Week 17: Wayne Gretzky, Ice Hockey

Mo 5.14
Class: Course review

Assignment: Extra-Credit

The game is almost over

Your extra-credit assignment asks that you reflect upon a semester's worth of reading and writing about sports. What about the subject matter struck you as most interesting? What surprised you? Did you change your mind about any particular sport? Were any preconceived notions of yours changed or challenged? In a reflection-style response, consider the experience of studying various aspects of sports in an English composition class.

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly two-full pages in length

Worth up to 10 extra-credit pts.

Due: Friday, May 18th by noon via email

Sporting News 05.07.12

San Jose's newly out gymnast hopes to compete in London

• San Jose's Josh Dixon, Stanford gymnast and Olympic-hopeful, announces he's gay San Jose Mercury News
• The New York Mets honor The Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch Yahoo! Sports
  
• Murder at the Kentucky Derby USA Today
• Boy fights to stay on all-girls field hockey team, invokes Title IX Huffington Post
• Canadian host cities for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup announced Washington Times
• This is it: Michael Phelps to retire after London games CNN

Week 16: Lance Armstrong, Cycling

Between 199 and 2005, Armstrong won a record seven Tours de France

Mo 5.7
Class: Final exam prep; Lecture—“The Final Exam: Thesis Strategies”

We 5.9
Class: Final exam prep
Due: REFLECTION 8

Sa 5.12
FINAL EXAM: 8 AM, SH100—Bring: 1 large yellow book, pens, and a print dictionary. No electronic devices allowed during the exam.

Upcoming:

Week 17: Wayne Gretzky, Ice Hockey
Mo 5.14
Class: Course review

Reflection 08: I Want to Play!—Crossing Gender Lines in Sports

It can be challenging to break through sports' gender barriers

Sometimes, a girl just wants to wrestle. Other times, a boy just wants to cheer. But American sports are still largely separated by gender lines. Athletes and fans alike often have trouble accepting men and women entering sports traditionally played by the opposite sex. And yet, all across the country, boys and girls are challenging gender stereotypes in sports everyday. Against sometimes great odds, girls are donning hockey gear and boys are becoming synchronized swimmers. Still, why is America so resistant to athletes crossing the gender lines? Why do questions of these players' sexuality invariably arise? Will gender divisions ever be a thing of the past? Finally, are you comfortable when traditional gender roles in sports are challenged?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• 'The Curious Case of Niklas Stoepel" (ESPN)
• "Boy Cheerleader Tyler Wilson Won't Quit Despite Arm Broken by Bullies" (ABCNews)
• "Girl Football Player Sits Out Game After Foe Threatens Forfeit" (Yahoo! Sports)
• "Girl Wrestler Makes History in Iowa" (CBS News)

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly two pages in length
• A Works Cited page 

Due: We 5.08

Sporting News 05.02.12

Former NFL linebacker Junior Seau has been found dead

• An NFL legend found dead: Junior Seau dies in apparent suicide Huffington Post
• SJSU, Utah State joining Mountain West ESPN
• Troy Dumais trying to become the first U.S. male diver to compete in four Olympics USA Today
• Sharks coach Todd McLellan's future with the team unclear San Jose Mercury News 
• The NFL makes an example of the New Orleans Saints Sports Illustrated 
• MLS representative: Female superfans are a "turn-off" ESPN

 

Week 15: Serena Williams, Tennis

So far, Williams has earned 27 Grand Slam titles and 2 Olympic gold medals

Mo 4.30
Class: Watch—Dare to Dream: The Story of the U.S. Women's Soccer Team (2005)

We 5.2
Class: Lecture—“Speed Dates: Thesis Statements”
Due: EDITORIAL ESSAY

Upcoming:

Week 16: Lance Armstrong, Cycling
Mo 5.7
Class: Final exam prep; Lecture—“The Final Exam: Thesis Strategies”

