GEO 377 SOCCER AND GLOBALIZATION

Soccer is the world’s most popular sport. Globally, over 250 million people actively play and over three billion people watch the World Cup. This course uses soccer as a detailed case study to better understand the breadth and magnitude of globalization in the modern world. Based on the perspectives of cultural geography, economic geography and political geography, the class explores how soccer both informs and reflects our changing world. Students will study how the modern game has evolved at both club and national levels, particularly in relation to immigration and economics, and will examine how soccer variably infuses different cultures and political systems around the world. Built upon readings, videos, individual research, and discussion forums, students will prepare multiple essays and a research paper on a topic of their choice.