SPMGT 578

Sport and Sustainability

Spring 2027

3 Credit Hours

Instructor: Alex C. Gang                        Class Location & Times: Cleveland 255 & W 4:10 to 7:00 pm

Office: Cleveland 265                             Phone: 509-335-7810

Office Hours: MWF 12:00 – 1:00 pm & or by appointment          

Email: alex.gang@wsu.edu

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT/CALL TO ACTION

WSU Pullman is located on the ancestral homelands of the Palus people and lands of the Nimíipuu (Nez Perce) Tribe, who have lived in this region since time immemorial. WSU recognizes its history as a land grant institution that was provided with over 90,000 acres of stolen Indigenous lands and retains the majority to this day. As an academic community, we must take responsibility to support tribal sovereignty and commit to reparation beyond statements and acknowledgements. Please join me in expressing gratitude and respect toward the Native people who continue to care for the land and waterways of this region amidst ongoing colonial destruction. Follow this link to learn more about the land you currently occupy.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Course Description

This course explores the dynamic relationship between sport and sustainability. Students will critically analyze the role of sport as a driver of sustainability and its reciprocal relationship with climate change. Through the application of critical theories, the course examines how sport functions as a social, cultural, and economic phenomenon, with particular attention to its transformative potential for promoting sustainable development. In addition, students will engage in advanced discussions, research, and project design to address real-world challenges, developing practical solutions that integrate the social and cultural values of sport.

 Prerequisites

None

 Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of how sport intersects with sustainability, addressing environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
2. Apply critical theories to evaluate and address complex sustainability challenges in sport.
3. Analyze the reciprocal relationship between sport and climate change, exploring both impacts and opportunities for innovation.
4. Critically assess sport as a social, cultural, and economic force, proposing strategies to harness its transformative potential for sustainable development.
5. Design and execute projects that integrate the social and cultural values of sport to create practical solutions for sustainability challenges.

Mapping Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) to Degree Program Outcomes

Degree Program Outcomes	SLO 1	SLO 2	SLO 3	SLO 4	SLO 5
Incorporate an understanding of ethical, legal, and socio-cultural issues in managerial decision-making and policy determinations in sport.	V	V		V	V
Employ sound principles of strategic planning, financial management, risk management, and human resource management in sport.			V	V	V
Apply a fundamental knowledge and practical understanding of sport marketing, communication, and event management principles.				V	V
Utilize critical thinking and abstract reasoning skills in analyzing sport management issues and in managerial planning and decision-making	V	V	V	V	V
Demonstrate information literacy and oral, written, and group communication skills.		V	V		V
Develop research skills in sport management.			V	V	V

 

 

Major Course Assignments and SLOs Alignment

Assignments	SLOs
Weekly memos	SLO 1, SLO 2
Critical reflection papers	SLO 2, SLO 4, SLO 5
Individual presentation (applied research)	SLO 1, SLO 3, SLO 4
Group presentation (critical theory)	SLO 3, SLO 4, SLO 5
Podcast discussion	SLO 1, SLO 2
Podcast Development	SLO 2, SLO 3, SLO 4

Required Textbook/Materials

Orr, M. (2023). Warming up: How climate change is changing sport. Bloomsbury.  E-book PDF 9781399414241 Cost $20

• The instructor will provide other required readings.

  

COURSE POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS

Expectations for Student Effort

Students should anticipate dedicating approximately 12 hours per week to this course. This includes three hours of scheduled class time and nine hours for independent and collaborative work outside of class. Activities outside of class will include advanced reading of academic articles, critical analysis of course materials, preparation for in-depth discussions, research, collaboration on group projects, and the development of final deliverables, such as presentations or papers. Graduate-level work emphasizes deeper engagement with course content and the application of theories to complex, real-world problems.

Students are expected to demonstrate professionalism and a high level of engagement in all class interactions. This includes actively contributing to discussions, respecting diverse perspectives, and maintaining a collaborative learning environment. Students are encouraged to take initiative in exploring course topics and bringing relevant insights or questions to class. Behaviors that disrupt the learning environment, such as using personal devices for non-course-related activities, are not acceptable and may result in being asked to leave the session. Students should model academic integrity, collegiality, and respect in their interactions with peers and the instructor.

