menu of RLOs

Re-Usable Learning Objects (RLOs)

PLEASE READ:
RLOs are multi-media files designed to help people learn what is usually a small chunk of material. They are often introductory. They can contain PowerPoint slides, video, audio and text (HTML) files. These RLOs will only run on Internet Explorer. They contain audio material and so you will need to connect speakers or headphones. Allow the browser to run 'active content' if it warns you -- this is only the stuff behind the controls on the video and audio panels. The RLOs that permit HTML have a link to this page (usually displayed under the slides or on the text panels). Others will require you to use the back arrow (or the drop-down next to it) to get back to the start page.

The ones listed here have been designed by Ian Gilhespy and Dave Harris on a number of themes:

Research Methods and Approaches

Autoethnography

Dave Harris

This RLO introduces autoethnography by discussing criticisms of conventional ethnography from a poststructuralist perspective. It then outlines some examples of autoethnographic work (including some on coaching and running). The sequence ends by criticizing autoethngraphy in turn -- including poststructuralist critique of autoethnography itself and its assumptions about selves and knowledge. There is a list of references and follow-up reading in the RLO itself, including links to several pieces of work summarized in reading guides on this website.

Approximate length: 11 minutes

A Brief Introduction to Semiotics

Authored by Ian Gilhespy

This learning object may be viewed or listened to as an introductory piece concerning the role of semiotics in relation to research methods or as a starting point for understanding an approach to analysis usually associated with media/cultural studies that has applications to leisure and sport more generally. It may be useful to consume this learning object alongside the object about the status of visual data in the study of leisure and sport.

Approximate length: 7 minutes

References and Further Reading :
Banks, M. (2001) Visual Methods in Social Research. London:Sage
Barthes, R. (1977) Image, Music, Text. London:Fontana
Emmison, M. and Smith, P. (2002) Researching the Visual. London: Sage
Gilhespy, I. (2006) The Status of Visual Data in Research Methods for Sport, Leisure and Outdoor Adventure Programmes. The International Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism Education www.heacademy.ac.uk/hlst/resources/johlste/vol5no2
Rose, G. (2003) Visual Methodologies London:Sage

Interviews and questionnaires

Authored by Ian Gilhespy

This is one of a series of learning objects that relate to research methods in the social sciences and, therefore, has a broad application even though examples are drawn from sport and leisure. This object focuses on some of the practical issues in actually writing or asking appropriate questions.

Approximate length: 13 minutes

References and Further Reading
Gratton, C. and Jones, I. (2004) Research Methods for Sports Studies London:Routledge.
May, T. (1997) Social Research. Issues, Methods and Process. Buckingham: Open University Press 3^rd Edition
Silverman, D. (1993) Interpreting Qualitative Data: Methods for Analysing Talk, Text and Interaction. London: Sage
Silverman, D. (ed) (1997) Qualitative Research: Theory, Method and Practice. London: Sage
Veal, A. (1992) Research Methods in Leisure and Tourism. London: ILAM/Longman

Introduction: positivism and interpretivism

Authored by Ian Gilhespy

This is one of a family of reusable or digital learning objects that relate to the conduct of research methods. At a very basic level, it introduces some material about the differences between positivist and interpretivist frameworks of approaching the gathering of data.

Approximate length: 16 minutes

References and Further Reading
McNeill, P. and Chapman, S. (2005) Research Methods. London: Routledge 3rd Edition
May, T. (1997) Social Research. Issues, Methods and Process. Buckingham: Open University Press 3^rd Edition
Silverman, D. (1993) Interpreting Qualitative Data: Methods for Analysing Talk, Text and Interaction. London: Sage
Silverman, D. (ed) (1997) Qualitative Research: Theory, Method and Practice. London: Sage

Introduction to Visual Data

Authored by Ian Gilhespy

This is one of a series of learning objects that relate to research methods in the social sciences. This object includes an evaluation of the status and role of visual data in research methods relating to sport, leisure and outdoor adventure. The argument is developed that there is scope for greater sophistication in the analysis of visual data, including mediated data. The claim is made that student research practice may benefit from the teaching of research methods that includes an emphasis on the analysis of visual data, in particular semiotics. A separate learning object introduces approaches to semiotics in more detail.

