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Course profile

Socio-Cultural Foundations of Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity (HMST1910)

Study period
Sem 1 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Human Movement & Nutrition Sci

The contribution that a sociocultural approach, including the disciplines of sociology, history and philosophy, can make to an understanding of human movement and nutrition sciences.

This course provides an introduction to the sociocultural study of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences. By means of lectures, workshops and assignment work, the sociocultural sub-disciples of human movement will be engaged in order to develop an understanding of physical activity (in all its many forms) as a significant individual and cultural practice.

Course requirements

Assumed background

No prerequisites are required. This is an introductory subject.

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Facilitator

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Aims and outcomes

This course aims to encourage students to understand how human movement can be studied and understood through variousᅠsociocultural 'lenses' provided by sub-disciplines such as history and sociology.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

understand how human movement can be studied and understood through the lenses provided by the sub-disciplines of history and sociology, including to help further understandings of how various social factors influence exercise motivation, participation and adherence to a physically active lifestyle.

LO2.

understand many of the cultural, social and environmental factors influencing participation and adherence to a physically active lifestyle

LO3.

understand the uses of sociocultural research in human movement studies.

LO4.

understand some of the research methods employed in sociocultural research.

LO5.

understand the changed forms, and significance, of physical activity as a cultural practice throughout history.

LO6.

understand the notion of the body in culture.

LO7.

understand the gendered nature of sport and how it intersects with exercise motivation, participation and adherence to a physically active lifestyle and in the social constructions of sport and exercise.

LO8.

understand the significance of the media, national interests, economic factors and globalisation in the development of contemporary forms of physical activity.

LO9.

understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sporting histories.

LO10.

understand the sociocultural factors, including age, culture, gender, race and socioeconomic status, involved in exercise motivation, participation and performance of physical activity and in the social constructions of sport and exercise.

LO11.

understand how age, gender, culture, socioeconomic status and development stages may influence the individual's exercise capacity and motivation to participate in regular physical activity; and how physical activity, in turn, may influence growth and development.

LO12.

understand the importance of effective written and oral communication and have experience in communicating effectively, adapting styles and mode of delivery, with peers and supervisors.

LO13.

work effectively within a team in order to develop communication and process management skills, and facilitate peer-assisted, collaborative learning.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Quiz Assessment Task 1: Online quizzes
  • Online
40% (4 x 10% each)

20/03/2025

3/04/2025

1/05/2025

22/05/2025

During timetabled lectures in Weeks 4, 6, 9, & 12.

Presentation Assessment Task 2: Book Presentation
  • Hurdle
  • Team or group-based
  • In-person
15%

During timetabled workshops in Weeks 2, 5-10.

Week 2: Organisation - assigning of books, groups and presentations dates.

Week 5 - 10: Presentations.

Thursday workshop: Weeks 5-9.

Friday workshop: Weeks 5-7, and 9-10 (due to public holiday in Week 8).

Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection Assessment Task 3: Peer assessment of presentations
  • Hurdle
  • In-person
5%

During timetabled workshops in Weeks 5-10.

Thursday workshop: Weeks 5-9.

Friday workshop: Weeks 5-7, and 9-10 (due to public holiday in Week 8).

Essay/ Critique Assessment Task 4: Autoethnography 40%

9/05/2025 2:00 pm

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Online quizzes

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Quiz
Weight
40% (4 x 10% each)
Due date

20/03/2025

3/04/2025

1/05/2025

22/05/2025

During timetabled lectures in Weeks 4, 6, 9, & 12.

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11

Task description

Four (4) multiple-choice-question tests will occur throughout the semester based on the lectures and discussions.

Questions in the first quiz will be based on the lectures in the preceding weeks; questions in each subsequent quiz will be based on lectures held since the previous quiz.

Each quiz will contain 10 multiple choice questions that assess the student's knowledge and understanding of HMST1910 content.

Students will have the opportunity to do a practice quiz in Week 3. No marks will be give for the practice quiz.

Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Online quiz completed via Blackboard

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Your deferred quiz date and time will be determined by the course coordinator and communicated to you via your UQ student email account.

Late submission

You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.

Assessment Task 2: Book Presentation

  • Hurdle
  • Team or group-based
  • In-person
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Oral
Category
Presentation
Weight
15%
Due date

During timetabled workshops in Weeks 2, 5-10.

