Learning objectives
The course has four main objectives: 1) to teach the basic notions and principles of sociology, starting from classical authors up to contemporary developments; 2) to teach the theoretical perspectives and the methodological tools with which the main sociological issues are addressed; 3) to teach how to apply the knowledge acquired in interpreting contemporary social phenomena; 4) to develop the ability to communicate and discuss issues related to sociology, with different interlocutors, in a clear and critical way and with an appropriate academic language, also through the reading of data and information deriving from both academic and non-academic sources.
Prerequisites
none
Course unit content
The course aims to provide basic conceptual, theoretical and methodological tools to deal with the study and analysis of the social phenomena that characterize contemporary societies. The first part will be devoted to the presentation of the main classical sociological theories. The second will be dedicated to the analysis of the issues around which sociological reflections have developed, with attention to existing perspectives and methodological approaches. Topics will include in particular: social interaction, social structure, organizations and networks, culture, mass media and communication, politics and social movements, markets and labor, social stratification, gender and sexuality, family, education, religion, migration, crime and deviance.
Full programme
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Bibliography
ATTENDING AND NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
1) Jedlowski P. (2009) The world in question. Introduction to the history of sociological thought, Carocci: Rome
2) Giddens A. and Sutton P.W. (2014) Fundamentals of sociology, Il Mulino: Bologna
Teaching methods
The teaching activities will mainly include lectures, aimed at teaching the basic concepts and principles of sociology but also at stimulating the application of the knowledge acquired in the interpretation of contemporary social phenomena. The lectures will be integrated with slides that will be uploaded weekly on the Elly platform. They do not substitute the reference book (Ranci & Pavolini, 2015). In the second part of the course, in addition to lectures, seminars will also be organized to further analyse some of the sociological issues addressed. Students will have the opportunity to interact with professionals as well as with researchers who have conducted research projects in the sociological field and to reflect on the methodological approaches adopted.
Assessment methods and criteria
ATTENDING AND NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
The exam will consist of a written test lasting 90 minutes, with 4 open questions, 2 on sociological theories and 2 on social phenomena. The exam is aimed at verifying the knowledge and understanding of the concepts, theories and topics addressed and the ability to develop, in written form, critical arguments and reflections with an adequate academic language. The final evaluation will consist of a mark (from 18 to 30). Each of the 4 questions will contribute to 1/4 of the final grade.
Other information
The lecturer is available for questions regarding the course, the contents and the exam. She invites non-attending students to contact her, for any questions. For the academic year 2021/2022, she will be Tuesday, from 10 to 13 either in her office or online (Teams platform). Please send an email to ask for an appointment both online or in presence.
