Free massive open online course begins Oct. 14, explores historical, business perspectives of sport
Sport is a business that entertains and inspires, bridging generations, time zones and cultures. In 2012, the sport industry in the United States alone was valued at $435 billion, according to the Center for Sports Business & Research at Penn State.
With the popularity and pervasiveness of sport at an all-time high, ϲ Open Learning (SUOL) has created a new massive open online course, or MOOC, titled “The Subject is Sports.” Rick Burton, the David B. Falk Endowed Professor of Sport Management, will be in the virtual classroom sharing his practical and academic experience in sports marketing, management and media.
Rick Burton, the David B. Falk Endowed Professor of Sport Management in the Falk College, will teach “The Subject Is Sports.”
Whether a person wants to connect with other people who are passionate about sports, stay up-to-date with the ever-changing landscape in the sport industry, be introduced to scholarship or simply learn more about potential careers in the field, the public is invited to immerse themselves in fascinating subject matter.
“The Subject is Sports” begins Oct. 14, and will continue for six consecutive weeks. To enroll in this free, non-credit MOOC and learn from anywhere in the world on any schedule, visit .
Professor Burton teaches in the Falk College’s Department of Sport Management, which offers undergraduate and graduate professional degrees in sport management. An award-winning teacher at SU, he was recognized for teaching excellence in 2011 and 2013.
“We are pleased to share our knowledge and perspectives in the field of sport with a wider community,” says Falk College Dean Diane Lyden Murphy. “The MOOC offers a great opportunity for others to hear Rick’s insights and experiences first hand. He is both well-versed and well-respected in the international sport community, and has a passion for the subject matter that consistently engages and inspires our students.”
Each session of “The Subject is Sports” will explore contemporary issues in sport in their respective historical contexts, making the MOOC valuable for current and aspiring sport industry professionals and students, as well as sports fans of all ages. The course will cover sport past, present and future, beginning with the origins and evolution of the Olympic Games from an insider’s viewpoint.
Prior to his appointment at ϲ in August 2009, Burton served as the chief marketing officer for the U.S. Olympic Committee at the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, where he directed the USOC’s partnerships for IOC and USOC sponsorship activation at the world’s largest sporting event.
Burton, who served as the commissioner of the Sydney-based National Basketball League, will give his students an in-depth view into the development of professional sports teams and leagues. He will spend a full class session covering marketing and sponsorship, drawing on his extensive work in league management and sponsorship for entities such as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Japanese Pro Soccer league (J-League), National Football League (NFL), National Hockey League (NHL) and Visa.
Around the course’s mid-point, students will get a glimpse into the evolution of sports venues, including behind-the-scenes tours of the Carrier Dome on the SU campus. The remaining course sessions will cover critical issues in contemporary sport, including the role of the media, women in sports, ethical issues and the future of organized and recreational sports.
Each session will feature a video lecture/presentation produced collaboratively with the Video Production Unit, a department within SU Information Technology and Services (ITS) and SUOL, working closely with Burton. A short quiz and suggested topics for discussion are included in each week’s program, with students encouraged to post additional questions for the instructor and fellow classmates. Additional resources that are text- and web-based will be provided for all sessions.
SUOL is a collaboration of SU’s schools and colleges, ITS and the Office of Faculty Development. “The Subject is Sports” is the first of two pilot MOOCs SUOL will offer during the 2013-14 academic year.
Because one simply needs to have an Internet connection and an interest in the subject matter to enroll, MOOCs are very popular for people who want to learn about new subjects, like sports. MOOCs offer a good opportunity for students to take a class at no cost to learn more about a specific academic program they may be considering. For more information about “The Subject is Sports,” contact sportsmooc@syr.edu.
