Sport is, of course, a human creation. However, many have come to think of sport as a natural endeavor, and, therefore, as neutral. In this course, we will deconstruct the idea of sport through the lenses of science and technology studies to better understand how sport is created by people and how sport conversely co-creates and reinforces elements of human culture. By approaching sport through science and technology studies, we will explore: 

• What constitutes “sport,” science, technology, and performance.
• The sociological phenomena relevant to the intersection of science, technology, and sports.
• Literature concerning debates on the role of technology in supporting and contesting social inequalities through sports.
• How scientists describe and interpret perceived human differences (e.g., race, sex/gender) as they are related to sport performance.
• Literature on the impact of science and technology on athletic performance.
• Literature regarding safety, risk, and the role of medicine in sports.
• Debates surrounding cyborg athletes
• Debates questioning the role of technology in officiating
• The potential ramifications of sports gambling
• How technological developments alter sports leagues, media, and fandom
• Questions concerning athletics and environmental issues