We 5.9
Class: Final exam prep
Due: REFLECTION 8

Sa 5.12
FINAL EXAM: 8 AM, LOCATION TBD

Week 17: Wayne Gretzky, Ice Hockey
Mo 5.14
Class: Course review

Assignment: Editorial Essay

The AAGPBL paved the way for women's pro leagues, like the WNBA

It's no secret that women's professional sports leagues in the United States face an uphill battle. For example, the country's most established female sports league, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), trails the National Basketball Association (NBA) in both popularity and profitability. Meanwhile, America's other large league, Women's Professional Soccer (WPS), has cancelled its 2012 season and may not return. And aside from a brief run in the late 90s, women's professional baseball hasn't existed in this country since the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. To be fair, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and Women's Tennis Association (WTA), two non-team sports leagues have thrived for years. But team-sports leagues have struggled. Why? Why is it such a challenge to establish women's professional sports in America? What can be done to help one succeed on a grander scale? In a concise editorial, explain how you believe a women's sports league can flourish when so many have failed. What would you do to ensure a prosperous future for these talented athletes? How would you increase visibility? Lure in big-name sponsors? Secure lucrative television contracts? Finally, what does the struggle of these leagues say to us about American society? Use at least four of the following articles to support your plan:

• “Why the WNBA Isn't—and Will Never Be—a Popular League” (Sports Illustrated)
• “Has Women's Soccer Gained Any Respect?” (Baltimore Sun)
• “Women’s Professional Soccer Fights to Keep Its Top Status” (New York Times)
• “Why Women’s Sports Struggle to Gain Popularity” (KPBS)
• "How Media Affects Our Perception of an Athletes Race and Gender” (The Sports Digest)
• “Women Athletes Have a Reason to Celebrate” (GPhilly)
• “Can Women Play with the Men?” (espnW)
• “State of Uncertainty for Women's Sports” (ESPN)

Requirements:

• MLA Style, including parenthetical citation
• 3-page minimum
• Cite from at least four of the above articles
• Include a works cited page 

The best papers:

• Stay within the parameters of the subject matter
• Have a concise thesis which clearly outlines a plan for a successful women's sports league
• Are written in a voice that is casual, yet informed
• Clearly support their thesis with solid evidence and a logical structure, citing from at least four articles above
• Conclude with a summation of the argument
• Properly cite evidence using MLA's parenthetical citation method
• Are in compliance with MLA Style

Sample editorials from various national newspapers:

• "Rain, Snow, Sleet, and Congress" New York Times 
• "Why wait to get troops out of Afghanistan?" Chicago Sun-Times
• "Obama, the Happy Drug Warrior" San Francisco Chronicle 
•  "Problem Children" Las Vegas Sun
• "Public Education Deserves Respect" Kansas City Star
• "Dalai Lama Proves an Endearing Icon" San Diego Union-Tribune 

Due: We 5.2

Week 14: Michael Phelps, Swimming

To date, Phelps has won 16 Olympic medals

Mo 4.23
Read: eR—“Can Women Play with the Men?” (espnW), “State of Uncertainty for Women's Sports” (ESPN)
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations

We 4.25
Class: Lecture—“Sports on TV”

Upcoming:

Week 15: Serena Williams, Tennis
Mo 4.30
Class: Watch—Dare to Dream: The Story of the U.S. Women's Soccer Team (2005)

We 5.2
Class: Lecture—“Speed Dates: Thesis Statements”
Due: EDITORIAL ESSAY

Week 16: Lance Armstrong, Cycling
Mo 5.7
Class: Final exam prep; Lecture—“The Final Exam: Thesis Strategies”

We 5.9
Class: Final exam prep
Due: REFLECTION 8

Sa 5.12
FINAL EXAM: 8 AM, LOCATION TBD

Week 17: Wayne Gretzky, Ice Hockey
Mo 5.14
Class: Course review

Sporting News 04.21.12

• 25 games: Number of games Phoenix Coyotes’ Raffi Torres is suspended from after brutal blindside hit Hockey News
• Tweet by the Athletics' Brandon MacCarthy: They put two guys on the 'Kiss Cam' tonight. What hilarity!! (by hilarity I mean offensive homophobia). Enough with this stupid trend. NBC Sports
• A tribute to women's basketball legend Pat Summitt, the winningest coach in NCAA history USA Today
• The new 49ers' new stadium in Santa Clara breaks ground CBS News
• Marc Cuban wonders why NBA stars aren't being paid for the Olympics FOXSports
• The MLS' ratings on NBC off to a decent start Yahoo! Sports

 

Week 13: Mary Lou Retton, Gymnastics

Retton won 5 gold medals at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles

Mo 4.16
Read: eR—“Women’s Professional Soccer Fights to Keep Its Top Status” (New York Times), “Why Women’s Sports Struggle to Gain Popularity” (KPBS)
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY (FINAL DRAFT—ATTACH: A. ONE COPY OF DRAFTS 1 & 2 AND B. A TWO PARAGRAPH RATIONALE FOR YOUR FIRST AND SECOND REVISIONS)

