The History of Football: The Social and Racial Dimensions of Football in America

Football has often been a lens through which America’s struggles with race and social justice are magnified. This course examines the history of racial discrimination in both college and professional football and how opportunities for players of color have grown over time. Participants will explore the enduring relationship between Native American symbols and the sport, and how players have utilized football as a platform for social protest. By analyzing these topics, learners will better understand how football’s social dimensions continue to shape its evolution.

Learning Objectives

• Discuss how African American players have experienced racial discrimination in professional football and why these challenges endure, even as opportunities for these players have grown dramatically over time.
• Give examples of how Native Americans have engaged with football over time and how the sport retains Native American nomenclature and symbols, even as the number of Native American players has diminished.
• Explain the ways in which football has served as a platform for players to engage in social protest and pursue social justice.

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 is the second course of the History of Football Series, offering a nuanced perspective on how football intersects with critical social and racial issues. Participants are encouraged to take the courses in sequence to fully grasp the evolution of the game and its societal implications.