English Football: a Social History (FutureLearn)

We’ll explore the origins of football, from early clubs to professional leagues and European competition; the role of the media and formation of the Premier League; and how LCFC rose from 5,000-1 outsiders to Premier League Champions.

The University of Leicester and De Montfort University have joined Leicester City Football Club to give a unique insight into the history and sociology of the sport, and the inside story of a premier league club.

What topics will you cover?

- A history of football from early leagues and formats, through to the present day.

- The influence of the media, and European football, on the English game.

- The social impact of football: on fans and communities, through disaster and euphoria.

- A case study of one Premier League club, looking in detail at their folk history and modern success.

- A detailed look at Leicester City Football Club’s remarkable ‘great escape’ and title-winning season 2015-16.

- An examination of the present state of football, and how it might change in the future.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

- Summarise key points in the history of football, from its roots to the Premier League

- Evaluate the role football plays in society, from fans to local and international communities

- Debate economic influences and motivations in modern football

- Discuss the current state of football, and its role in society