Course Description
This course examines America’s national game and its cultural impact, home and abroad. Older than the Civil War, baseball has ever since been inextricably tied to our nation’s history: its growing pains, its triumphant joys, and its unique potential for what Walt Whitman described as “transcendental Union.” Topics include national myth, storytelling, civic ritual, mass media, Japan, Latin America, sabermetrics, hot dogs, beer, racial integration, gender, democracy, gambling, doping, cheating, perseverance, integrity, sportsmanship, field trips, guest speakers, fandom, baseball cards, memory, and family. Assignments will include discussion, research, writing, and playful interaction.