How did soccer become the “global game”? Do different soccer cultures embody national identities? How does soccer intersect with broader processes of social and economic inequality? And why do countries compete to host its premium event? With the 2018 World Cup on the horizon, this 4-week summer course will critically examine the game itself and also explore its relevance to wider cultural and geopolitical issues. This includes debates about international migration, identity politics, gender inequalities, and human rights. Whether you are a soccer fanatic, a novice, or even a skeptic, this course will help you understand what’s really at stake when the players take to the pitch!