I definitely can not narrow down one lecture as my favorite as there were so many topics that struck interest in me. However, I can list my favorite discussion as "Sports and the Economy," "Sports and Education: Collegiate Sport," "Sexual Bodies," and "Injured Bodies." I realize these all span a great breadth of topics, but each I found each topic intriguing for different reasons. The class on sports and the economy was extremely informational and definitely showed me the "dark side" of sports Killick often discussed and that discussion was the first time the dark side slapped me in the face. Prior to that class, I was rather naive and coming out of that class and the other lectures pertaining to money definitely changed my opinion on the sporting world as I now realize just how commercialized it is. Talking about collegiate sports was interesting to me for obvious reasons, but again this discussion introduced me to the darker side of the NCAA that I have experienced to minimal degrees, but definitely believe the amount of exploitation we learn about. The sexual bodies topic stood out to me because I had almost no knowledge on the subject, but after the discussions and paper I wrote on it, I find myself talking about the subject and thinking about it in other classes (Right now I'm in physiology learning about the reproductive system). Finally, discussing injuries in sport stood out to me because they do happen all the time and to everyone, but analyzing athletes' behavior in response to injury and the idea of injury was something I had not done before.
I am still surprised about symbiotic relationship between sport and the media; although I was aware of sport's reliance on the media prior to discussion, I had NO idea how much revenue sport brings in and contributes to the media's success. Discussions on the criminal and enhanced aspects of sport surprised me as I was introduced to research that was so far removed from my previous understandings of the topics. I still am not quite sure how I feel about the performance enhancing drug topic because I think its debate surprised me the most, but I am sure that I will continue to look into the subject after the semester because I want to reconsider my initial opinions.
Prior to the class, my perception of sport was extremely positive - it has given me access to higher education, a solid group of friends back home (every single one of my friends at home I met through softball, or because I play softball - ridiculous I realize, but it's not an exaggeration), job opportunities, a lifestyle centered around diet and exercise, the list goes on and on. After taking this class, my personal perception of sport has not changed greatly, but I definitely understand now that my situation is not the case of many athletes. Furthermore, I realize that sport is so much more political than I ever could have imagined.
I would ABSOLUTELY recommend this class to a friend, in fact I have already. I rave about Killick and the class regularly because not only are the subjects interesting, but Killick does an exceptional job establishing a positive atmosphere in the classroom as well as keeping conversation interesting.
