SPS 101. Introduction to Sports Studies.3 Credits.
This course introduces students to the social, historical, cultural, economic and political importance of sports. Students become familiar with the growing role and influence of sports in business, health sciences and communications on the local, national and global stage. This course also introduces students to the study of sports and the interdisciplinary research being done by scholars from various fields. This is a required course for the Sports Studies minor.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall
SPS 106. Multimedia Production Techniques For Sports.3 Credits.
Students learn the basics of digital production, including video cameras, composition and lighting, capturing audio, continuity, interviewing, voiceovers, music beds, graphics, and shooting and editing action. Assignments for SPS students are focused on sports.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
SPS 176. Baseball and Statistics.3 Credits.
This course covers Sabermetrics: the use of standard statistical topics to analyze data derived from baseball records. The book, "Moneyball," is read to understand how Billy Beane used statistics to bring success to the Oakland Athletics. The standard statistical topics covered include exploratory data analysis, elementary probability, discrete probability distributions, normal probability distributions, sampling distributions, regression and correlation. Learning to use Excel to do statistical analysis is an integral part of the course. Students must possess a basic knowledge of baseball. Students cannot receive credit for MA 170 and SPS 176. Math placement level 2 required for course registration.
Prerequisites: Take MA 170 or MA 107 or MA 110.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
UC: Breadth Elective
SPS 200. Special Topics in Sports Studies.3 Credits.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed
SPS 202. Sports Leadership.3 Credits.
This course offers an opportunity for students to explore leadership as a crucial component of success in several contexts, including sports business. Some of the questions this course examines include: How are good leaders developed? What makes a leader successful? How do organizational and situational factors influence leadership? Students explore various leadership theories and topics including leadership development, ethics, motivation, communication, diversity and gender within the context of sports business. Students can receive credit for only one of the following courses: MG 202 and SPS 202.
Prerequisites: Take SPS 101.
Offered: Every year, Fall
SPS 203. College Athletics Administration.3 Credits.
There is far more that goes into an athletic contest than meets the eye! This course will offer the opportunity for the student to gain information and understanding of the various practices and procedures associated with college athletics administration and management. This course will analyze the various units within the typical college athletic department and how each unit plays a crucial role in the success of the student-athlete, athletic department, and the University. Real-world problem-solving strategies will be discussed and debated. Students will use industry-standard resources such as podcasts, publications, and webinars.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Summer
SPS 224. Sports Law.3 Credits.
Sports law is a growing and evolving area of law, affecting all those who play, officiate or watch sports. Legal issues involve athletes, athletic competition, athletic teams and leagues, fans and sports in general, on the student, amateur and professional levels. Students study the legal concepts surrounding sports, and learn to apply them to the issues that arise.
Prerequisites: Take LE 101 and SPS 101.
Offered: Every year, Spring
SPS 240. Philosophy of Sport.3 Credits.
This course looks at the philosophical study of sport. It considers the purpose, meaning and value of different sports, of various involvements in sport, and of different levels in sport. It also is concerned with what philosophers have to say about sport, and with what the study of sport can contribute to philosophy and to the human quest for the loving, the true, the good and the beautiful.
Prerequisites: Take SPS 101.
Offered: Every other year, Spring
SPS 280. The Art of the Podcast.3 Credits.
This hands-on course explores creative audio storytelling via the podcast. Students learn how to research, write, record, edit and self-publish creative nonfiction and fictional stories that are both original, and emulate some of the most popular podcasts on the market. Special emphasis is placed on audio gathering techniques, storytelling techniques and interviewing for live and recorded shows.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed, Spring
SPS 300. Special Topics in Sports Studies.3 Credits.
Prerequisites: Take SPS 101.
Offered: As needed
SPS 307. Sociology of Sport.3 Credits.
This course includes an analysis of sport as a social and cultural institution and interrelations between sport and societal subsystems. Students explore selected issues of sociocultural aspects of sport and exercise, and analyze contemporary problems associated with sport, including race relations, the traditional and emergent role of females, leisure behaviors, aggression and violence, as well as political and economic concerns.
Prerequisites: Take SO 101, SPS 101.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
SPS 309. International Sport Business.3 Credits.
As the sport industry becomes increasingly global, the ability to manage across diverse markets, cultures, and organizational systems is essential. This course examines contemporary issues in international sport management and considers how cultural contexts across continents and countries influence the development, governance, and operations of sport. Students will analyze management structures in youth programs, professional leagues, and mega-events, evaluating how these systems shape organizational effectiveness and industry growth. Through case studies, discussions, and experiential learning assignments, students will reflect on real-world challenges and opportunities in managing sport across borders, while building the global competencies required for effective leadership in today's sport industry.
Prerequisites: Take SPS 101.
Offered: Every year, Spring
SPS 311. Sports Public Relations.3 Credits.
This class is a comprehensive review of sports event planning and management. Students examine such topics as strategic planning, budgeting and time management.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
SPS 312. Sports Management.3 Credits.
This course offers an opportunity for students to gain information and understanding of the various practices and procedures associated with sport administration and management. Organizational structure, management decisions and challenges, as well as career opportunities at the professional, intercollegiate, interscholastic, youth and community sport levels are explored. The areas of sports tourism, sport management agencies and sport facility and event management are analyzed in terms of their impact on the management and business of sports. Students can receive credit for only one of the following courses: MG 312 and SPS 312.
Prerequisites: Take SPS 101.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
SPS 320. Psychology of Sport and Exercise.3 Credits.
This course provides an overview of psychological research related to sports and exercise. Topics include a variety of perspectives within psychology, including personality, motivation, group dynamics, concentration, and health and well-being. The course emphasizes the importance of a thorough understanding of underlying theoretical concepts as well as practical applications to teaching, coaching and one's personal exercise regimen.
Prerequisites: Take PS 101, SPS 101.
Offered: Every other year, Fall
SPS 322. Contemporary Issues in Sports and Entertainment Management.3 Credits.
This course explores the complex, rapidly evolving business landscape within the sports and entertainment industries. Students will critically examine the strategic, financial, operational, and ethical challenges faced by teams, leagues, agencies, venues, and content creators. Through case studies, simulations, and interviews with professionals, learners will investigate key topics such as athlete branding and NIL, sponsorship and revenue models, digital innovation, labor relations, diversity and inclusion, and fan engagement strategies. Emphasis is placed on applied decision-making, problem solving, and entrepreneurial thinking within the business units of sports and entertainment organizations.
Prerequisites: Take MG 312 or SPS 312.
Offered: Every year, All
SPS 325. Sports Economics.3 Credits.
The primary focus of this course is professional sports. Topics include microeconomic foundations of sports economics, industrial organization of the sport industry, antitrust and regulation, financing sports stadiums, labor and racism issues and the economics of college sports.
Prerequisites: Take EC 112.
Offered: As needed
SPS 361. Sports Reporting.3 Credits.
This course introduces students to coverage of sports for the news media and includes writing game stories and sports profiles.
Prerequisites: Take JRN 260 or JRN 263.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
SPS 362. The Story of Football.3 Credits.
This course traces the historical trajectory of American football and the coaches, players and media portrayals that transformed the game from a 19th-century collegiate test of manliness to what it is today: a spectator sport of immense appeal whose popularity endures despite more than a century of concerns over the game's sometimes lethal and debilitating violence.
Prerequisites: Take SPS 101.
Offered: Every year, Fall
SPS 364. Sports Broadcasting.3 Credits.
This course introduces students to the concepts and content of what makes a good sports broadcaster. Aspects of sports broadcasting, both from inside the studio and outside on the field of play are explored. Students will learn and take on all the roles involved in sports broadcasting: that of a studio host, play by play, analyst, sideline reporter, interviewer and more.
Prerequisites: Take JRN 263
Offered: Every year, All
SPS 399. Independent Study.3 Credits.
Independent Study. Requires approval of the sports studies director.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed
SPS 400. Special Topics in Sports Studies.3 Credits.
This course, offered as part of the Sports Studies minor, is offered as needed to explore current topics and trends in sports studies. In most cases, senior status is required.
Prerequisites: Take SPS 101.
Offered: As needed
SPS 420. Sports, Media and Society.3 Credits.
This class examines the social, political, economic and historical significance of the intersection of sports, media and society. Some of the questions this course examines include: What role have sports played in shaping cultures throughout history? What is the relationship between sports and media? How do sports, through the media, influence U.S. culture today? What is the role of sports media professionals in U.S. culture? This course is specifically designed for students interested in sports journalism, production and/or promotion.
Prerequisites: Take SPS 101.
Offered: Every year, Spring
SPS 488. Internship.3 Credits.
Students have the option to participate in an internship with a sports-related organization. The fieldwork is jointly supervised by the cooperating organization or corporation and the director of the sports studies minor. The internship adheres to standard Quinnipiac University regulations and procedures regarding internships. Requires approval of the sports studies director.
Prerequisites: Take SPS 101.
Offered: Every year, All
SPS 499. Independent Study.3 Credits.
This course is designed for SPS minors who wish to complete an individual research or professional project supervised by a faculty member affiliated with the sports studies minor. The project demonstrates a sophisticated understanding and critical analysis of a sports-related topic. Students present the findings of their research in a 15-18 page essay due at the end of the semester. Requires approval of the sports studies director.
Prerequisites: Take SPS 101.
Offered: Every year, All