03857 - General Sociology

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will:

• know and understand the key concepts of sociology, including major theories, perspectives, and methods;
• be able to formulate relevant sociological questions and distinguish the sociological approach from that of other disciplines;
• be capable of applying sociological theories to interpret complex social phenomena such as inequality, social mobility, modernization, and cultural production;
• possess skills in the use of sociological research methods, including data collection, data analysis, and database construction;
• be able to critically analyze social norms, networks, and groups, understanding their role in social cohesion and change;
• be equipped to use conceptual tools to understand the dynamics of social stratification and transformations related to modernization and rationalization;
• be able to effectively communicate sociological findings and reflections to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, using appropriate registers.

Course contents

Introduction

How can we explain polarization? What factors determine success and status? How do social changes related to modernization affect people's everyday lives? Are people more isolated and lonely today than in the past? Has the crime rate increased in recent decades?

Many people have subjective opinions on these questions, which attract significant attention in the media and public discussions. This course is an introduction to what sociology has to say about these topics. It treats sociology as both a science and a profession, emphasizing scientific issues, theories, methods, findings, and their applications. It covers a wide range of topics and social phenomena, such as inequality, crime, modernization, religion, and gender. Throughout the course, students will be introduced to a set of sociological “tools” and “principles” useful for scientifically describing and understanding social phenomena.

Course Objectives

a) to define the key concepts of sociology, its theories, perspectives, methods, and findings.

b) to think “like a sociologist,” being able to understand and apply sociological concepts, questions, perspectives, theories, findings, and methods.

Course Structure

The course lasts 48 hours, divided into two-hour lessons. Unless otherwise indicated, the lessons follow the chapters of the textbook.

Please note that the schedule may be subject to change.

Lesson 1 – Introduction (2 hours)

In this introductory lesson, I will provide all the necessary information about the course and, starting from Durkheim’s definition, demonstrate that sociology is a real discipline—even though it studies something (society) that cannot be directly seen, but manifests through individual behavior.

Lessons 2–4 – Chapter 1: Questions (6 hours)

We will try to answer: What are sociological questions? What makes a sociological question a good one? How do they differ from those of other disciplines?

Lessons 5–7 – Chapter 2: Theories (6 hours)

Objectives: understand what theories are, what makes them useful, how concepts relate to theory, what 'causality' means, and how to represent causal relationships.

Lessons 8–9 – Chapter 3: Methods (4 hours)

Skip section 3.10. We introduce sociological research methods, focusing on what methods can be used, how to choose them, and how to describe and test hypotheses.

Lessons 10–11 – Chapter 4: Perspectives (4 hours)

Section 4.1 is optional; study from the concept of perspective onward. Topics include culture, social relationships, and inequality from a multilevel perspective.

Lessons 12–13 – Chapter 5: Opinions (4 hours)

Skip section 5.7. We explore culture and cultural production, and how they influence opinions, focusing on conformity.

Lessons 14–15 – Chapter 6: Norms (4 hours)

We discuss social norms, their types, related concepts and theories, how they are produced, internalized, changed, and subverted.

Lessons 16–17 – Chapter 7: Networks (3 hours)

We introduce key concepts of social networks, including personal networks, strong/weak ties, network size, intermediaries, and social cohesion/capital.

Lessons 17–18 – Chapter 8: Groups (3 hours)

We examine group formation and intergroup relations, focusing on segregation, cooperation, and conflict.

Lessons 19–21 – Chapters 9 + 10: Social Stratification and Mobility + Resources (6 hours)

We address inequality through social stratification and mobility, introducing concepts, empirical models, and theories related to happiness, life expectancy, and living standards.

Lessons 22–23 – Chapter 11: Modernization

We explore modernization, its dimensions and sociological implications, long-term trends, demographic transitions, rationalization mechanisms, and the link with individualism.

Lesson 24 – Final Lesson

Topic to be defined for a collective discussion.

Readings/Bibliography

Required Readings

The following text is mandatory:
F. Van Tubergen (2022), Introduzione alla sociologia, Bologna, Il Mulino.
(Introduction, Chapters 1–11)

 

Recommended Readings

For non-attending students, the following supplementary readings are recommended:

• Caterina Satta (2024), Bambini e adulti: la nuova sociologia dell’infanzia, Carocci Editore.
• Massimo Livi Bacci (2005), Storia minima della popolazione del mondo, Il Mulino.
  (Only Chapter I and Chapter IV, sections 1, 2, 3, and 5)

Teaching methods

Lessons are held, in accordance with university policy, in classrooms equipped with computers, video projectors, and digital whiteboards. Teaching materials consist of the texts listed in the bibliography and the presentations prepared by the instructor. When not protected by copyright, materials are made available through the University of Bologna’s online teaching platform. Texts protected by copyright can be accessed through the University of Bologna’s libraries.

Assessment methods

Assessment and Evaluation Methods

The exam consists of a written test with multiple-choice questions and two open-ended questions. 

The questions aim to assess:

• comprehension of the texts listed in the bibliography;
• reflective understanding of the concepts and methods presented.

Students with Disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students with disabilities or SLD are encouraged to contact the appropriate university office in advance: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it

The University Service may propose specific accommodations, which must be submitted for approval to the instructor at least 15 days in advance, based on the educational objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Lessons are held, in accordance with university policy, in classrooms equipped with computers, video projectors, and digital whiteboards.

Teaching materials consist of the texts listed in the bibliography and the presentations prepared by the instructor.
When not protected by copyright, materials are made available through the University of Bologna’s online teaching platform.
Texts protected by copyright can be accessed through the University’s libraries.

Office hours

See the website of Ettore Scappini