Spring 2026
SOCIOL 139 001 - LEC 001
Selected Topics in Social Inequality
The Evolution and Impact of Sport in American Society: Lessons from the Last Lectures of Dr. Harry Edwards
Brian A Bedford
Jan 20, 2026 - May 08, 2026
Tu, Th
03:30 pm - 04:59 pm
Social Sciences Building 126
Class #:32180
Units: 4
Instruction Mode:
In-Person Instruction
Offered through
Sociology
Current Enrollment
Total Open Seats:
4
Enrolled: 61
Waitlisted: 0
Capacity: 65
Waitlist Max: 10
No Reserved Seats
Hours & Workload
3 hours of instructor presentation of course materials per week, and 9 to 7 hours of outside work hours per week.
Final Exam
FRI, MAY 15TH
07:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Social Sciences Building 126
Course Catalog Description
Specialized topics in Social Inequalities that are not regularly offered in the curriculum may occasionally be offered under this number. The focus of the course will vary depending on the instructor in charge. The survey course in Social Inequalities, 130, is recommended before taking this course.
Class Description
This course is an introduction to the field of sociology of sport through the lens of “The Last Lectures of Dr. Harry Edwards,” a legendary Berkeley sociologist, public intellectual, and civil rights activist who founded the sociology of sport. Exploring the evolution, dynamics, and impact of sport in modern America, the course weaves together biography, history, and sociological analysis to reveal the connections between athlete activism, social movements, leadership, social mobility, racial and ethnic inequalities, and the struggle for social justice from the post-civil war reconstruction era to the present. Students will consider the role of sports and athlete activism as drivers of social change and our capacity to reimagine social, cultural, and economic institutions in the US and around the world.
Class Notes
Please go here for more information.
https://www.thelastlectures.com/
Dr. Brian Bedford's Bio
Brian brings a combined 30 years of experience in the private sector, higher education, as both a business law instructor and administrator, and non-profit sector to the classroom. A Sacramento native and... show more
https://www.thelastlectures.com/
Dr. Brian Bedford's Bio
Brian brings a combined 30 years of experience in the private sector, higher education, as both a business law instructor and administrator, and non-profit sector to the classroom. A Sacramento native and... show more
Please go here for more information.
https://www.thelastlectures.com/
Dr. Brian Bedford's Bio
Brian brings a combined 30 years of experience in the private sector, higher education, as both a business law instructor and administrator, and non-profit sector to the classroom. A Sacramento native and former athlete, Brian attended the University of California at Berkeley and became its first Black quarterback in the modern era. He holds a Bachelor of Art in Race Relations and Education, a Juris Doctorate, Master of Business Administration, and Doctorate in Education. show less
https://www.thelastlectures.com/
Dr. Brian Bedford's Bio
Brian brings a combined 30 years of experience in the private sector, higher education, as both a business law instructor and administrator, and non-profit sector to the classroom. A Sacramento native and former athlete, Brian attended the University of California at Berkeley and became its first Black quarterback in the modern era. He holds a Bachelor of Art in Race Relations and Education, a Juris Doctorate, Master of Business Administration, and Doctorate in Education. show less
Rules & Requirements
Repeat Rules
Requirements class fulfills
Meets Social & Behavioral Sciences, L&S Breadth
Reserved Seats
Current Enrollment
No Reserved Seats
Textbooks & Materials
See class syllabus or https://calstudentstore.berkeley.edu/textbooks for the most current information.
Guide to Open, Free, & Affordable Course Materials
Associated Sections
None