Overview
Assignment Overview:
For this research paper, you will select one topic drawn from chapters in the Social Issues in Sport textbook. You will explain a major social issue connected to sport using scholarly sources; analyze how sport interacts with social, cultural, political, or economic forces; evaluate the impact of the issue on athletes, organizations, and society; and develop evidence-based conclusions and recommendations.
Please scroll down and read the specific instructions to help you complete the final project and earn the best possible grade.
Instructions:
Before You Start Writing
Read through the rubric to see what will be evaluated and graded. In addition, please make sure to carefully review the correctly formatted example research paper (see attached) and use it as it is formatted.
Completing the Assignment (requirements)
Instructions:
Students must select one topic drawn from chapters in the Social Issues in Sport textbook. Topics should focus on issues discussed in the textbook and may include, but are not limited to:
- Race and ethnicity in sport
- Gender equity and Title IX
- Social class and access to sport
- Youth sport participation and specialization
- Violence and aggression in sport
- Athlete activism and social protest
- Media representation of athletes
- Disability sport and inclusion
- Globalization of sport
- Ethics, corruption, and governance
- Athlete mental health and well-being
Students must clearly identify the relevant chapter(s) from the textbook in their paper.
Research Paper Components/Sections
1. Introduction (APA Level 1 Heading- title header- click "Headings"Links to an external site. for more help). PLEASE NOTE: Introduction section headers are not allowed in APA 7 papers.
- Introduce the chosen social issue.
- Explain why it is important in the context of sport and society.
- Present a clear thesis statement that outlines the focus of the paper.
2. Background and Theoretical Context (APA Level 1 Heading- click "Headings"Links to an external site. for more help).
- Summarize how the textbook explains the issue.
- Provide historical or social context.
- Introduce relevant theories or concepts (e.g., socialization, power, inequality, hegemony, commercialization).
3. Review of Research/Literature Review (APA Level 1 Heading; click "Headings"Links to an external site. for more help)
- Discuss findings from scholarly research related to the issue.
- Compare and contrast perspectives where appropriate.
- Demonstrate how researchers explain the causes or persistence of the issue.
4. Analysis and Discussion (APA Level 1 Heading; click "Headings"Links to an external site. for more help).
- Analyze how the issue affects sport participants, organizations, and society.
- Identify key stakeholders (athletes, coaches, administrators, media, fans, policymakers).
- Discuss ethical, cultural, or structural implications.
5. Practical Implications and Recommendations (APA Level 1 Heading; click "Headings"Links to an external site. for more help)
- Propose realistic strategies, policies, or practices to address the issue.
- Connect recommendations to research and textbook concepts.
- Discuss the role of leadership, education, or governance in creating change.
- 6. Conclusion (APA Level 1 Heading)
- Summarize key arguments.
- Reinforce the significance of the issue.
- Reflect on the future of sport in relation to this social issue.
The assignment should have at least five (5) pages (not including the title page and reference pages). Address the topic of the assignment using critical thought. The required information listed above should clearly stand out and be unambiguous. Otherwise, it will be determined to be missing.
Submit your paper as a Microsoft Word document. PDFs will not be accepted. See attached grading rubric for what will be assessed:
I will be reviewing any project submitted to see if the project was generated via ChatGPT or other AI systems (see the syllabus for the policy on this). This project is worth 15% of your final grade, so please do not put yourself in a position to not get credit for this by using AI improperly.
Required Texts/Resources/Materials
Woods, R. B., & Butler, B. N. (2026). Social issues in sport (5th ed.). Human Kinetics. ISBN: 978-1-7182-
3502-1