We 4.18
Read: eR— “How Media Affects Our Perception of an Athletes Race and Gender” (The Sports Digest), “Women Athletes Have a Reason to Celebrate” (GPhilly)
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: REFLECTION 7

Upcoming:

WEEK 14: MICHAEL PHELPS, SWIMMING
Mo 4.23
Read: eR—“Can Women Play with the Men?” (espnW), “State of Uncertainty for Women's Sports” (ESPN)
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations

We 4.25
Class: Lecture—“Sports on TV”
Due: EDITORIAL ESSAY
 

Sporting News 04.14.12

The Giants' closer must have season-ending elbow surgery

• Elbowed out: The Giants' Brian Wilson likely out for season Huffington Post
• Have they created a monster?: Will the Dodgers become a new poaching power? Los Angeles Times
• What do the San Jose Sharks really owe their fans? Bleacher Report
  
• In negotiations: The IOC wants Saudi Arabia to allow female athletes ESPN
• US vs. Canada for women's hockey gold The Province 
• Tragedy: Italian soccer player collapses on field and dies San Jose Mercury News

 

Reflection 07: C'mon, That's Not a Sport—What Is and Isn't a Sport

What are the guidelines for defining an activity as a sport?

Baseball definitely is. So are hockey and volleyball. And, of course, football. In America, there are those recreational activities that are, without question, a "sport." Without hesitation we label certain endeavors as sports, and, in turn, those who participant in them are called athletes. Yet, not all activities are so easily labeled as sports. Activities as varied as synchronized swimming, arm wrestling, auto racing, and hunting have vied to be labeled a sport. But just what is a sport? For example, why are football players unquestionably athletes, yet the cheerleaders who encourage them are not? What is the criteria by which we judge these activities and are they all judged equally? What is the difference between a sport and a game? For this reflection, consider those endeavors that you consider to be sports—and those you do not.

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "Settling the Debates: Is It a Sport or Not a Sport?" (Bleacher Report)
• "Poker is Definitely Not a Sport" (Yahoo! Sports)
• "Cheerleading Doesn't Count as a Real Sport, Judge Rules" (Christian Science Monitor)
• "Is Ballroom Dancing a Sport?" (Guardian)

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly two pages in length
• A Works Cited page 

Due: Th 4.19

Week 12: Greg Louganis, Diving

Louganis is a four-time Olympic gold medal winning diver

Mo 4.09
Class: Reading discussion, Writers workshop
Due: REFLECTION 6; CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY (DRAFT 2—BRING 3 COPIES)

We 4.11
Read: eR—“Why the WNBA Isn't—and Will Never Be—a Popular League” (Sports Illustrated), “Has Women's Soccer Gained Any Respect?” (Baltimore Sun)
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations

Upcoming:

Week 13: Mary Lou Retton, Gymnastics
Mo 4.16
Read: eR—“Women’s Professional Soccer Fights to Keep Its Top Status” (New York Times), “Why Women’s Sports Struggle to Gain Popularity” (KPBS)
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY (FINAL DRAFT—ATTACH: A. ONE COPY OF DRAFTS 1 & 2 AND B. A TWO PARAGRAPH RATIONALE FOR YOUR FIRST AND SECOND REVISIONS)

We 4.18
Read: eR— “How Media Affects Our Perception of an Athletes Race and Gender” (The Sports Digest), “Women Athletes Have a Reason to Celebrate” (GPhilly)
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: REFLECTION 7

Sporting News 04.07.12

The Saudi Olympic team: Women need not apply

• Saudi Arabia to Olympics: We will not be sending any female athletes to London Chicago Tribune
• New book: OJ Simpson's son was the real killer Fox News
• April 19th: Groundbreaking for new 49ers stadium in Santa Clara San Jose Mercury News
• Boat protester raises questions about security at the London Olympics Associated Press
• Playing from the bench: The Sharks' Ryan Clowe cheated? TheHockeyWriters
• President Obama think Augusta National Golf Club should admit women Fox News

 

