OVERVIEW

The course aims to reconstruct, from its origins in ancient Greece to the present day, the intertwining and constant interaction between sport and politics. The objective is to demonstrate the inseparable link between sport and political action, reflected both in the use of sport as a propaganda tool and in the necessary development of sports policies.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge objectives: to provide awareness of sport as political action through the analysis of historical events, figures, languages, and narratives.

Competence objectives: students will distinguish between the instrumental use of sport for political purposes (e.g., propaganda, sportwashing) and virtuous interactions (e.g., diplomacy, soft power). They will also be able to critically assess Italian sports policies, particularly in light of the 2023 amendment to Article 33 of the Constitution.

Behavior objectives: the course aims to foster critical citizenship through sport and reflection on the political implications of major sporting events.
Special attention will be given to the political role assumed by athletes in different historical contexts, from dissent and activism to their cultural and symbolic influence.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, students will develop:
- ability to distinguish between propaganda, soft power, sports diplomacy and sportwashing
- ability to analyze historical sports events from a political perspective
- ability to assess Italian sports policies and compare them to international models
- ability to reflect on the political role of athletes and spectators
- ability to link sports narratives with power dynamics
- ability to use interpretative tools for academic and professional development

PREREQUISITES

No prerequisites required.

TEACHING METHODS

The lessons mode is in presence; attendance is not mandatory. The course consists of 36 hours of frontal lessons delivered by the professor, some of wich online. Students will be asked to produce a thematic paper on a topic of their choice. During the lessons, the topics indicated in the "Program/Content" section will be covered; the lessons will be enriched by guests who will deal with some specific topics covered by the teaching. During the lessons, slides will be shown, which will then be uploaded to Aulaweb, available to attending and non-attending students.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

- Interaction between history and politics in the ancient Olympic Games

- Sport and the polis as a tool for building active citizenship

- The soldier-athlete and the political athlete in ancient Greece

- The rebirth of the Olympic Games: from pedagogical intent to political instrument

- Major political moments in the history of the modern Olympic Games and the future of Olympic -and not- sport (USA, China, India, Saudi Arabia)

- Football as a mirror of society and politics

- Major football events and the risk of sportswashing

- The world of ultras and its politicization

- Sport and major events as instruments of diplomacy and soft power

- Sports policies in Italy: present and future prospects

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Testo obbligatorio: (Mandatory text)

Berruto, Mauro, Lo sport al potere, Add editore, 2025

Testi consigliati: (Reccomended texts)

Gasparri, Moris, Il potere della vittoria. Dagli agoni omerici agli sport globali, Salerno editrice, 2021
Brizzi, Riccardo e Sbetti, Nicola, La diplomazia del pallone, Le Monnier, 2022

Ulteriori letture verranno indicate nel corso delle lezioni.
Additional readings will be suggested during the course.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MAURO BERRUTO (President)

SALVATORE BRUNO BARBA (President Substitute)

GIORGIO SANDULLI (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

First semester, September 2025, starting from the first available week (September 15)

Lesson and exam schedules and locations on the Easyacademy Unige portal: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Multiple-choice written test and optional written essay.

The final grade will be based on the test results and the evaluation of the essay submission, if any.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam will test knowledge of the historical section covered and awareness of the tools for implementing sports policies.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students are encouraged to consult the materials uploaded to Aulaweb. Specific information will be provided during class.