English Football: a Social History (FutureLearn)

English Football: a Social History (FutureLearn)

A short course looking at the history, sociology and politics of football with a focus on Leicester City Football Club. Examine the roots of football and its rise to modern prominance. This short course will explore the sociology and history of football, with a focus on Leicester City Football Club and their successful 2015/16 season.

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We’ll explore the origins of football, from early clubs to professional leagues and European competition; the role of the media and formation of the Premier League; and how LCFC rose from 5,000-1 outsiders to Premier League Champions.
The University of Leicester and De Montfort University have joined Leicester City Football Club to give a unique insight into the history and sociology of the sport, and the inside story of a premier league club.

What topics will you cover?

  • A history of football from early leagues and formats, through to the present day.
  • The influence of the media, and European football, on the English game.
  • The social impact of football: on fans and communities, through disaster and euphoria.
  • A case study of one Premier League club, looking in detail at their folk history and modern success.
  • A detailed look at Leicester City Football Club’s remarkable ‘great escape’ and title-winning season 2015-16.
  • An examination of the present state of football, and how it might change in the future.

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Summarise key points in the history of football, from its roots to the Premier League
  • Evaluate the role football plays in society, from fans to local and international communities
  • Debate economic influences and motivations in modern football
  • Discuss the current state of football, and its role in society
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