Attendance Policy

You are expected to attend all classes unless absence is prearranged or due to illness or emergency. Class discussions and activities depend on all students being familiar with assigned readings and able to ask questions/make critical connections. If you are unable to attend class, please notify me by email before the start of class. Attendance will account for 15 points (15%) of your final course grade. You will receive 1 point for each class you attend, excluding finals week. A one-page reading response is required for all missed classes to receive attendance points (up to two missed classes). These reading responses should be submitted within one week of the absence to receive credit. If you have three or more absences, I will schedule a meeting to check in with you and discuss how we can create a plan for your continued learning.

 Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

I recognize that AI can be a valuable resource, but it should serve only as a supporting tool and not as a replacement for your own learning, creativity, and decision-making. The purpose of all assignments is to help you practice and strengthen essential academic skills. Submitting work that is wholly or partly generated by AI as if it were your own (for example, copying and pasting text from tools such as ChatGPT without citation or integration) constitutes plagiarism and undermines your growth as a learner. You are encouraged to use AI thoughtfully—for brainstorming, refining ideas, or checking grammar—while ensuring that the final product reflects your own understanding and effort.

Late Assignments

Please get in touch with me at least 24 hours before an assigned deadline (except in emergencies) if you have concerns about meeting a due date. Without prior communication, I will accept missed assignments for half points up to one week past the due date. Whether I can provide feedback on late assignments will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Communication is key here—if you need to negotiate a due date, just let me know in advance!

Academic Integrity

Maintaining and promoting integrity in all academic activities is a shared responsibility of the university community. This course strongly enforces WSU’s principles of academic integrity and honest scholarship. Faculty members are authorized and obligated to address any suspected violations of academic integrity.

Students found to have violated WSU’s Standards of Conduct for Students will receive a failing grade for the affected assignment, will not be allowed to withdraw from the course while the matter is under appeal, and will be referred to the Center for Community Standards. This office provides support to students, upholds their rights and responsibilities, and ensures accountability for behavior that does not align with our community's expectations. For more information, please review the university’s Academic Integrity Process: https://www.handbook.wsu.edu/academic-integrity-process/.

The Writing Program (509-335-7959) offers assistance with proactive assignment design to minimize the risk of academic dishonesty. If you are uncertain about what is permitted in this course, please consult the instructor before proceeding with assignments or assessments. If you wish to appeal a faculty member's decision regarding an academic integrity matter, the appeal form can be found at conduct.wsu.edu.

Students are responsible for reading and understanding all university-wide policies and resources pertaining to all courses (for instance: accommodations, care resources, policies on discrimination or harassment), which can be found in the university syllabus.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Preparation

Each week, you will be assigned readings from academic journals. It is essential to thoroughly engage with these readings before attending class, as they form the foundation for successful participation in assignments and in-class discussions. The readings provide key insights into the intersection of sport and sustainability, equipping you with the knowledge necessary for critical analysis and application. It is crucial that you manage your time wisely in this course. Regular effort and careful thought will lead to success in this course. Know when things are due. Ask questions. Do the readings regularly and carefully, taking notes as you read. Stay on top of the assignments. Be prepared for class discussions. Come see me during my office hours. Above all, PLAN AHEAD.

Critical Reflection Papers

Throughout the semester, you will engage with various critical theories and their principles. These theories will serve as the foundation for written reflections in which you will analyze and apply them to practical settings. These assignments are designed to help you critically evaluate the intersection of theory and practice in the context of sport and sustainability.

Two Presentations

Over the course of the semester, you will examine key principles at the intersection of sport and sustainability, including fan engagement, venue management, climate adaptation, and event planning.

• First Individual Presentation: You will select an academic article relevant to these principles and deliver a critical analysis, highlighting its implications for the field of sport and sustainability.
• Second Group Presentation: In this group-based project, you will apply critical theories, such as ecocriticism or postcolonial theory, to explore the theoretical underpinnings of sport and sustainability. Together with your group member, you will analyze the practical application of these concepts and offer insights into their real-world implementation. Detailed instructions and guidance will be provided as we approach the assignment dates.

Other Assignments

Weekly memos will give you the opportunity to revisit the assigned readings, in-class discussions, and course materials. These memos are intended to help you formulate and refine your analytical approaches, preparing you for class participation and larger assignments.

COURSE GRADES

Graded Course Activities

Each graded component of the course will constitute a percentage of your final grade as listed in the table below. Canvas will do the math for us, weighting and combining your scores as they are entered. At any point, you can use Canvas’s “what if?” feature to see what impact specific assignment grades will have on your final course grade.

