SP4009 - Social Issues and Sport Consumers

What will I learn on this module?

This module is centred on two important and interrelated areas. First, we examine the modern make-up of sport across all levels and track key changes in sport organisations occurring due to changes in the way that we live and work in modern society. For example, we will investigate issues including (but not limited to) commercialisation and globalisation, modern consumption practices, celebrity and stardom, neoliberalism and corruption. Second, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks, winners and losers, accepters and resisters to these social movements manifest in sport. To do this, we look at myriad definitions of the sport consumer and sport stakeholders. We will examine who benefits from sport’s current organisation and what are some of the costs (e.g. social, human, economic) of such practices.

How will I learn on this module?

The taught content will be delivered and provided in a variety of formats, and you will be able to access materials on the eLP. There will be the opportunity to work in smaller groups with discipline specific members of staff who will facilitate context driven discussion and learning. In weekly sessions with tutors and in students’ own learning time, students will be provided with real-world case studies and problems seeking resolution as per the themes of each week. Students are encouraged to develop their own understanding and learning with the support of materials offered and staff will actively encourage students to lead discussions in seminars in their small working groups.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Module information, assessment requirements and expectations, and important module announcements will be made through the eLP. Material to support your learning will be uploaded in advance of sessions. You will be provided with content verbally and guided through tasks during timetabled sessions. A dedicated assessment session will afford you the opportunity to ask assessment related questions in class. The Module Leader is there to support you with any queries that you may have about the module content, and all staff members provide tutorial time outside of class time. Module tutors will provide you with the necessary information on how to arrange a tutorial. You will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on your development during the module, and you will receive feedback on summative work to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial. There is also further academic skills support available from the University Library services.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Describe how sport is affected by wider social, political, economic and historic forces

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Be able to access, reference and understand current research in appropriate academic fields

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
3. Develop a problem-based approach to understanding sport in the real world
4. Be able to see and describe ethical and moral issues in sport

How will I be assessed?

Summative: A digital infographic targeted (1500 words) toward sport organisations, using an appropriate software package (MLOs 1, 2, 3 and 4)

Formative assessment will take place regularly throughout the module. Directed weekly tasks will help students build up their skills of analysis and presentation of appropriate material and formative feedback will be provided by the module tutor and class peers on students’ thoughts and analysis. The learning environment will encourage students to constantly challenge their and others’ ideas through real-world case-studies. Students are also encouraged to meet on an individual and/or group basis to receive formative feedback from the module tutor.

You will receive written or audio feedback on your summative assessment to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module is centred on two important and interrelated areas. First, we examine the modern make-up of sport across all levels and track key changes in sport organisations occurring due to changes in the way that we live and work in modern society. For example, we will investigate issues including (but not limited to) commercialisation and globalisation, modern consumption practices, celebrity and stardom, neoliberalism and corruption. Second, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks, winners and losers, accepters and resisters to these social movements manifest in sport. To do this, we look at myriad definitions of the sport consumer and sport stakeholders. We will examine who benefits from sport’s current organisation and what are some of the costs (e.g. social, human, economic) of such practices.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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