Judy Liao, PhD

About

Ph.D., University of Alberta

M.A., University of British Columbia 

B.B.A/B.Laws, National Taipei University

I teach sociology of sport, gender studies, and qualitative research methods in sport studies. My work examines female bodies in sport and popular culture. Besides women's sport and women in popular culture, my favourite topic in conversation is my dear puppy, Polaris. 

Research

My research agenda focuses on elite female sporting bodies in contemporary cultures. I am particularly interested in intersecting politics within the Women's National Basketball Association's (WNBA) operations and media representations. 

AUIDS 302 - Exploring Body Issues

This course introduces students to some of the contemporary discussions and debates regarding the body as a social phenomenon taking place within feminism and related fields. Students will learn how to critically unpack the power that operates through bodily reactions to self, others, and society through various threads of feminist theories.

AUIDS 401 - Advanced Integration Project

A project-based course which allows students to work in small interdisciplinary teams to propose a solution to a real-world issue with the support of a faculty advisor. Prerequisite: AUIDS 301.

AUPED 160 - Sociocultural Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity

Introduction to the sociocultural dimensions of sport and physical activity. The course examines a variety of social institutions, processes, issues, and their relationship to sport and physical education in Canada and the United States. Topics include the emergence of modern sport, sport and culture, socialization, class and gender relations, race and ethnicity, government and politics, commercialization, the mass media, schools and universities, drugs and violence.

AUPED 266 - Gender in Sport and Physical Activity

Exploring construction and performance of gender in sport and physical activity. Intersections with other identity categories, such as race, sexuality and ability will also be explored to understand a more complex process of gender production.

AUPED 370 - Selected Topics in Physical Education and Sport

Advanced study of a particular dimension of physical education and sport. Topics vary from year to year, depending on instructor and student interest. Prerequisite: Vary according to topic; second year standing. Note: AUPED 370 is classified as an arts course.

Browse more courses taught by Judy Liao

Judy Liao & Pirkko Markula

Sociology of Sport Journal. 32 (2):169-197