated with the sports industry.

Global Sports and Culture III: Sports and Nationality (GSC310) – This course builds on the topics and themes explored in GSC2xx and broadens the investigation to incorporate national and supranational sports cultures and identity. Students will learn about the relationship between nationalism, internationalism and sport and how this relationship affects areas such as economics, diplomacy, historical knowledge, etc. Students will work to create research portfolio on the role of sports in national outside of the U.S. and work to identify career opportunities within the international context.

Global Sports and Culture: Capstone (GSC410) – This course provides a culminating experience for all courses in the GSC program. Each student will create and present a summative paper or project that explores the connections established throughout the coursework, explains how the program has enhanced the student’s knowledge, skills and abilities related to their chosen tracks and helped them prepare for employment in their chosen field.

FORMAT

On Campus – Offered in a 15-week semester format with start dates of January and August

Students who graduate from Tiffin University with a B.A. Global Sports and Culture degree will be prepared to work in a variety of fields, especially in the corporate space. They can serve as project managers for major sports brands; work in the field of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); or pursue a career in any number of sports-related fields.

CAREERS

• Account Manager
• Amateur & Professional Sports
• Athletic Administrator
• Business Development
• DEI Director
• High School & College Athletic Departments
• Personnel Management
• Project Manager
• Promotions and Events Manager
• Public Relations
• Sport Consultant
• Sporting Goods Firms
• Sports Complexes
• Sports & Health Club Staff
• Stadium & Arena Management
• Stadium Operations Manager
• Tournament Planner
• Youth Sports Coordinator