Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2022-2023 (archived)

Module SPRT2441: Sport, Health and the Environment

Department: Sport and Exercise Sciences

SPRT2441: Sport, Health and the Environment

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2022/23 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To provide students with knowledge and critical understanding of the interdisciplinary research that investigates the complex interactions between sport/physical activity, health, and the environment. This is studied with respect to the dynamic places, in which people live and move, along with the relationship between sport and the natural environment.

Content

  • This module develops knowledge of the bi-directional relationship between sport/physical activity and the environment and it relates to human and planetary health and wellbeing. The module covers a wide range of evidence, case studies and theoretical approaches drawing from a variety of fields and disciplines such as: sport ecology, health geography, sociology, disability studies, psychology, and public health.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a range of theories and concepts that explain connections between sport/physical activity health and the environment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of how sport/ physical activity impacts the natural environment, and vice versa.
  • Describe contemporary debates around the complex interrelations between sport/physical activity, health, and environment.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Critically evaluate varied forms of research evidence and theoretical approaches, dealing with issues of sport/physical activity, health and the environment and their potential applications to practical settings.
Key Skills:
  • Demonstrate an ability to communicate ideas effectively.
  • Demonstrate clear verbal communicaton skills.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Staff-led content, including individual and group-based activities, will introduce students to the basic concepts & key theories underpinning sport ecology, nature, health and wellbeing.
  • Interactive group activities will enable students to discuss the relative merits of specific theories, key debates and empirical research, and plan / undertake practical activities that could be incorporated as applied examples in their summative assessment
  • Independently, students will be required to invest time in directed reading, research activities, and potentially group-based activity preparation.
  • Assessment is structured around effectively communicating knowledge and understanding of issues pertaining to sport, health and the environment within an employment context.
  • A formative assessment (storyboard) will allow students to prepare for their summative from both a process and learning perspective. Students will have an opportunity to discuss understanding gained from developing the narrative arc and linking / layering of arguments that will underpin their summative assessment, and gain feedback on their insights.
  • A summative pre-recorded individual presentation will allow students to demonstrate their ability to communicate their ideas effectively with regards to: critically discussing a range of theories and concepts that explain connections between sport/physical activity, health and the environment; how sport/physical activity impacts the natural environment, and vice versa. This will provide a theory- and evidence-base for their interpretations, recommendations and decision-making during the process regarding the selection of appropriate examples to support their arguments.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 20 Weekly 1 hour 20
Seminars 8 Fortnightly 1 hour 8
Follow-on reading. Directed independent study tasks and preparation for seminars. 172
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Presentation Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Pre-recorded individual power point presentation 15 minutes 100% yes

Formative Assessment:

Formative feedback #1: Ongoing verbal feedback is provided during teaching and learning activities (e.g. group discussions, responses to directed activities) that support students in developing their ability to communicate conceptually informed, evidenced based knowledge in an effective manner. Formative feedback #2 (optional): Written feedback is provided on a storyboard style outline plan of the of the recorded power-point presentation that will be submitted for summative assessment.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University