Week 2: Organisation - assigning of books, groups and presentations dates.

Week 5 - 10: Presentations.

Thursday workshop: Weeks 5-9.

Friday workshop: Weeks 5-7, and 9-10 (due to public holiday in Week 8).

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13

Task description

The Book Presentations are a series of oral interviews with the ‘author’ of each of the books assigned to your workshop group. With your assigned partner, you will be required to role-play an interview between a journalist and the author of the book.

Through a series of scripted (prepared and rehearsed beforehand) questions and answers, the interview must inform the audience (other students in the workshop) about the story of the book and, most importantly, the significance of physical activity in the life of the book’s author/s.

This presentation assessment task will demonstrate that students understand different styles and modes of communication, the need to adapt their presentations to suit the needs of particular groups and individuals in a variety of settings, and the ability to work in a group. Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate in a verbal form to their peers and tutor.

The guidelines for presentations are:

  • Total time including discussion 15-20 mins 
  • Interviewer’s questions written down beforehand 
  • Questions from the audience follow formal interview 
  • Take the interview seriously but have some fun (you can use your imagination and initiative in the role-play).

Specific details regarding what is expected of the presentation will be discussed in the first workshop sessions.

Attendance and participation is required.

Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)

This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.

Hurdle requirements

There are a total of five (5) compulsory workshops (those with presentations in Weeks 5-9). Missing three (3) or more workshops will result in students being unable to achieve a grade higher than a grade of 4 (pass) for the course.

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Extensions for group work assessment may be available and will require a single request submitted with agreement from at least 50% of the members of the group, and recognition of potential impacts on the other group members. Download and complete the form below, and attach this form to your extension request: Extension of Group Assessment - Group Member Acknowledgement (PDF, 144.9 KB)

Student Access Plans for an individual student do not guarantee an extension for the assessment item. Extension Verification Letters cannot be used for group-based assessments and activities.

Dysfunctional group dynamics, poor performance by individual group members, or illness or other issues of a group member are generally not considered sufficient grounds for an extension on submission of a group assessment item. These issues should be actively managed by the group and the Course Coordinator as appropriate, during semester.

New presentation date and time will be determined by the course coordinator and communicated to you via your UQ student email account.

Late submission

You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.

Assessment Task 3: Peer assessment of presentations

  • Hurdle
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection
Weight
5%
Due date

During timetabled workshops in Weeks 5-10.

Thursday workshop: Weeks 5-9.

Friday workshop: Weeks 5-7, and 9-10 (due to public holiday in Week 8).

Learning outcomes
L01, L12, L13

Task description

For each workshop Book Presentation session (except the one you do) you will be expected to complete a peer evaluation criteria sheet. At the end of each workshop you will be required to hand the two (2) completed criteria sheets in to your workshop coordinator. 

Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Hurdle requirements

There are a total of five (5) compulsory workshops (those with presentations in Weeks 5-9). Missing three (3) or more workshops will result in students being unable to achieve a grade higher than a grade of 4 (pass) for the course.

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Please refer to Additional Assessment Information for instructions on what to do if you are absent from a compulsory workshop.

Late submission

You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.

Assessment Task 4: Autoethnography

Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
40%
Due date

9/05/2025 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12

Task description

This task requires students to conduct and report a small-scale auto-ethnographic study. This auto-ethnographic project enables students to pursue a project that fosters an understanding of how gender, culture, socio-economic status and developmental stages influence the capacity and motivations of individuals to participate in regular physical activity, and how that activity may influence growth and development. This project will provide a specific context to understand many of the physiological, psychological, social and environmental factors that influence participation and longevity to a physically active lifestyle.

The auto-ethnography project

An auto-ethnography should enable to reader to gain an understanding of the culture (how it works, what people wear, say and do, things to avoid [faux pas] etc.) such that the reader could enter the culture and be able to participate. It should also give the reader some idea of what it feels like to participate.

For this assignment you should:

• select a physical activity or sport with which you are unfamiliar as the focus for your study. In selecting a physical activity or sport, students are recommended to consider the safety aspects of that activity relative to their experience levels and to seek appropriate training or advice before starting.

• arrange to participate in the activity for a minimum of six (6) sessions over a 6-week period.

• As a participant observer you should (with permission):

  • Make field notes of your observations and experiences
  • take some photos of the activity in context or locate other images
  • interview some of the participants
  • collect documents relevant to the activity context.

