Film & Television Studies: Sports in TV & Film

Advanced study of an area of film and/or television theory, such as psychoanalysis, feminism, historicism, or formalism. May be repeated for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: FTS 1400, FTS 1420, or FTS 1430.

Prereqs enforced by the system: FTS 1400 or FTS 1420 or FTS 1430; PACE students by permission and override

This course explores the representation of sport in film and television as well as how sports function within the broader media industry and engage audiences. In so doing, we will consider how sports serve as a lens for broader cultural, social, and political themes. Through readings, screenings, and critical analysis, we will investigate how sports shape identity, including intersections of gender, sexuality, race, class, and nationalism. The course will cover a range of genres—from classic sports dramas to contemporary documentaries and live sports broadcasts. Additionally, the course will investigate the business of sports media, including the role of major networks, streaming platforms, sponsorships, and the economics of sports storytelling. We will also explore audience engagement, from fandom and participatory culture to the emotional and communal experiences of watching sports on screen. Through critical readings, screenings, and discussions, students will develop a deeper understanding of sport as both a powerful narrative device and a key driver of the media landscape. Students will engage with key theoretical concepts in film and media studies, including spectatorship, narrative structure, and the construction of celebrity, while also discussing the evolving role of sports media in the digital age.