The spring 2023 International Seminar Series, The FIFA World Cups of Soccer—Joy and Context, will be presented simultaneously in-person in the Old Main Room of the Bone Student Center, and online through Zoom, starting January 25, 2023, noon-1 p.m. These events are free and open to the public. RSVP is required for in-person attendance.
This semester’s series will highlight the joys and controversies surrounding one of the most beloved sports in the world. On January 25, Illinois State Associate Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies Dr. Craig McLauchlan will kick off the semester with an overview of the series, and the implications and impact presented by this topic.
With the men’s World Cup taking place this past fall, and the women’s World Cup coming up this summer, the spring semester presents a perfect opportunity to take an in-depth look at how these events are shaping the world stage. International sporting events unite fans from around the globe through shared passion and excitement for the players, teams, and competitions. However, there is a dark undertone of corruption, gender inequality, and human rights and labor violations that surround these events. This series aims to take a comprehensive look at some of these topics and provide a broader context for how these events impact issues beyond the world of sports.
Series events for the semester:
- February 15: Changing the Game-Sportswashing and the Politicization of Sports in the Modern Era
- March 8: Joy of the Game—How Soccer Opens Doors in Our Community and Around the World
- March 29: Labor and Human Rights and the 2022 Soccer World Cup
- April 19: Corruption in the World of Soccer
Those wishing to attend the event in person must register in advance. A free lunch buffet will be provided for in-person participants prior to the event at 11:45 a.m. CST.
Those wishing to attend the event online via Zoom should use the link (Advance registration is not necessary for online attendance).
Anyone with questions or requiring an accommodation to participate fully should contact Emmy Buonomo at ecbuono@IllinoisState.edu or call the Office of International Engagement at (309) 438-1651.
