Ethics and Sports – Tuesday – Fall 2023 – 5 Weeks – Grades 8 – 10

Calling all athletes and sports fans!  In this five-week class we will discuss the difference between ethical sportsmanship and unethical gamesmanship, focusing on basketball, baseball, soccer, and football.

Studying ethics is a great way to develop critical thinking skills, and to develop your own moral code.  Many interesting issues come up in the world of sports, which we will analyze by looking at the strongest arguments on both sides.  Students will think of examples from their own experiences as athletes and/or sports fans, and we will debate whether specific examples from professional sports fall on the right or wrong side of the ethical line, and why.  

Is it ethical to be a football fan given what we now know about the effects of repeated head trauma?  Should baseball players who used steroids be admitted to the Hall of Fame?  Should there be rules against taunting in basketball, end zone celebrations in football, and bat flipping in baseball?  Is flopping in soccer ethical?  Should athletes speak out on social issues, or not?   

This is a discussion class–there will not be any lectures.  Students should come to class prepared to have their cameras on and to share their views in a lively conversation.  Students should expect approximately one hour of homework per week.  Assignments will include short writing assignments in response to our discussions.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a 5-week class!

NOTE: This class must reach the minimum of five students by August 20th to run. If we do not reach this minimum, parents will be notified via email.