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Cultural Studies of Sport and Physical Culture

Overview

This specialization in Cultural Studies of Sport and Physical Activity is directed toward students who possess a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Sports Studies, Communications, English, Sociology, Women’s Studies, African-American Studies, Political Science, or other related fields and are interested in earning a Master’s degree for the purpose of: 1) pursuing future study in a doctoral program in either the sociology of sport, cultural studies of sport and physical activity, sport management, sport studies or cultural kinesiology, or 2) working in non-profit organizations and advocacy groups dedicated to improving the lives of all people (or specific historically marginalized populations) through sport, physical activity and other health and fitness oriented organizations.

The URI Kinesiology Master’s curriculum emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the multiple forces and conditions – from the global to the cellular – which influence how and why humans move their bodies in the ways that they do, particularly for those movements we define as physical activity, sport, play, games, and fitness.  The Cultural Studies specialization within the Kinesiology Master’s degree specifically focuses academic inquiry into the social, cultural, political, and ethical aspects of human movement with an ultimate, pragmatic goal of actively promoting, constructing, and transforming sport and physical activity in ways that minimize (or eliminate) social inequalities while promoting social justice.


Program Requirements

Core Kinesiology Courses (11 credits)

  • KIN 515          Physiology of Physical Activity and Health (3)

                                                            OR

  • KIN 562          Advanced Exercise Physiology
  • KIN 578          Cultural Studies of Physical Activity (3)
  • KIN 5081        Theory and Practice in Physical Activity Promotion (3)
  • KIN 501          Seminar in Kinesiology (1) – must be repeated twice

* It is recommended that students in Cultural Studies select KIN 515

Research Courses (select 6 to 9 credits)

  • KIN 530          Research Methods and Design in Kinesiology (3)
  • KIN 599          Master’s Thesis Research (6)

                                                OR

  • KIN 591          Special Problems plus Comprehensive Exams (3)

* Students taking KIN 591 Special Problems must also complete the comprehensive         
   examination

Required Courses (6 credits)

  • KIN 478          Sports, Cultural Politics, and Media (3)
  • KIN 475          Gender in Sport and Physical Activity (3)

Recommended Electives (select 6-9 credits)

  • COM 441         Race, Politics, and Media (3)
  • COM 446         Media Theory (3)
  • COM 501         Communication Theory (3)
  • SOC 446          Sociology of Knowledge (3)
  • SOC 452          Class and Power (3)
  • APG 400          Evolution, Culture, and Human Disease (3)
  • AAF/SOC 428  Institutional Racism (3)
  • PSC 441          Women and Politics (3)
  • WMS 400         Critical Issues and Feminist Scholarship (3)
  • WMS 490         Advanced Topics in Women’s Studies (3)
  • Up to 9 credits of: 1) courses in a related discipline; or 2) additional KIN classes;  as approved by the Major Professor

* Choice of electives must be approved by major professor

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New PHETE in Kinesiology
-- How this will affect you
Learn about new Physical Health Education Teacher Education Program (PHETE)
WHEN: Friday 9/18 9am-10am OR Tuesday 9/22 11am-12am. WHERE Kinesiology Conference Room

New for Fall 2009!
The 2009-2010
HSS Living and Learning Community
in Butterfield Hall is a great opportunity for Kinesiology students to network with each other during their first year on campus.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS