International Center University of Florida

Late Scottish manager Bill Shankly once commented: “Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.”

Indeed, the beautiful game has a profound hold on billions of people around the world, which has prompted scholars, including Franklin Foer, to argue that soccer can “explain the world.” "Communicating Soccer Globally" examines the most popular sport in the world from media, business and social perspectives through readings, videos, lectures, class discussion, and international speakers. The class will explore soccer’s global influence and how it is communicated around the world. Case studies will include nationalism during major events (World Cup, Euro, Copa América, etc.), fan support and identity, the business economics of football, and the state of women’s soccer outside of North America.