The History of Football: Birth and Growth of Football in America

The story of American football’s origins is a compelling narrative of sport, society, and culture evolving together. This course explores football’s early years, revealing how the game grew from its college roots into a nationwide phenomenon that captivated audiences across diverse regions of the country. Participants will examine how football reflected and shaped American society, addressing both its triumphs and challenges as it developed into a professional enterprise. Through documentary films, lectures, and podcasts, you’ll relive iconic moments in football history while exploring its enduring cultural significance.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the position of football in American culture as it began to expand its appeal to different geographic areas of the country and establish a professional level.
• Understand the challenges football faced as it grew and adapted to a changing society.
• Describe the ways that college football players of color experienced racial discrimination, how these instances reflect broader trends in American society, and how these players navigated this challenging environment over time.
• Give examples of how significant developments in college football are inextricably linked to broader trends in American society.

Prior Learning

This noncredit course is beginner-friendly, with no prior expertise required. However, to ensure success, students should:

• Be comfortable reading and understanding English, as all materials are provided in English.
• Have basic computer skills, including navigating the internet, downloading/uploading files, installing software, and using applications like Microsoft Word.

These foundational skills will help you engage fully with our primarily online courses.

This course is part of the History of Football Series, a deep dive into how the game evolved alongside the social, cultural, and political changes in America. Participants are encouraged to explore the entire series to fully understand football’s unique impact on society.