The assessment

You will submit a written report of your findings of no more than 2,000 words in length. This word length does not include references. The written piece will give an account of how the sub-culture of the activity works (the rules [explicit & tacit], symbols, practices etc) and of your involvement. In discussing your reactions to your participation you should make reference to your own physical activity history to help contextualize why you reacted (emotionally, physically etc) as you did. Not only will the account need to be well written, but it should also connect your experiences with relevant literature relating to physical activity as a socio-cultural phenomenon.

Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)

This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.

Submission guidelines

Check before submitting to Turtnitin

  1. Create a cover page that states your name, student ID and email
  2. All assignments must be typed and double spaced.
  3. Number each page at the top or bottom right hand side of the page
  4. Put the word count at the end of the document.
Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 0 - 24

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

2 (Fail) 25 - 44

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

3 (Marginal Fail) 45 - 49

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

4 (Pass) 50 - 64

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: If you fail to attend 3 or more workshops and your grade exceeds 64%, you will also receive this grade.

5 (Credit) 65 - 74

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

6 (Distinction) 75 - 84

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

7 (High Distinction) 85 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Additional course grading information

If you fail to attend 3 or more workshops and your grade exceeds 64%, you will be limited to a grade of 4 (pass).

A final percentage mark will be rounded to the nearest whole number (e.g. 64.50 and above will be rounded to 65 and 64.49 and below will be rounded down to 64.)ᅠ

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

There are a total of five (5) compulsory workshops (those with presentations in Weeks 5-10*). Missing three (3) or more workshops will result in students being unable to achieve a grade higher than a grade of 4 (pass) for the course.ᅠ

Please follow the process for absences (below) as soon as you possibly know that you will be absent from a workshop. The earlier we are made aware, the easier it is to make alternative arrangements.

If you are unable to attend for medical or extenuating circumstances, you are required to complete an absentee form and email the form as soon as possible to your course coordinator, Gary Osmond (g.osmond@uq.edu.au) no later than two (2) calendar days after the date of the original class was held. With approval, you will be permitted to attend a make-up session.

Failure to attend a make-up session or non-approved absences will result in a grade of zero (0) for the Book Presentation and Peer assessment of presentations assessment items.

*Students allocated to the Thursday workshop present in Weeks 5-9.

Students allocated to the Friday workshop present in Weeks 5-7, and 9-10 (due to public holiday in Week 8).

What is Turnitin

Turnitin is an electronic assignment submission tool. The tool provides your Course Coordinator with:

·      a record of the exact submission time of an assignment

·      an originality report indicating the percentage of your work that is an exact match of existing materials within the Turnitin database.

Instructions on how to submit an assignment using Turnitin are located on the UQ Library website

Submit your Turnitin assignment - Library Guide

Note:

When submitting, to check that you have chosen the correct file on the Preview Submission page and click on the Submit to Turnitin button. ᅠ

Remember to download your digital receipt in your Assignment inbox to confirm successful submission.

If a submission cannot be successfully completed, email a copy of the assessment task to the Course Administrator. For contact details refer to Course Contributors section of the Course Profile.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Filter activity type by

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1
Lecture

1

Introduction / Organisation

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 2
Lecture

2

Problematising Sport

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11

Week 3
Lecture

3

Authoethnography (Assessment Task 4) discussion + Practice Quiz

Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L06, L12, L13

Week 4
Lecture

4

Olympic narratives + Quiz 1

Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L07, L08, L09, L10

Week 5
Lecture

5

Race and Sport

Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06, L08, L09, L10

Week 6
Lecture

6

Indigenous Australians and sport

Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06, L07, L09, L10

Week 7
Lecture

7

Sex, Gender, and Sport + Quiz 2

Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06, L07, L08, L10, L11

Week 8
Lecture

8

Sport and Sexuality

Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06, L07, L08, L10, L11

Week 9
Lecture

9

Sport and Commodification + Quiz 3

Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L08, L10

Week 10
Lecture

10

Politics and Sport

Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06, L08, L10

Week 11
Lecture

11

Disability and Sport

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L06, L09, L10, L11

Week 12
Lecture

12

Sport and Age + Quiz 4

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L06, L08, L10, L11

Week 13
Lecture

13

Conclusion

Learning outcomes: L01

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

School guidelines

Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: