Explore the world of football (soccer), the money, the rivalries, the trends, the past, the present, the men’s game, the women's game and the real issues. Whether you love it, hate it or try to ignore it – join us as we go behind the scenes to examine why football is more than just a game.
Football: More than a Game
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4.6
(31 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
29 hours to complete
3 weeks at 9 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
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Assessments
5 assignments
Taught in English
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There are 6 modules in this course
This week considers the past, football myths and how history can help us understand football today. We will explore an extraordinary football journey not only taking in major milestones along the way, but getting a feel for how history can help us understand the present as well as the past.
What's included
5 videos11 readings1 assignment3 discussion prompts
We now move on to consider the game to-day and how it has grown into a global spectacle. In 2023 the English Premier League chief executive stated that we should not be too concerned at the moment about Saudi Arabia's growing influence in world football. In 2022 we had the Men’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar and in 2023 the Women’s FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Local teams in parts of the world are teaming up with other teams in other countries as we increasingly think of clusters or families of football clubs working together. Many local football teams have an international reach with a fan base that does not live in the local community but connects with the club through a world that is connected through social media. When Ronaldo signed for Al Nassr club in Saudi Arabia international broadcasters from over 170 territories became interested. It is this relationship between the global and local that we ask you to think about this week.
What's included
6 videos14 readings1 assignment3 discussion prompts
It is impossible to cover every great club and rivalry. Nonetheless, in Week 3 we will look at football wealth, rivalry, community, and matches that made a difference.
What's included
6 videos21 readings1 assignment3 discussion prompts
We take a look at three different competitions, the Men’s World Cup, the Women’s World Cup and the Homeless World Cup.
What's included
7 videos31 readings1 assignment5 discussion prompts
In week five we examine how football helps with international development, diplomacy and peace. We continue to advance the case for football delivering non-football outcomes. As a form of soft power football is often able to broker moments of normality within tense situations or periods of conflict. The activities associated with this week introduce you to issues of development, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. You are asked to consider whether football can act as a resource of hope. You are asked to continue thinking about football delivering Non-Football Outcomes.
What's included
2 videos13 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts
This final week introduces you to some issues around football finance and governance It also provides you with an opportunity to consider why you think football is more than a game.
What's included
12 videos16 readings1 peer review5 discussion prompts
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4.6 (17 ratings)
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The University of Tokyo
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
University of Michigan
University of Michigan
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