 Attendance (15%)

• Attendance and Participation             15 points                      

Paper Assignments (30%)                    

• Critical Reflection Paper #1 10 points
• Final Critical Reflection Paper 20 points

Presentation Assignments (20%)

• Individual Presentation 10 points
• Group Presentation 10 points

Other Assignments (35%)

• Weekly memos 30 points
• Podcast Discussion 5 points                                    

___________________________________________________________

Total                                                                 100 points

Letter Grade Assignment

All grades will be assigned on a 100-point scale. Letter grades for each assignment and for the final grade calculation will be based on the following conversion table.

 

Letter Grade Conversion
Grade	Percentage & Points	Grade		Percentage & Points
A	93 – 100	C+		77 – 79.9
A-	90 – 92.9	C		73 – 76.9
B+	87 – 89.9	C-		70 – 72.9
B	83 – 86.9	D+		67 – 69.9
B-	80 – 82.9	D		60 – 66.9
		F		< 60%
Drop deadline: XX

 

Grading Philosophy

In professional settings after graduation, you will often be tasked with creating high-quality work with minimal guidance. While you may receive some instructions and feedback, much of your success will depend on your ability to independently evaluate your work, refine it, and ensure it meets or exceeds the standards of your field. In many cases, neither your supervisor nor your clients will have a predefined vision of “perfect” output—they rely on your expertise, creativity, and judgment to deliver exceptional results. This approach aligns with expectations for graduate-level work, where you are not only learning but also contributing to your discipline.

 

In this course, grading is designed to simulate a professional environment. Assignments provide you with the freedom to produce innovative and thoughtful work. Your instructor will not begin with a notion of a "perfect" assignment; instead, the quality of your work will shape that evaluation. Rather than starting with a perfect score and deducting points for errors, grades will reflect how well your work earns its way toward excellence. This philosophy emphasizes that graduate-level work is not about merely following instructions—it’s about engaging deeply with the material, demonstrating critical and creative thinking, and producing work that reflects a high level of professional and academic rigor. Use this approach as an opportunity to practice the skills and habits that will serve you in your career, whether you are working within an organization or as an entrepreneur.

 

The following table includes the basic rubric for this system:

As the rubric implies, each assignment will be graded as a whole. There are no separate grades for the “ideas” in an assignment versus the “presentation” of those ideas, nor are there percentages of each assignment dedicated to different sub-components. You should strive to create work that is complete and excellent on all dimensions. Each assignment will receive a percentage grade (0-100) for the quality of the work as a whole.

UNIVERSITY RESOURCES

Students with Disabilities

Reasonable accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities or chronic medical or psychological conditions. If you have such a condition and need accommodations to participate in this class fully, please visit your campus’s Access Center/Services website to follow published procedures to request accommodations. Students may also contact their campus offices to schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor. All disability-related accommodations must be approved through the Access Center/Services on your campus. It is a university expectation that students connect with their instructors (via email, Zoom, or in person) to discuss logistics within 2 weeks of officially requesting their accommodations.

For more information, contact an Access Advisor on the Pullman campus:

Access Center (https://www.accesscenter.wsu.edu)

(509) 335-3417 | access.center@wsu.edu

Discrimination and Harassment Policy Statement

Discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct (including stalking, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence) is prohibited at WSU (See WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment (Executive Policy 15) and WSU Standards of Conduct for Students). If you feel you have experienced or have witnessed discriminatory conduct, you can contact the WSU Office of Compliance & Civil Rights (CCR) and/or the WSU Title IX Coordinator at 509-335-8288 to discuss resources, including confidential resources, and reporting options. (Visit ccr.wsu.edu for more information. Most WSU employees, including faculty, who have information regarding sexual harassment or sexual misconduct are required to report the information to CCR or a designated Title IX Coordinator or Liaison.  (Visit ccr.wsu.edu/reporting-requirements for more info).

Accommodation for Religious Observances or Activities:

Washington State University reasonably accommodates absences, allowing students to take holidays for reasons of faith or conscience or organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization. Reasonable accommodation requires the student to coordinate with the instructor on scheduling examinations or other activities necessary for course completion. Students requesting accommodation must provide written notification within the first two weeks of the course and include specific dates for any absences. Approved accommodations for absences will not adversely impact student grades. Absence from classes or examinations for religious reasons does not relieve students of responsibility for any part of the coursework required during the period of absence. Students who feel they have been treated unfairly in terms of this accommodation may refer to Academic Regulation 104 – Academic Complaint Procedures. See also Rule 82, available at https://registrar.wsu.edu/academic-regulations/

Lauren’s Promise – I will listen and believe you if someone is threatening you.

