This course examines the history of sports writing in its evolution both as a form and as a profession and looks at some of the classic and contemporary examples of the genre. Eschewing the genres of as-told-to sports bios, teaching books, and coffee-table volumes, we will move back and forth from work that is both lyrical and idealized to writing that is satirical or probing. We will read selected writings, current magazine and newspaper sports journalism, and our own class work in the form of drafts that students will post for one another online. Each student will be required to complete several short papers and an extended sports story. Part of the Certificate of Online Journalism but open to all.