Academic Studies & Teaching
Our teaching portfolio covers all different study programmes here at the GSU and is part of numerous degree programmes in sport science and teacher education.
Our goal is to combine research and teaching in a way that helps students develop a reflective knowledge about sociology as well as practical skills for sustainable sports development.
In addition, we aim to raise students’ awareness of—and motivate them toward—the potential of applying the gained knowledge practically in a multitude contexts.
(Joas, H. (2020). The Sociological Perspective. In H. Joas & S. Mau (Eds.), Textbook of Sociology (4th, completely revised ed., pp. 25–57). Campus, p. 28) (automated translation from German)
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Thesis Supervision
Our teaching activities also include supervising bachelor’s and master’s theses.
Our goal is to ensure professional supervision and high-quality theses. In the supervision process, we follow a supervision guide and provide students with comprehensive information about their theses, including an online portal.
If you are interested in researching a topic in the sociology of sport, please take a look at our research profile on FIS. We have compiled the research areas of our staff as well as possible specific topics here.
If you are interested, please contact the department´s office or the researchers directly, depending on the topic.
As head of the institute, Prof. Astrid Schubring supervises doctoral candidates in the field of sociology of sport.
If you are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in this field, please contact the department’s office with a brief proposal.
Our Courses
Bachelor's Degree
- Basic study programme: We teach a wide range of sociological topics in lectures and seminars covering the fundamentals of behavioral and social sciences (Module BAS2).
- Key Qualifications: We teach research methods in lectures and seminars in order for students to develop methodological competences (Module SQ3).
- B.A. in sports management and sports communication: in the SMK13 project seminar, students learn about and apply (mainly qualitative) social research methods by planning, executing and analysing their own research project.
- B.A. in Sports and Physical Activity Instruction in Recreational and Mass Sports: in the SBV2 lecture, students learn about a wide range of sociological topics and methods applied specifically to sports, physical activity and leasure time contexts.
- B.A. in Sports and Health in Prevention and Therapy: in the SGP1 seminar, we teach students about the most important concepts and theoretical backgrounds of public health and health-related sports. Furthermore, students learn about social inequality with regard to health and carry out interviews with a diverse group of different “health”-groups.
- Additional Specializations: In the modules “Gender and Diversity in Sports” (PE 1.17) and “Health-Promoting Physical Activity for Older Adults” (PE 2.2), students practice applying social science perspectives.
Teacher Education
- Reflecting on and Evaluating School Sports: Lecture and Seminars on Scientific Thinking and Research in School Sports (Module B1)
- Understanding, Experiencing, and Influencing Social Phenomena in Context: Lecture on Socialization and Social Learning (Module B5)
Master's Degree
As part of several master programmes in sports science here at the GSU, we teach a variety of lectures and seminars in which we incorporate sociological perspectives:
- M.A. in International Sport Development and Politics
- M.A. Rehabilitation, Prevention, and Health Management
- M.Sc. in Sports Management, M.Sc. in Human Technology in Sports and Medicine
- M.Sc. in Sports and Exercise Gerontology
Doctoral Program
We offer the following classes as part of the doctoral program:
- Optional Module: Independent Research – Seminar on Applied Qualitative Research Methods
- Subject-Specific Research Colloquium of the Institute for Sociology and Gender Studies (Ph.D. students interested in participating should contact the office)
