Health, Wellness & Sport in Society (HWSS)

Students are provided with an introduction to fundamental concepts in the social study of health, wellness and sport. Students examine specific content areas from multiple perspectives, including historical, political, cultural and economic contexts. Students consider the production and transmission of expert knowledge and the connection between evidence and public policy.

Drawing upon an interdisciplinary knowledge base, the course will introduce students to the connections between reading, mental health and wellness, and to the benefits of different types of reading in different media. Through a combination of interactive, self-directed and reflective activities and assignments, students will compare the health and wellness effects of reading on social media vs. so called 'deep' or 'immersive' reading.

Students enrolled in this experiential learning course will complete an approved and supervised placement, applied project, or another experiential project, with a sport-related focus. Through this course, students will gain hands-on experience in solving real-world problems across various areas while applying theory and research to develop policies, make decisions, and plan programs and services.

The sport sector is a complex field which raises many questions for participants and observers. What is sport and how does it differ from other activities? What is fair or ethical in sport and how should this be achieved? What is sportsmanship? Is sport a social good? This course invites students to use philosophical ideas and frameworks to answer questions like these in the interest of clarifying what sport means in contemporary society.

This course explores diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the context of sport. Students will be provided the tools to consider how a range of factors—such as class, race, gender, ability, and sexual orientation—shape how sport is experienced and organized.

This course explores how contemporary professional and amateur sport is governed and how sport policy is developed. Students will also be exposed to how such sporting organizations relate to non-sport actors like the state and commercial interest.

Students explore the development of sport from antiquity to the present. Using historical concepts and frameworks, the course will cover topics like the Olympics, indigenous games and sport, doping and performance enhancement, nation building, and the professionalization of sports.

This course explores the relationship between sport and individual and collective wellness. Students will be provided with the tools to consider how different contexts (such as amateur and professional; local and international) support and undermine the physical and mental health and wellness of individuals and communities invested in sporting activities.

This seminar is the capstone seminar for the Certificate in Health, Wellness and Sport in Society. Students are provided with an opportunity to integrate their knowledge of the social study of health, wellness and sport, consider perspectives from different disciplines, and consider the connections between research and the broader public. Emphasis will be placed on the activities of government, the role of voluntary groups and agencies, and citizen participation. Students will complete a major research paper and learn advanced research and presentation skills.