May 2026

Sports, Law, and Politics

POL 398

Spend five days in Washington, D.C. meeting experts in the world of sports, law, and politics.

6 days travel at
$1,800 plus tuition

POL 398
3 Credit Hours

Instructed by
Dr. Marvin King

Priority Deadline
March 6, 2026

Travel Overview

Go beyond textbooks and lecture halls. Study USA’s travel courses combine academic learning with hands-on, real world experiences. Every class maximizes its unique location with immersive activities. 

You’ll earn academic credit, apply what you’re learning directly to your surroundings, and engage in lively class experiences—all guided by Ole Miss faculty.

What You'll Do

Students will visit:

What You'll Learn

  • Understand the political and economic factors influencing major sports policy decisions.
  • Analyze legal frameworks governing labor relations and athlete rights.
  • Evaluate the role of interest groups and lobbying in shaping sports policy.
  • Explore contemporary controversies, including gambling, NIL, and public subsidies for stadium construction.
  • Develop informed perspectives on the future of sports law and governance.

All activities are tentative and subject to change depending on scheduling, booking availability, and course adjustments.

Meet Your Instructors

All Study USA courses are designed and led by Ole Miss faculty. Your instructor(s) will be your first point of contact during your travels and lead you through all the class experiences. 

Dr. Marvin King

Dr. Marvin King

Associate Professor Political Science and African American Studies
marvin@olemiss.edu

Marvin King is an associate professor of political science and African American Studies. He teaches courses on Politics of the American South, Federalism, African American Politics, Political Inequality, and the African American Legal Experience, and has published journal articles on the same topics. Dr. King has spoken frequently to the League of Women Voters, the Mississippi Humanities Council, and other civic organizations. Dr. King is the Founding Organizer of TEDx University of Mississippi and he previously served as Senior Faculty Fellow of the Residential College South. Dr. King also served on the boards of the Oxford Park Commission, the Oxford Planning Commission, and served as President and Race Director for Run Oxford among his community engagements. Most recently, Dr. King organized a conference and statewide roadshow on Inclusive Economies.

“Students will get an up-to-date education on the fast evolving world of sports and politics. We will cover NIL, gambling, doping, stadium financing, and much more.”

– Dr. King

Program Details

No prerequisites.

Open to students in all majors.

May interest students in:

Political Science, African American Studies, Public Policy, Economics, Sports Management

Designed for students interested in:

politics, law, sports

Prior to Departure

In person class meetings: May 11-15, 2026

Meet with your Ole Miss instructor and fellow classmates on the Oxford campus for an introduction to class materials and discussions on class topics.

During Travel

Travel: May 17-22, 2026

  • Students make their own travel arrangements to and from the destination.
  • Double occupancy hotel rooms will be provided near Capitol Hill, offering a convenient base for your stay.
  • Your instructor will share exact meeting times and locations during pre-departure meetings and will be available to you leading up to the course through Blackboard.
  • Students may have their airfare billed to their bursar account. You’ll receive details upon course enrollment.

At Program End

Students will submit a detailed journal of their experience in DC, which will have several sections, including how they might consider a career at the intersection of sports, law, and politics.

Cost of Program

$1,800
Plus Tuition

What’s Included

  • Local transportation during course
  • Select group meals
  • Group tours listed on the itinerary

What’s Not Included

  • Tuition
  • Airfare to and from destination
  • Most meals at travel site
  • Personal spending money