Cities and the Olympics -
Sociology 453.01,
Winter term 2010 TR 2:00 - 3:15
Application Form
The Olympics has generated considerable public interest due to the fact that the 2008 summer Olympics held in Beijing, China were so significant for many non-athletic reasons, and the Winter Olympics are to be held here in Canada in the city of Vancouver next year from February 12 - 28. There is much discussion and debate about the meaning and significance of the Olympic movement as a whole as well as its implications for host countries and host cities. The context then is right for a course that examines a topic of such current significance.
This course will not focus on athletes or competition issues but on how host cities are affected by the Olympics. Hosting the Olympics has become a prized objective for many cities and yet becoming involved with the Olympics is often filled with controversy. Why do cities want to host the Olympics and why is such a decision controversial? How do the Olympics change urban priorities and what are its differential afffects on citizens in the city? How are th Olympics related to urban planning and what are the community outcomes of hosting the Olympics? What have been the experiences of other cities (such as Calgary) that have hosted the Olympics? What is so unique about the Beijing Olympics that have led some to consider it potentially the most important Olympics ever? And what are the issues in hosting the Olympics for the city of Vancouver? These are the issues that will be discussed in this course.
Given the fact that the Olympics in Vancouver are so close to Calgary, students will be encouraged (but not required) to visit Vancouver sometime during the Olympics. Since Reading Week (February 14 - 21) falls during the Olympics, it should be relatively easy for students to be in Vancouver for at least part of the Olympic period. Travel and accommodation will be less accessible than normal but will be at the student's expense and is to be arranged by each student. Dr. Hiller will be in Vancouver and will organize observation and research opportunities for students. Class time up to the Olympics will be devoted to learning how to interpret and analyze what will be occurring there, and can serve as the basis for papers in the course. This will be a unique opportunity!
Since the number of spaces in the course are limited. All students interested in taking Sociology 453 must complete an application form (available at the Sociology Department website - see link heading above) which should be received in the Department office as soon as possible or until all places are filled. Interviews may be required of all applicants. Should the number of applicants exceed the number of places, senior sociology majors will be given priority. Other factors that will be taken into consideration include areas of career interest and GPA. Having already completed Sociology 353 is an asset.