Sport and politics are inseparable today. World Cups win (and lose) elections; Olympic medallists become members of parliament - even presidents; public resources are poured into 'sport for all'-style campaigns; games such as those in Beijing raise crucial human rights issues; and performance-enhancing drugs damage national as well as individual reputations. This course explores the complex and changing relationship between sport, politics, nations and peoples. Topics covered include sport and human rights, sport and gender politics, sport and social policy, the political economy of sport, nationalism in sport and the politics of sporting celebrity. At the end of the course, students should

1) Have gained an insight into how politicians use sport.
2) Have developed an understanding of the way sport reflects political conditions.
3) Have considered if/how sport contributes to the political culture.

Compensates from VALTP5, 2 cr or VALTA3, 2 cr.