1) A number of theories for sport were presented in class. First, pick one of these theories that you support (i.e. makes sense to you), tell me what the theory is and then why you support it or why it makes sense to you. Support your answer must be supported with course material. Second, pick one of these theories that you don't support (i.e. it didn't make sense to you) and tell me what the theory is and why it didn't make sense to you. This response must also be supported by course material.
2) Define sport in your terms. How does sport differ from recreation and play? Was Dani (New Guinea) "warfare" sport, yes or no and why? How does Dani warfare differ from sport and how is it the same as sport? How does Dani warfare differ from play; how does it differ from baseball, football, or basketball? What is sport?
3) Thinking of sports in primitive cultures using one of the following cultures, explain the role that sporting competitions play in said culture. (The ancient Greek Olympics, the Mesoamerican Ballgame, Lacrosse, or cricket in the Trobriand Islands) How do sports reflect the cultural beliefs, attitudes, and values in this culture? How connected to religious or spiritual beliefs and practices is sport in this culture? What theory or theories for sport seem to best explain the role of sport in this culture? Make sure to support your answers with information from class.
4) In class we examined the early history of sport in the United States. Review and describe the important trends in this early history thinking about the following questions. Where do most of the major sports in the United States have their roots? How did these sports change when they came to the U.S.? What aspects of U.S. culture and society were reflected in the development of popular sports in this country?