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

The course seeks to raise awareness of sport as a form of political action through the analysis of historical moments, key figures, languages, and narratives. It also aims to explore the necessary policies related to sports. The course is divided into thematic sections covering the Ancient Olympic Games, the Modern Olympic Games, football, and contemporary issues.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will be able to distinguish between the instrumental use of sport for political purposes—such as propaganda or sportwashing—and positive interactions, such as sport’s role as a tool of soft power or diplomacy. The course will also provide students with analytical tools to assess the current state of sports policies in Italy, particularly in light of the amendment to Article 33 of the Constitution in September 2022, and to reflect on future developments.

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of lectures delivered by the professor, with students required to produce a thematic paper on a chosen topic.

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 revival of the Olympic Games: from a pedagogical intent to a political tool. The role of Pierre de Coubertin.
• Interaction between history and politics in the evolution of the Modern Olympic Games.
• Major moments in the history of the Modern Olympic Games with significant political implications.
• Interaction between history and politics in the history of football, from its origins to the present day.
• Major football events and the risks of sportwashing.
• The ultras movement and its politicization.
• Sport and major events as instruments of diplomacy and soft power.
• The relationship between sport and politics and contemporary sports policies.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Required readings:

Gasparri, Moris, 2021 Il potere della vittoria. Dagli agoni omerici agli sport globali, Salerno editrice

Brizzi, Riccardo e Sbetti, Nicola, 2022 La diplomazia del pallone, Le Monnier

Additional readings:

Additional texts or parts of them will be indicated during the lessons.

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy