KNES 296 (D) Sport and Physical Culture in Ancient Greece
The University of Scranton Department of Health and Human Performance - Kinesiology Program
Summer 2024 - Tentative dates May 20 to May 30 

Credit hours: 3.0

Students must reach out to Dr. Joan Grossman if they wish to enroll.  joan.grossman@scranton.edu

Students should not apply through this site until receiving permission from Dr Grossman.                      
 
Professors:    
Joan A. Cebrick Grossman, PhD, RDN        
Leahy Hall 720                                              
570-941-4721                                                  
joan.grossman@scranton.edu                         
 
Andrew Venezia, PhD
Leahy Hall 726
570-941-6745
andrew.venezia@scranton.edu


Course Description:  This travel course explores athletic competition and physical culture in ancient Greece. The course will examine the beginnings and importance of athletic competition within the Greek society. Students will gain an understanding of the influence that athletic competition in ancient Greece has had on modern day sport and athletics. 
 
Course Goal:  The goal of this study abroad/travel course is designed for students to explore Greece and gain a deeper understanding of athletic competition and the kinesiology discipline from the perspective of ancient Greek civilization to the modern day. 
 
Prerequisites:  No course pre-requisites required. 
 
Pedagogical Approach/Methodology: Content will be presented via readings, day trips of country travel and experiences, group discussions, journal entries and course-end reflection paper.
 
Course Learning Objectives
 

• Learn about the influences the Greek people and their civilization had in the formation of the kinesiology discipline specific to  athletic competition via touring multiple different cities throughout Greece.
• Gain an understanding of the history of ancient Greece specific to physical activity, and athletics as part of their societal culture.
• Explain the importance of athletic excellence in Ancient Greek times, in relation to health, culture, religion, community and environment.                                       
• Compare and contrast the cultural differences/diversity within ancient Greek athletics/kinesiology to traditional modern-day athletics/kinesiology in the United States.
• Discuss contemporary world issues based on an international perspective of the historical, political, economic, and social developments of diverse cultures.
• Demonstrate, either through language, art, literature, theatre, or music, knowledge of a culture(s) different from their own.