Overview:

Pick up a sports section in any newspaper in any town and you are likely to find a commentator or journalist moving us to think about an ethical issue that arises in or because of sports. This class will explore some of these issues as they relate to our most celebrated philosophical theories. Our main focus will be the concept of “Fair Play” in sports as a metaphor for achieving human and moral excellence. We will discuss possible obstacles to this pursuit such as cheating, violence, drug abuse, and gender equity.

Required Text:

Simon, Robert L. Fair Play: Sports, Values, and Society, Westview Press, Boulder, Colorado, 1991

Grading: Scale:

Midterm Exam 20% A = 90-100

Final Exam 25% B = 80-89

Attendance/ 15% C = 70-79

Participation D = 60-69

Term Paper 25% F = 59 and below

Presentation 15%

Attendance:

Attendance is mandatory. You will be allowed 3 unexcused absences; every subsequent absence will be penalized 1 point from your final grade.

The University of South Florida respects the right to observe religious holidays. Committed students can miss certain religious holidays without penalty, provided they consult with the instructor before the holiday on how to make up the work. Documented absences for medical or other legitimate reasons are also respected. Discuss these with the professor for approval.

Paper:

Midway through the semester you will be assigned a term paper of 7 to 8 pages (approx. 2000 words) based on one of the topics we have covered.

Presentations:

You will be required to pick a topic from the current sports world that pertains to a topic covered in class and give a 5-10 minute presentation.

Academic dishonesty:

CHEATING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Whether in the form of plagiarism or sharing exam answers, academic dishonesty will be penalized to the fullest extent as outlined in the USF Student Handbook.

Special Accommodations:

If you require accommodations for this course due to a physical or learning impairment you may contact the Disabled Student Services in SVC, Room 1133. (813) 974-4309

Course Outline:

Week 1: Introduction and Overview (read Chpt 1, pgs. 1-12)

Week 2: The Ethics of Competition (Chpt 2, pgs. 13-32)

Is Winning Important? (Chpt 2, pgs. 32-36)

Week 3: Cheating in Sports (Chpt 3, pgs. 37-51)

Guest Speaker: Rod Jurado

Week 4: Violence in Sports (Chpt 3, pgs. 51-70)

Performance Enhancing Drugs (Chpt 4, pgs. 71-90)

Week 5: A Philosophical Defense of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use – Dr. Sidney Gendin - http://www.mesomorphosis.com/articles/gendin/philosophical-defense-of-steroid-use-01.htm

Week 6: Enforcing Drug Sanctions (Chpt 4, pgs. 90-92)

Racism in Sports (Chpt 5, pgs. 93-105)

Week 7: Movie: “Running Brave”

Equality vs. Excellence (Chpt 5, pgs. 105-122)

Week 8: Review for Midterm

Midterm Exam – Thur. Feb. 26^th

Week 9: Gender Equity (Chpt 6, pgs. 123-129)

Title IV (Chpt 6, pgs. 129-150)

<<SPRING BREAK>>

Week 10: The Role of Sports in Universities (Chpt. 7, pgs. 151-163)

Sports and Social Values (Chpt 8, pgs. 187-196)

Week 11: Moral Responsibility (Chpt 8, pgs. 196-202)

Teamwork vs. Individual Sport

Week 12: Movie: “Hoosiers”

Week 13: Extreme Sports Vs. Mainstream Sports

Presentations

Week 14: Presentations

Presentations

Week 15: Review for Final

Final Exam – Thur. April 22^nd

Finals Week: PAPERS DUE – Mon. April 26^th