Football: More than a Game

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/football-more-than-a-game

Introduction

### Course Review: Football: More than a Game **Platform:** Coursera **Instructor:** [Instructor Name] **Duration:** 6 weeks **Level:** Beginner to Intermediate **Rating:** ★★★★★ (4.8/5) Are you ready to delve deep into the beautiful game that captivates billions around the globe? Whether you're a die-hard fan, a casual viewer, or someone trying to understand football's cultural significance, the Coursera course "Football: More than a Game" is a must-enroll. This thought-provoking program explores football not merely as a sport but as a complex tapestry of history, economics, and social issues. #### Overview "Football: More than a Game" offers an engaging exploration of football (or soccer, if you're from the States) that transcends the pitch. The course unravels the intricacies of the game—covering everything from the rich history and monumental rivalries to the socio-political impacts and financial intricacies of the sport. With carefully curated content, you’re invited to join a comprehensive examination of why football holds such profound importance across the globe, regardless of your personal connection to the game. #### Course Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Football: History, Myths, and Power** - The journey begins with an exploration of football’s history and the myths that surround it. This week sets the stage by uncovering monumental milestones that shaped the present state of the game. The emphasis on how history can inform our understanding today makes this section especially insightful for those interested in the socio-historical context of sports. 2. **The Global Spectacle of Football** - Football is no longer confined to local communities. This module examines how the sport has evolved into a global phenomenon. Topics like the Saudi Arabian influence in football, the roles of social media in fan engagement, and international broadcasting perspectives are woven into this week's narrative, prompting discussions on the interconnectedness of local and global football cultures. 3. **Great Football Clubs, Nations, and Matches that Changed the World** - A fascinating dive into football’s most celebrated clubs, rivalries, and games provides a rich perspective on how specific matches and team legacies have shaped cultures and communities. This week is ideal for history buffs and football enthusiasts alike. 4. **The FIFA World Cup – Who are the Champions of the World?** - This module dissects the iconic FIFA World Cup, elaborating on the Men’s, Women’s, and even the Homeless World Cup competitions. This week demystifies the implications of these tournaments and their significance on a global scale. 5. **Football for International Development, Diplomacy, and Peace** - An eye-opening exploration of how football serves as a tool for social change, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. The concept of ‘soft power’ in sports is particularly thought-provoking, and students are encouraged to engage with critical contemporary issues through the lens of football. 6. **Football Finances, Ownership, and Review** - The final module ties everything together, delving into the financial dynamics and governance challenges within football today. This concluding week challenges students to reflect on the question: Why is football more than just a game? #### Recommendations For anyone curious about the multifaceted world of football, I wholeheartedly recommend enrolling in "Football: More than a Game." The course is designed not just to inform but also to inspire and provoke thought. You'll gain valuable insights into how football shapes and is shaped by global dynamics, making it perfect for students, sports professionals, or passionate fans. **Pros:** - Comprehensive content that covers a wide range of themes in football - Engaging and well-structured modules foster critical thinking - Flexibility to learn at your own pace - Opportunities for discussion with peers **Cons:** - May require prior knowledge of some football terminologies for deeper engagement In summary, if you appreciate the nuances of football and want to understand how it impacts societal issues, "Football: More than a Game" is an enriching educational adventure that transcends the game itself. Join today and discover why football is truly so much more than just a sport!

Syllabus

Football: History, myths and power

This week considers the past, football myths and how history can help us understand football today. We will explore an extraordinary football journey not only taking in major milestones along the way, but getting a feel for how history can help us understand the present as well as the past.

We now move on to consider the game to-day and how it has grown into a global spectacle. In 2023 the English Premier League chief executive stated that we should not be too concerned at the moment about Saudi Arabia's growing influence in world football. In 2022 we had the Men’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar and in 2023 the Women’s FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Local teams in parts of the world are teaming up with other teams in other countries as we increasingly think of clusters or families of football clubs working together. Many local football teams have an international reach with a fan base that does not live in the local community but connects with the club through a world that is connected through social media. When Ronaldo signed for Al Nassr club in Saudi Arabia international broadcasters from over 170 territories became interested. It is this relationship between the global and local that we ask you to think about this week.

It is impossible to cover every great club and rivalry. Nonetheless, in Week 3 we will look at football wealth, rivalry, community, and matches that made a difference.

We take a look at three different competitions, the Men’s World Cup, the Women’s World Cup and the Homeless World Cup.

In week five we examine how football helps with international development, diplomacy and peace. We continue to advance the case for football delivering non-football outcomes. As a form of soft power football is often able to broker moments of normality within tense situations or periods of conflict. The activities associated with this week introduce you to issues of development, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. You are asked to consider whether football can act as a resource of hope. You are asked to continue thinking about football delivering Non-Football Outcomes.

This final week introduces you to some issues around football finance and governance It also provides you with an opportunity to consider why you think football is more than a game.