Globalizing Sport
Simpson Colloquium
The culture of sport invades many countries all over the globe. The culture of sport itself influences the people and governments of every nation in diverse ways. Why is cricket played in South Africa? What does the government in India think of women being in sports in their country? What are the biggest sport venues in England? So many cultures have factions of sport we don’t even think about. This class will study how sport affects peoples of different countries and the process through which sport is classified.
The culture of sport continues to change in the USA and globally. We will study the effects sport has upon human behavior globally, as well as major issues within global sport cultures. Issues to be reviewed include socio-economic structure, gender issues, media, politics, migration and the Olympic movement. Has the US culture been imposed imperialistically on the rest of the world? Students will answer this and explore sport issues across the globe.
Meet Your Professor
Bob Nutgrass, Ed.S.
Professor of Sports Science
My name is Bob Nutgrass, and have been teaching and coaching at Simpson since the fall of 1990. I have an Education Specialist degree from Drake University with an ABD in Higher Education. I earned my MA from Western Illinois in Physical Education teaching with an emphasis in Sport Administration. My undergraduate degree is in physical education, recreation and health with a coaching minor from Iowa Wesleyan College. My wife, Sue, and I were both born and raised Iowans as we grew up in Ft. Madison, the river town down in the “Florida of Iowa!” I was an avid boater and skier on the Mississippi River growing up and active in sports in high school, lettering in football, basketball and tennis. I was fortunate to have my high school basketball team as the first ever to make the trip to the state tournament and I hold many great memories of my high school experiences in school and athletics.
I have served Simpson College in several capacities. I began in the Physical Education Department in 1990 and moved onto the Department Chair from 1996 to 2008, became Assistant Athletic Director from 1994 to 1997 and am currently a Professor in the Sport Science and Health Education Department. I also currently serve as NCAA Compliance Officer and Assistant Athletic Director for Simpson Athletics. I began coaching men’s basketball as an assistant from 1990 to 1996, and then took over the reins of our tennis teams and led both the men’s and women’s programs from 1997 through 2008. My claim to Simpson fortune is amassing the most wins as tennis coach in Simpson College history, with 91 dual meet wins!! My wife and I reside in Indianola with our son, Bryan and our 3 cocker spaniels. We are so happy to also have our daughter, Laura and grandson, Zach living in Indianola. Family is very important to us and we love seeing our children and grandson daily! Life is GOOD!!!
Meet Your Simpson Colloquium Leader
Kelsey McLaughlin
My name is Kelsey McLaughlin, and I will be the Simpson Colloquium Leader for the class “Globalizing Sport.” I am going to be a junior in the fall and I’m majoring in Accounting and Management. Along with being your Simpson Colloquium Leader, I’m also a part of the Simpson Dance Team. I live with my parents in Norwalk, IA. After leaving home to come to Simpson as a first-year student it was both scary and exciting, however, I love being at Simpson and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. In my free time I like to dance, workout and spend time with my friends.
I am a really outgoing person and love meeting new people. I’m here to help out in any way that I can. I’m open to talk about anything you may be concerned about (students or parents) whether it’s school or life related.
I’m on Facebook and Twitter, so you can go and add me as a friend or follow me. You can also email me or message me with any questions you might have! My e-mail address is kelsey.mclaughlin@my.simpson.edu. I can’t wait to meet all of you at Summer Orientation and work with you through transitioning to Simpson.
Meet Your Writing Fellow
Leif Olson
My name is Leif Olson and I’m going to be your Writing Fellow for the “Globalizing Sport” class. I’m going to be a sophomore and I’m a double major in Economics-Finance and Management, as well as a minor in English. Outside of the classroom I’m a member of the Simpson College Men’s Basketball team (Roll Storm!) which takes up most of my free time. I’m originally from Northfield, MN which is about 45 minutes south of the Twin Cities. At home I love to play ball, hang out with friends, and spend time with my family and 5 dogs.
I’m an outgoing person and I always welcome the opportunity to make new friends. As your writing fellow not only will I have the chance to help you work on your writing skills but I’ll also be able to get to know all of you individually, which I’m really looking forward to!
I like to think I’m easy to talk to so if you guys need anything throughout the semester, writing related or not, feel free contact me. You guys can reach me on Facebook or on Twitter (@BigLeifDaddy) at almost any time of the day so feel free to message me if you need anything.
Other than that, have a great summer and I can’t wait to meet you all in the fall!
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