Faculty of Business: Leisure, Sport and Tourism
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level: Undergraduate

Result Type: Grade and marks

Handbook description

This subject considers theories of relevance to the society in which leisure, sport, human movement and tourism professionals practise. It examines some of the key features of the way Australia has experienced change and the impacts this has had on leisure, sport, human movement and tourism. The subject explores key identity markers, such as gender, sexuality, the family, age and ethnicity and how they contribute to the practices and experiences of users and professionals in these fields.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Locate leisure, sport, human movement and tourism within the wider social and cultural environment.
2. Identify and discuss key theoretical concepts underpinning Australian society and culture.
3. Apply key sociocultural theoretical perspectives to leisure, sport, human movement and tourism.
4. Examine the relationships between theoretical perspectives and professional practice.

Contribution to graduate profile

Sociocultural Foundations of Leisure, Sport and Tourism is a core subject, which provides a foundation to sociocultural concepts and theories for all undergraduate programs in the School of Leisure, Sport and Tourism. It considers social and cultural theories of relevance to the environment in which leisure, sport, human movement and tourism participants and professionals operate. It explores society and the interplay of structure and culture especially in the Australian context. Various theoretical perspectives are presented to examine several levels of society: from individual behaviour to groups and institutions; and the macro-social, cultural, political and economic context.

Teaching and learning strategies

Typically, there will be a one hour lecture followed by a video or 'Pre-Tutorial Activity' for one hour and then a one hour Tutorial. The lectures, activities and tutorials will incorporate a range of teaching and experiential learning strategies including videos, simulations, debates, readings, workbook and case studies. Content for this subject will be supported by UTS Online.

Students are required to complete ALL the assigned readings and to participate in class discussions and activities. In addition to weekly attendance at the lecture, pre-tutorial and tutorial sessions and completion of problem solving exercises, students are required to submit an essay and sit an examination to complete the learning requirements for this subject.

Content

• Introduce major sociological theories, concepts and the sociological imagination
• Identify and understand the impact of sociocultural constraints on leisure, sport and tourism. Celebrate diversity in leisure, sport and tourism
• Develop the writing and referencing skills necessary for producing an academic essay
• Understand the concept of globalisation and its effect on leisure, sport and tourism
• Consider various definitions and understandings of power in leisure, sport and tourism
• Discover how the media informs and influences leisure, sport and tourism behaviour
• Consider the sociocultural effects of consumerism and commodification on leisure, sport and tourism
• Explore the concept of authenticity and the phenomenon of virtual reality.

Assessment

Short Essay Assignment	20%
This addresses objectives 1-4.
Major Essay (Individual)	40%
This addresses objectives 1-4.
Final Examination (Individual)	40%
This addresses objectives 1-4.

The examination is conducted under University examination conditions, and hence thoroughly addresses concerns regarding secure assessment. The topics of the essays will be revised each semester to ensure currency of content and security of assessment. Individuals are required to submit reference lists for their own work for each assessment task, which reduces the possibility for plagiarism.

Recommended text(s)

Sociocultural Foundations of Leisure Sport and Tourism Workbook.

(A compilation of required readings, activities, assignments and guidelines. The Workbook includes extracts from appropriate journals to be read as preparation for each week's learning activities).

Indicative references

Bessant , J. and Watts, R. (2002). Sociology Australia. Sydney: Allen and Unwin.

Dann, G. (2002). The Tourist as a Metaphor of the Social World. Oxon: CAB International.

Patterson, I. and Taylor, T. (eds) (2001). Celebrating Inclusion and Diversity in Leisure. Melbourne: HM Leisure Planning Pty Ltd.

Urry, J. (2002). The Tourist Gaze, 2nd edition. London, Sage.