Michigan State University is pleased to offer a free MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) on the Winter Olympics. Students will explore the many dimensions of mega-events - history, culture, politics, business, law, sports management, health, and economics - and gain the tools and language to interpret and understand the 2014 Winter Olympics. One feature of the course is a real-time Twitter and social media analysis of the Opening Ceremonies, where participants from around the world can interpret and evaluate the event while it's happening. Mega events, such as the Olympics, are major economic forces for their host cities and countries. The course began on Monday, January 27, 2014. In this free online course, participants will explore how the event has developed, how cities prepare for a major event, and analyze the legacy issues for the infrastructure and economies of host cities. While the Olympics is a rare and costly event, smaller events and festivals play an important role in promoting many communities and providing a regular source of economic activity. Most cities will never host the Olympics, but we can learn how to use these types of events for local benefit. Also, coming in June 2014, Mega Events: Inside the FIFA World Cup, will be an analysis of the global soccer championship to be hosted by Brazil.

You can register for Mega Events: Inside the Winter Olympics for free or get more details about this unique opportunity on Canvas.