Essay Topic: Examine the nature of
fandom (positive) with respect to one sport, athlete, franchise/team,
league, or sport event, and explore how that fandom is expressed and practiced, as well as
what it reveals about sport fans and fandom today. 
Essay instructions: write an essay on the topic they chose for the annotated
bibliography, using the sources they identified and annotated. The essay can be written in any
format (e.g., the hamburger format) and include subtitles or headings.
Essays should not just repeat the annotated bibliography by summarizing the sources, but
should instead develop a coherent argument or analysis that draws upon the sources to
support the argument or analysis.
Essays should include an introduction and a conclusion, as well as a cover and works cited
page.
Essays will be evaluated according to the following criteria (in order of importance):
• persuasiveness and rigour in arguing for a particular position or perspective in relation
to the chosen theme from the course, as illustrated through references to contemporary
examples, issues, and debates about communication related to that theme;
• relevance, use, and explication of academic sources, that is, how judiciously they
choose and faithfully they reconstruct the scholarly literature on the chosen theme from
the course, demonstrating that they have undertaken a studied engagement of the
course material and/or external scholarship through quotes, paraphrases, etc.;
• quality of writing, as reflected both in the attention to proofreading, editing, citations,
etc., to limit typographical, grammatical, and other errors, and in the observance of the
assignment’s formal and technical requirements, e.g., citation style, spacing and
margins, etc.
My annotated bibliography: In this paper, I will explore the dynamic environment of
soccer fandom to comprehend how fans’ enthusiastic and positive sentiments
highlight the larger role that sports play in promoting a sense of shared
identity and community. Through the examination of several creative forms used
by supporters to show their loyalty. This paper will shed light on how soccer
fandom is evolving and how it serves as a unifying force in contemporary
society.
Encyclopædia
Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Sociology of sports. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/sports/sports/Sociology-of-sports
In this Britannica article, the landscape of sports
psychology is explored. A critical aspect of the article revolves around the
socialization process in sports, examining how sports shape individuals and its
repercussions on character and identity. The article also analyzes national
identity, and how sports can contribute to a nation’s image and traditions.
This article focuses on the sociology of sports and
provides valuable insights and theoretical frameworks that will significantly
contribute to the analysis of soccer fandom in my essay. A strong foundation
for comprehending the bigger picture in which soccer fandom functions is
through the topics of socialization into sports, emotional experiences, and the
relationship between sports and national identity. This analysis of how
individuals become involved with sports will support my analysis of the
understanding of the passionate emotions and displays of loyalty among soccer
supporters. Furthermore, this article will support my analysis of the
examination of national identity and sports. Through insights into traditions,
myths, and the nature of the sport, shedding light on how fans shape their
narratives and traditions within the dynamic environment of soccer.
Mastromartino, B. Zhang, J. (2020, May 8). Affective
Outcomes of Membership in a Sport Fan Community. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7225319/
Mastromartino and Zhang highlight the impact of emotions on
sports fan communities. They focus on the need for a deeper understanding of
how fan community membership influences outcomes and behaviours. They argue
that sports organizations can strategically enhance marketing procedures,
foster global fan communities, and elevate consumption behaviour.
This article provides a comprehensive examination of sports
fan behaviours and the affective outcomes of membership in fan communities. The
emphasis on emotional attachment, identification, and the distinctive
characteristics of sports fandom will aid my analysis of soccer fandom. The
article’s discussion on the global perspective of building a fan base resonates
with my focus on soccer as a unifying force in contemporary society. This
article will particularly aid my essay through the use of affective outcomes
which can be utilized to highlight the positive emotions that are common in
soccer fandom, including the increase in self-esteem and a sense of belonging
among fan networks. Additionally, the article’s emphasis on exclusivity and the
sense of uniqueness within niche communities aligns with my interest in
understanding how fans express their loyalty.
Sports
fandom and social identity: Uniting fans worldwide. FasterCapital. (2023,
December 12). https://fastercapital.com/content/Sports-Fandom-and-Social-Identity–Uniting-Fans-Worldwide.html
This article by Faster Capital examines the complex effects
of sports fandom on social identity, looking at how it might promote a feeling
of community, emotional connection, and belonging. Specifically covering
aspects of social bonds and the psychological effects on the fans and the link
between sports fandom and social capital.
This article delves into the psychological effects of
sports fandom, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects. I will be
focusing on the positive aspects such as the sense of community, belongingness,
and stress relief, which will help to support and understand the positive
sentiments within soccer fandom. The article also mentions the impact of social
identity theory. This will support my analysis of how soccer fandom contributes
to the formation of a shared identity and community. Furthermore, I will also
be focusing on the portion of the article that discusses the connection between
sports fandom and social capital. Delving into how social networks, the
development of social skills, and the sense of exclusivity are used by soccer
supporters to show their loyalty and passion.
Wang, S.
(2006, May 1). Sports complex: The science behind fanatic behavior.
Association for Psychological Science – APS. https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/sports-complex-the-science-behind-fanatic-behavior
Shirley Wang’s article explores the behaviour of sports
fans and the psychology behind their passionate support for teams. The article
highlights the sense of community that supporters of a team experience, using
studies that associate team identification with reduced feelings of isolation
and alienation. It also emphasizes the psychological coping strategies
supporters use to stay loyal despite poor team results, such as superstitions
and biased perceptions.
This article provides insights into the psychology and
behaviour of sports fans, which will significantly contribute to my analysis of
soccer fandom. The part of the article that I will mainly focus on is the
multifaceted nature of sports fans’ behaviour, emphasizing the emotional
connection, sense of identity, and social belonging associated with supporting
a team. Additionally, I will delve into the social connectedness and diverse
strategies that sports organizations use to create relationships with their
fans. Similarly using the article as support into the loyalty, coping
mechanisms during team downturns, and the significant role that the community
plays in the performance of the team. 
Feedback on my annotated bibliography: The sources are Ok. I would avoid using the britanica source as its not peer reviewed or academic. The faster capital source also looked suspect
Your thesis is good. Exploring the unique positive formations of strong nit communities under fandom is important. Though you need to answer “so what”. 
Yes sports fans come together, but what benefits do soccer communities have. Are their local traditions surrounding it, do they promote local businesses. You mentioned the consumerism, how reliant are some cities on their sports fans to fill up bars and hotels. You need to articulate the positive benefits and what’s unique about soccer fandom that builds these communities. 
Write an essay covering all topics and requirements and consider the feedback on my annotated bibliography to improve the essay. Choose better academic and peer reviewed sources if needed.