This RLO is part of “Sociology of Leisure” course. The module discusses some major features of current leisure patterns, but these activities are also central to modern life itself and thus have interests for sociologists. This series of RLOs discusses the emergence of commercialised leisure by examining approaches which include Ritzer on Macdonaldisation and disenchantment, Du Gay et al on Sony, and Goldman and Papson on Nike. Discussing these topics take us into sociological territory more generally discussions of enterprise social and industrial change (including Fordism and globalisation), into studies of consumerism, and into important ways in which viewers are addressed in modern advertising. The learning strategy will be as before. Students will also be asked to write a short account (using guidelines provided) of their own experiences as consumers of fast food, electronic pods, or trainers.

This resource has been created within the Open Educational Resources project "Evaluating the Practice of Opening up Resources for Learning and Teaching in the Social Sciences" [C-SAP OER], undertaken by the Subject Centre for Sociology, Anthropology and Politics based at University of Birmingham, for further information see here: http://www.c-sap.bham.ac.uk/subject_areas/elearning/oer/default.htm. The project is part of UK-wide Open Educational Resources programme [UKOER]. Within the programme, JISC (Joint Information Systems Committee) and the Higher Education Academy are collaborating on the with the aim of enabling higher education institutions, consortia and individuals to share learning materials freely online. The programme supports universities and colleges in exploring processes and policies, intellectual property rights, cultural issues, technical requirements and data management issues.