Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Social Issues in Sport, Third Edition , explores common questions and issues about sport and its relation to society through various sociological and cultural lenses. Author Ronald Woods draws on a lifetime in sport as a participant, observer, fan, teacher, coach, administrator, and critic to explore historical perspectives and complex relationships that have emerged between sport and our modern society. The text's engaging writing style, full-color design, and ample learning tools keep students engaged.

Social Issues in Sport, Third Edition , remains grounded in practical application and follows the framework of the previous editions to provide social theories through which students may examine real-world issues. Updated statistical information allows students to analyze trends in participation, popularity, gender, race, and class as they relate to sport. The third edition also features the following enhancements:

* New "Applying Social Theory" activities in each chapter that foster an understanding of social theories that ground the subject area

* Updated "Activity Time-Out," "Expert's View," "Pop Culture," and "In the Arena With . . ." sidebars that offer a contemporary context to which students can apply the concepts in the text

* Increased emphasis on emerging issues such as sport for development and peace as well as the growing role of electronic media

* Updated instructor ancillaries that provide assistance in lecture preparation and give instructors new ways to engage students and reinforce concepts found throughout the text

Social Issues in Sport, Third Edition , is divided into four parts, maintaining the student-friendly format and accessibility of previous editions. Part I presents the framework for study through defining terms and presenting six crucial social theories that are used throughout the rest of the text. Part II addresses various forms of participation in sport, from spectator to participant, recreational to professional, and explores sport marketing and commercialization, as well as the close relationship between sport and media. In part III, the role of sport programs and player development, from youth to intercollegiate, as well as the crucial role of sport coach and its many responsibilities. Part IV delves into sport and culture, focusing on social classifications and their powerful effects on sport participation.

Ancillary materials are available to aid instructors using this text in the classroom. An updated instructor guide includes chapter summaries, student objectives, chapter outlines, and additional student activities. A test package, chapter quizzes, and presentation package provide instructors with support for lecture preparation and tools to ensure that students remain engaged.

Social Issues in Sport, Third Edition , provides the foundations for examining the multifaceted roles of sport and physical activity in society and for studying sport from a critical perspective. The information and many activities used throughout the text invite students to understand and evaluate the sociocultural issues raised by sport and relate these themes to their own lives. Through this in-depth examination of sociocultural issues, students will be able to understand and appreciate the development of sport as a part and reflection of the development of society.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Though he does not go into depth about theory--this is not a book for courses in sport sociology--Woods (adjunct, Univ. of South Florida) provides a volume that will establish a framework for understanding larger concerns in sport. Each of the book's 19 chapters sets the stage for addressing a particular major issue and then provides in-depth discussion and expert views, highlights the ways popular culture has explored the topic, and offers activities that will get students to engage more fully with issues addressed. Some sections of the textbook--for this is more a textbook than a secondary resource--could have been more carefully referenced, but Woods does a good job of presenting multiple viewpoints on the topics he covers. This accessible volume will be a useful resource for those new to the many domains of sport. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates. L. J. Burton University of Connecticut

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Ronald B. Woods, PhD , is an adjunct professor of health science and human performance at the University of Tampa. He was a professor of physical education and men's tennis coach at West Chester University in Pennsylvania for 17 years and was inducted into their athletic Hall of Fame. He has more than 40 years of experience as a professor, coach, and sport administrator.

Woods also spent 20 years with the United States Tennis Association and was the first director of player development, a program that assisted in the development of top junior players into successful playing professionals. He was also honored by the International Tennis Hall of Fame with their Educational Merit Award in 1996.

He has been honored by the United States Professional Tennis Association as National Coach of the Year in 1982 and named a Master Tennis Professional in 1984. A lifelong member of SHAPE America, Woods was a member of the U.S. Olympic Coaching Committee for eight years and the Coaches' Commission of the International Tennis Federation.