Why a university professor turned the TV show Ted Lasso into a course
The popular Apple TV+ show Ted Lasso has captured the hearts of viewers with its heartwarming story of an American football coach navigating the world of English Premier League soccer. Lori Dithurbide, an associate professor of kinesiology at Dalhousie University’s school of health and human performance, is not only a fan of the show but is taking her admiration to the next level by incorporating it into a new course she will be offering at Dalhousie next year.
In a recent interview with CBC Radio’s Information Morning Nova Scotia host Portia Clark, Dithurbide shared her inspiration behind turning Ted Lasso into a course. She explained that the show sparked conversations on various topics, including leadership, social justice, sport psychology, and sociology. Drawing on her expertise in these areas, she saw an opportunity to use the show as a platform to delve deeper into these subjects and engage students in meaningful discussions.
The course will require students to follow along with the series, using examples from the show to explore topics such as leadership styles, coaching philosophies, and the impact of mental health. Dithurbide emphasized the importance of critical thinking skills and self-awareness, encouraging students to analyze the themes presented in Ted Lasso through an academic lens.
When asked about potential skepticism regarding the course’s approach, Dithurbide acknowledged the innovative nature of using a TV show as a teaching tool but expressed confidence in the course’s structure and academic rigor. She emphasized that the course is designed for senior-level students and will involve reading research studies, engaging with theories, and writing essays to deepen their understanding of the material.
One of the standout aspects of Ted Lasso is its exploration of mental health issues, with Coach Lasso himself grappling with anxiety. Dithurbide highlighted the show’s emphasis on kindness and forgiveness as a departure from traditional sports coaching norms. Coach Lasso’s human-first approach and emphasis on building a positive team culture through kindness resonates with viewers and offers a fresh perspective on leadership in sports.
Overall, Dithurbide’s innovative course based on Ted Lasso promises to provide students with a unique and engaging learning experience that combines pop culture with academic scholarship. By leveraging the show’s themes and characters, students will have the opportunity to explore complex topics in coaching and leadership while honing their critical thinking skills. The course exemplifies the intersection of entertainment and education, offering a fresh and dynamic approach to learning in the field of kinesiology.