Reflection 06: Team Colors—Race and Pro Sports

The Knicks' Jeremy Lin is a trailblazing Asian pro athlete

Traditionally, professional American sports have had a complicated relationship with race. Early pro leagues routinely excluded athletes of color, and many sports didn't sanction them until the mid-20th century. In fact, it took pioneers, such as Wilma Rudolph and Jackie Robinson, to eventually break down many barriers for non-white athletes. Today, the country's major sports leagues are much more integrated, yet certain sports—and certain attitudes—remain as roadblocks. For example, the recent success of the Knicks' Jeremy Lin highlighted both a breakthrough in racial representation and the deep divides of race in professional sports. As much as Lin was heralded for his success, he also faced a barrage of often racist criticism. How far have we come in our views about sports and race? Does there still exist the perception that some sports are primarily for whites? (Or that some sports that are primarily for non-whites?) And what of athletes of different races criticizing one other? For example, was Floyd Mayweather right when he said that "Jeremy Lin is a good player but all the hype is because he's Asian. Black players do what he does every night and don't get the same praise"?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "Quiz: White Men Can't Jump and Other Assumptions About Race and Sports" (UnderstandingRace.org)
• "Breaking Down ESPN’s Race and Sports Survey" (GoodMenProject)
• "Jeremy Lin and the Failure of Sports’ Racial Stereotypes" (ThinkProgress)
• "Blacks, Sports and Lingering Racial Stereotypes: A Q&A with Sports Sociologist Ben Carrington" (Shelf Life @ Texas)

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly one page in length
• A Works Cited page 

Due: Mo 4.09

Week 11: Walter Payton, Football

A Pro Football Hall of Famer, Payton is one of the NFL's most iconic players  

Mo 4.2
Read: MONEY—“The Human Element” – Postscript: Inside Baseball’s Religious War”
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations

We 4.4
Class: Reading discussion, Writers workshop
Due: CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY (DRAFT 1—BRING 3 COPIES)

Upcoming:

Week 12: Greg Louganis, Diving
Mo 4.09
Class: Reading discussion, Writers workshop
Due: REFLECTION 6; CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY (DRAFT 2—BRING 3 COPIES)

We 4.11
Read: eR—“Why the WNBA Isn't—and Will Never Be—a Popular League” (Sports Illustrated), “Has Women's Soccer Gained Any Respect?” (Baltimore Sun)
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

As we wind down, I have decided to mix things up a bit in class. In lieu of the upcoming essay on women's pro sports, I am offering my two sports sections the opportunity to arm wrestle for points. If you agree, you will be paired with someone of the same gender and of similar weight. If you win your match, you automatically gain the full 20 points of the assignment. If you lose, you gain only 10 points, or half the value of the assignment. If interested, leave your name and section number in the Comments section below. All entries must be in by midnight on 04.01. Good luck!

Sporting News 03.31.12

• What could you do in the third grade? San Francisco Chronicle
• Oops!: David Beckham promotional poster for schools deemed inappropriate Daily Mail 
• Blowup: Houston Dynamo's Colin Clark player fined for gay slur SBNation
• Cribs: Take a peek at the most expensive athlete homes Bleacher Report
• Rookie San Jose Shark helps spread the message that "You Can Play" San Jose Mercury News
• San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith joins effort to find Sierra LaMar Yahoo Sports!

Assignment: Cause and Effect Essay

On 2002, Billy Beane revolutionized baseball's approach to winning games

Under the stewardship of general manager Billy Beane, the 2002 Oakland Athletics won an unprecedented 20 games in a row, an American League record. To do so, the A's needed to take a new approach to scoring runs. What was that new approach and what precipitated the change? Likewise, besides the winning streak, what effect did Beane's methodology have on Major League Baseball? Cite extensively (and exclusively) from Michael Lewis' Moneyball to support your thesis.

Requirements:

• MLA Style, including parenthetical citation
• 3-page minimum
• Include a works cited page

The best papers will:

• Stay within the parameters of the prompt, examining the circumstances that precipitated Beane's novel approach to scoring runs, as well as the impact of his methodology
• Have a concise thesis that both addresses the subject matter and contains a viable argument
• Clearly support their thesis utilizing solid evidence presented in a logical structure
• Properly cite evidence from Moneyball using MLA's parenthetical citation method
• Conclude with a summation of the main points
• Be formatted according to MLA Style 

Due: We 04.04 (Draft 1—Bring 3 copies)

Week 10: Julio Cesar Chavez, Boxing

Mexico's Chávez won six world titles in three weight divisions

Mo 3.26
No class: Spring break

We 3.28
No class: Spring break

Upcoming:

Week 11: Walter Payton, Football
Mo 4.2
Read: MONEY—“The Human Element” – Postscript: Inside Baseball’s Religious War”
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations

We 4.4
Class: Reading discussion, Writers workshop
Due: CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY (DRAFT 1—BRING 3 COPIES)