Lauren McCluskey, a 21-year-old honors student-athlete, was murdered on October 22, 2018, on the University of Utah campus by a man she briefly dated. We must all take actions to ensure that this never happens again.

University Support and Response for Discrimination and Harassment

Discrimination, discriminatory harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct (including stalking, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence) are prohibited at WSU (see Executive Policy 15 - WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, the WSU Standards of Conduct for Students, and relevant employee manuals). WSU has instituted procedures to respond to violations of these laws and standards, programs aimed at the prevention of such conduct, and intervention on behalf of victims.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

If you are experiencing sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, discrimination or harassment, you have support and options. If you share information with me, please know that I am required to reach out to the Title IX Coordinator in WSU Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR), and CCR will reach out to you with information about on and off campus reporting options and resources. CCR is a system-wide resource (all campuses) which is available for intake consultations for you to learn more about available support. You can reach them directly at 509-335-8288, ccr@wsu.edu, or report online (anonymous reports accepted).

You can also speak to a victim advocate, a medical provider, or counselor confidentially about your concerns. Advocates help survivors of crime determine their own needs in regards to their physical and emotional health, reporting options, and academic concerns. At no cost, advocates connect survivors to campus and community services, and provide accompaniment to important appointments (court, hospital, and police) and support throughout the process. For a list of confidential victim advocates and medical providers, please visit CCR Resources.

WSU Police Department (WSU PD) officers and campus security will treat victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, hate crimes, and other crimes with respect and dignity. WSU PD, campus security departments, CCR, and victim advocates can also help you with safety planning.

Safety and Emergency Notification

Classroom and campus safety are of paramount importance at Washington State University and are the shared responsibility of the entire campus population. WSU urges students to follow the “Alert, Assess, Act,” protocol for all types of emergencies and the “Run, Hide, Fight” response for an active shooter incident. Remain ALERT (through direct observation or emergency notification), ASSESS your specific situation, and ACT in the most appropriate way to assure your own safety (and the safety of others if you are able).

Please sign up for emergency alerts on your account at MyWSU. For more information on this subject, campus safety, and related topics, please view the FBI’s Run, Hide, Fight video and visit the WSU safety portal.

Full details can be found at https://provost.wsu.edu/classroom-safety.

 COURSE SCHEDULE

• The schedule is subject to change as necessary.
• The instructor will attend an academic conference mid-semester and may miss one class session. During this period, class will be replaced with a Critical Reflection Paper (no in-person attendance required). Additional details regarding attendance and expectations will be provided in advance.

 