Approximate length: 24 minutes

References and Further Reading
Banks, M. (2001) Visual Methods in Social Research. London:Sage
Barthes, R. (1977) Image, Music, Text. London:Fontana
Emmison, M. and Smith, P. (2002) Researching the Visual. London: Sage
Finn, M, Elliott-White, M. and Walton, M. (2000) Tourism and Leisure Research Methods.
Gilhespy, I. (2006) The Status of Visual Data in Research Methods for Sport, Leisure and Outdoor Adventure Programmes. The International Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism Education www.heacademy.ac.uk/hlst/resources/johlste/vol5no2
Whannel, G. (1992) Fields of Vision: Television Sport and Cultural Transformation. London: Routledge
Horne, J. et al (1999) Understanding Sport. An Introduction to the Sociological and Cultural Analysis of Sport London: E. & F.N.Spon

Making Sense

Authored by Ian Gilhespy

This is one of a series of learning objects concerning research methods. This object contains an introduction to the reasons why scientific models of making sense differ from rival approaches such as astrology, religion and common sense all of which offer ‘preconceived theories’ with which to understand our experience

Approximate length: 15 minutes

References and Further Reading:
Gratton, C. and Jones, I. (2004) Research Methods for Sports Studies London:Routledge.
May, T. (1997) Social Research. Issues, Methods and Process. Buckingham: Open University Press 3^rd Edition
Popper, K. (1965) Of clouds and clocks : an approach to the problem of rationality and the freedom of man. Arthur Holly Memorial Lecture.
Silverman, D. (1993) Interpreting Qualitative Data: Methods for Analysing Talk, Text and Interaction. London: Sage
Silverman, D. (ed) (1997) Qualitative Research: Theory, Method and Practice. London: Sage

Leisure and Sport

Consumerism -- Exploitation or Expression?

Dave Harris

This RLO uses a number of images, including some in advertisements, to introduce some of the debates about consumerism. Some analysis is offered on how advertisements actually communicate strategically with consumers. For some theorists, consumerism represents the worst kind of ideological mechanism, binding people to capitalism by deeply affecting their desires.There is also a more optimistic view, stressing how people are able to use consumer goods to create new identities. The RLO includes a list of additional reading and reference material.

Approximate length: 23 minutes

Edgework

Dave Harris

This RLO has a summary of a key article by Lyng on 'edgework', explaining the pleasures and processes involved in 'extreme' sports, and a clip from a commercial video illustrating some breathtaking snowboarding exploits.The Introduction has some suggested exercises for students.

Approximate length: the video takes about 4 minutes to watch, but reading the summary of the article might take longer

Further reading on the issue of pleasure can be found via the reading guides on this website on the Sociology of Leisure page

Introduction to the Commercial Sector in Leisure

Authored by Ian Gilhespy

This learning object introduces approaches to thinking about the commercial sector in leisure. Attempts at defining the sector are outlined alongside some of the key characteristics too. Leisure products are differentiated from leisure services.

Approximate length: 35 minutes

References and Further Reading
Baker, M. (1992) Marketing. An Introductory Text. Basingstoke: Macmillan
Gratton, C. and Taylor, P (2000) Economics of Sport and Recreation. London:E.& F.N.Spon
Roberts, K. (2004) The Leisure Industries London: Sage
Torkildsen, G. (2002) Leisure & Recreation Management. London:E.& F.N.Spon
Jenkins, J. & Pigram, J. (2004) Encyclopedia of Leisure and Outdoor Recreation. London: Routledge

Is Sport a Good Thing 1

Authored by Ian Gilhespy

This is the first of two digital learning objects that examine some of the assumptions that are often made about the wider social role and impacts of sport. The first of these discusses the role that sport may or not play in the maintenance of healthy bodies. There is an outline of some of the sceptical views entertained by some members of the medical community and represented here by Chief Medical Officer in Britain. The absence of material about sports injuries is also noted.

Approximate length: 12 minutes

References and Further Reading
Coakley, J. (1998) Sport in Society: Issues and Controversies. Boston: McGraw Hill
Roberts, K. (2004) The Leisure Industries. London: Sage
www.publications.doh.gov.uk/cmo/

Is Sport a Good Thing 2

Authored by Ian Gilhespy

This is the second of two digital learning objects that examine some of the assumptions that are often made about the wider social role and impacts of sport. This object contains a discussion and interrogation of the view that participating in sport can turn us into better people, into better citizens. Certain forms of sport were once encouraged as a form of moral education. Questions are raised as to whether the ‘lessons’ of sport are taken into everyday life. The work of Jay Coakley is highlighted

Approximate length: 13 minutes

References and Further Reading
Aitchison C (2001) 'Gender and Leisure: Research and the Codification of Knowledge' in Leisure Sciences 23: 1—19
Anderson,J. (2001) Gender Issues in Work and Leisure. Eastbourne: Leisure Studies Association
Coakley, J. (1998) Sport in Society: Issues and Controversies. Boston: McGraw Hill
Frost, L. (2001) Young Women and the Body: A Feminist Sociology Basingstoke: Handmills
Hargreaves, J. (1994) Sporting Females. London: Routledge.

Macdonaldization

Dave Harris

This RLO consists of a talk on Ritzer's famous work on Macdonaldization, with a list of additional references and further reading (mostly in the form of reading guides to various pieces, collected on the Sociology of Leisure page on this website).

There is another RLO which follows and discusses Ritzer's later work on disenchantment: the format is a talk and a list of references and follow-up reading again.

Approximate length: 10 minutes for Macdonaldization, 16 minutes for disenchantment

Products and Services in the Experience Economy

Authored by Ian Gilhespy

This is the second of two learning objects designed to introduce some themes about leisure services. It should be viewed or listened to in relation to the learning object that introduces the commercial sector of leisure. The object develops material about the differences between products and services, in particular, by defining key features of services

Approximate length: 14 minutes

References and Further Reading:
Coalter, F. (2000) Public and commercial leisure provision: active citizens and passive consumers? Journal of Leisure Studies. Volume 19 Number 3
Gratton, C. & Taylor, P. (2003) The Economics of Sport and Recreation
Haywood, L. (1995) Community Leisure and Recreation. Oxford: Butterworth Heinemann
Jenkins, J. & Pigram, J. (2003) Encyclopedia of Leisure and Outdoor Recreation. Melbourne:Routledge

Sport and Gender 1

Authored by Ian Gilhespy

This learning object introduces the idea that both sport and gender need to be viewed critically as concepts that have emerged in particular social and cultural situations. Examples of females athletes are used to illustrate the point that the history of sport needs to consider the role of women as well as men. The object concludes by listing the six genders.

Approximate length: 7 minutes

References and Further Reading
Holt, P. (1989) The History of Sport Oxford: Oxford University Press
Jacobs, B. (2004) The Dick Kerr’s Ladies. London: Robinson Press
Williams, J. (2003) A Game for Rough Girls. London: Routledge

Sport and Gender 2

Authored by Ian Gilhespy

This learning object develops the theme that gender may be viewed as a fluid category of human life rather than a fixed one. Sport is examined critically in terms of its capacity to nurture and develop gender identities. The role of sports policies in encouraging access of sporting opportunities is reviewed in this context. The role of sport at secondary school is also reviewed alongside the changing perceptions of the desirability of women’s participation. There is a British focus to this material.

Approximate length: 13 minutes

References and Further Reading
Coakley, J. (1994) Sport and Society St Louis: Mosby Press
Roberts, K. (2004) The Leisure Industries. Basingstoke: PalgraveMacmillan
Scraton, S. (1989) Boys Muscle in where Angels Fear to Tread in F. Coalter (ed) Freedom and Constraint. London:Comedia
Woodhouse, J. et al (2000) An Inclusive National Curriculum. The Experience of Adolescent Girls Physical Education & Sport Pedagogy, Volume 5, Issue 1 2000 , pages 4 - 18

Thinking About 'Nature' in Relation to Outdoor Leisure

Authored by Ian Gilhespy

This learning object examines how we think about nature, in particular in relation to the meanings we invest in nature during our outdoor recreation. The object develops the theme that the ways we think about nature bear the marks of a range of intellectual and religious inheritances. It is these inheritances that allow us to think of ourselves as both separate from but engaged with nature. The complexities and implications of this relationship are discussed. There are links in this material to the learning object about semiotics too.

Approximate length: 8 minutes

References and Further Reading:
Byrne, D. (2003) Envisioning Emotional Epistemological Information. Gottingden: Steidl
Franklin, A. (2004) Tourism: An Introduction London: Sage
MacNaghten, P. and Urry, J. (1998) Contested Natures London: Sage
Rojek, C. (1995) Decentring Leisure. London: Sage
Williams, R. (1973)The Country and the City, London, Chatto and Windus,

Understanding Leisure Consumption 1

Authored by Ian Gilhespy

This is the first of a suite of digital learning objects that explore concepts and issues relating to the consumption of cultural and leisure experiences. The aim of this object is to set the terms of reference for the exploration.

Approximate length: 15 minutes