ANTH 1744 - ANTHROPOLOGY OF THE OLYMPICS

Minimum Credits: 3
Maximum Credits: 3
The modern Olympic games have existed for more than 100 years. In that time it has become both a local and global spectacle incorporating now well established traditions and rituals from the lighting of the eternal flame to the medal ceremony. But what do these rituals and traditions mean to athletes, organizers and spectators? The Olympics are often described as an event that brings the people of the world together under the auspices of sports' altruism. However, the Olympics are also known to increase sex trafficking, gentrification of neighborhoods, and incarceration of targeted populations. Do the Olympics mean the same thing to everyone who are directly impacted by it? This course explores the role of ritual and tradition as public spectacle and the contested meanings derived from different parts of communities impacted by the Olympics. Since the Olympics involves the participation of world leaders, global dignitaries, multi-national corporations with their financial and political sponsorship of the Games and the athletes how do global politics and global economies come into play for local people, their economies, and their social life. This course will explore the local impact that hosting the Olympic games has on local populations as well as the ways communities react and respond to the Games. This course will be taught as part of the Pitt at the Olympics summer intensive study abroad program.
Academic Career: Undergraduate
Course Component: Seminar
Grade Component: LG/SNC Elective Basis

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