Week	Day	Date		Agenda & Class Activities	Details
1	Principles of Sustainability Required Reading  -  None
	Wed.	Jan. 8		Course Introduction	4:10 – 7:00 pm @Cleveland 255
	Fri.	Jan. 10		Weekly Memo #1	Submit on Canvas
2	Subjective/Objective Perspective on Climate Change I Required Reading  - Orr (2023): Chapter 1-8 (pp. 15-148)
	Wed.	Jan. 15		Lecture	4:10 – 7:00 pm @Cleveland 255
	Fri.	Jan. 17		Weekly Memo #2	Submit on Canvas
3	Subjective/Objective Perspective on Climate Change II Required Reading  - Orr (2023): Chapter 9-17 (pp. 149-290)
	Wed.	Jan. 22		Lecture	4:10 – 7:00 pm @Cleveland 255
	Fri.	Jan. 24		Weekly Memo #3	Submit on Canvas
4	Sport Ecology Required Readings  - McCullough et al. (2020): Sport ecology: Conceptualizing an emerging subdiscipline within sport management  - Gammelsæter & Loland (2022): Code red for elite sport. A critique of sustainability in elite sport…
	Wed.	Jan. 29		Lecture	4:10 – 7:00 pm @Cleveland 255
	Fri.	Jan. 31		Weekly Memo #4	Submit on Canvas
5	Fan Engagement and Sustainability Required Readings  - Amann & Doidge (2023): I hadn’t realized that change is not a difficult thing: Mobilizing football fans…  - Ciletti et al. (2016): Sustainability communication in North American professional sports leagues…
	Wed.	Feb. 5		Lecture Individual Presentations – Day 1	4:10 – 7:00 pm @Cleveland 255
	Fri.	Feb. 7		Weekly Memo #5	Submit on Canvas
6	Open Week – No Class Required Readings - None
	Wed.	Feb. 12		No Class	-
	Fri.	Feb. 14		Critical Reflection Paper	Submit on Canvas
7	Facility Sustainability Required Readings - Kellison & Hong (2023): Innovation diffusion in the sustainable design of sport venues - Mallen & Chard (2012): “What could be” in Canadian sport facility environmental sustainability   - Mercado & Walker (2012): The value of environmental social responsibility to facility managers …
	Wed.	Feb. 19		Lecture Individual Presentations – Day 2	4:10 – 7:00 pm @Cleveland 255
	Fri.	Feb. 21		Weekly Memo #6	Submit on Canvas
8	Event Sustainability Required Readings  - Ross & Leopkey (2017): The adoption and evolution of environmental practices in the Olympic Games  - Mair et al. (2024): Environmental sustainability in event management: A critical commentary
	Fri.	Feb. 26		Lecture Individual Presentations – Day 3	4:10 – 7:00 pm @Cleveland 255
	Fri.	Feb. 28		Weekly Memo #7	Submit on Canvas
9	Adaptation Strategies in Sport Required Readings   - Orr & Kellison (2020): Sport facilities as sites of environmental and social resilience - Dingle & Stewart (2018): Playing the climate game: Climate change impacts, resilience and adaptation … - Orr (2021): Finding consensus on indicators for organizational resilience in the sport sector - Murfree & Moorman (2021): An examination and analysis of Division I football game contracts …
	Wed.	Mar. 5		Lecture Individual Presentations – Day 4	4:10 – 7:00 pm @Cleveland 255
	Fri.	Mar. 7		Weekly Memo #8	Submit on Canvas
10	Critical Theories: Ecocriticism & Postcolonialism I Required Readings  - O’Brien (2001): Articulating a world of difference  - Maxwell (2009): Postcolonial criticism, ecocriticism, and climate change: A tale of Melbourne under water…
	Wed.	Mar. 19		Lecture	4:10 – 7:00 pm @Cleveland 255
	Fri.	Mar. 21		Weekly Memo #9	Submit on Canvas
11	Critical Theories: Ecocriticism & Postcolonialism II Required Readings  - Sykes (2021): Globalization or coloniality? Delinking from the roving colonialism of sport mega-events  - Forde et al. (2023): Conceptualizing sport for reconciliation within settler colonial states  - Essa et al. (2022): Sport for indigenous resurgence: Toward a critical settler-colonial reflection
	Wed.	Mar. 26		Lecture	4:10 – 7:00 pm @Cleveland 255
	Fri.	Mar. 28		Weekly Memo #10	Submit on Canvas
12	Application of Critical Theories I Required Readings  - Pelcher et al. (2022). Environmental sustainability at the president’s cup: An eagle or a double bogie?
	Wed.	Apr. 2		Lecture Group Presentations – Day 1	4:10 – 7:00 pm @Cleveland 255
13	Application of Critical Theories II Required Readings  - Orr & Ross (2022). Assessing climate suitability of three cities for the 2027 Women’s World Cup  - Murfree & Police (2022). Adidas × Parley: An exploration of corporate social responsibility …
	Wed.	Apr. 9		Lecture Group Presentations – Day 2	4:10 – 7:00 pm @Cleveland 255
14	Application of Critical Theories III Required Readings  - Triantafyllidis & Kaplanidou (2022). Environmental protection in nature-based sport events …  - Solomon & Stokowski (2022). Skiing uphill: A sport ecology case study to save the snow
	Wed.	Apr. 16		Lecture Group Presentations – Day 3	4:10 – 7:00 pm @Cleveland 255
15	Conceptual Understanding of Sustainability in the Media Required Readings  - TBA
	Wed.	Apr. 23		Lecture & Course Review	4:10 – 7:00 pm @Cleveland 255
	Fri.	Apr. 25		Sport Sustainability Podcast Discussion	Submit on Canvas
16	Final’s Week
	Wed.		Apr. 30	Final Critical Reflection Paper	Submit on Canvas