82146 - Globalization And Capitalism

Learning outcomes

The course, after having proposed some theoretical-general interpretative grids on capitalism, intends to focus on the economic and social transformations that have characterized it since the crisis of its fordist and industrial development model. More specifically, the objective of the course is to provide students with some interpretative coordinates of social phenomena that qualify capitalism starting from the processes that globalization has entailed on the productive organization, on the valorisation processes and on the social experiences of work and new technologies of production. The theme of the diffusion of new social profiles of vulnerability and the phenomenon of occupational and social precariousness, are also areas of analysis and privileged reflection of the course. At the end of the course the student is able to understand and master the most important sociological concepts on capitalism and on the phenomena of globalization. In addition, the student recognizes and governs the key topics presented in the classroom and the topics advanced through the texts examined and possibly investigated with experts invited in the classroom. It has knowledge about the relationship between work and growing processes of social precariousness, between transformations of the labor market and crisis and welfare systems, between cognitive work, the service economy and new world production contexts.

Course contents

The course examines contemporary capitalism through its historical evolution and its major economic, social, and political transformations, providing students with the fundamental theoretical tools required to critically understand its functioning.

The first part of the course is devoted to the theoretical and methodological reconstruction of the concept of capitalism through the work of Karl Marx. Drawing on the key concepts of the critique of political economy, the course explores the categories of commodity, value, labour, capital, exploitation, cooperation, and crisis, highlighting their continuing relevance for understanding contemporary economic and social dynamics. The aim is to show that capitalism should be understood not merely as an economic system but as a specific form of social organisation and of social relations.

The second part of the course focuses on the major transformations that characterise contemporary capitalism. Particular attention will be devoted to the crisis of neoliberalism, the reconfiguration of globalisation, the digital revolution, artificial intelligence, transformations of labour and subjectivity, the ecological crisis, new forms of war and political power, and the emergence of new practices of resistance and social reconstruction. The course aims to provide students with the conceptual tools necessary to understand how these processes are reshaping the economic, social, and cultural landscape of the contemporary world.

Throughout the course, classical categories of the critique of capitalism will be placed in dialogue with recent sociological interpretations of contemporary society, enabling students to develop a robust theoretical and methodological framework for the critical analysis of present-day social phenomena.

The topics discussed during the course will also be explored through documentaries, audiovisual materials, and supplementary readings, allowing students to connect theoretical analysis with concrete social processes.

 

Readings/Bibliography

Part I

Federico Chicchi, Karl Marx. La soggettività come prassi, Feltrinelli, Milan, 2019.

Part II

Federico Chicchi, Anna Simone, La società del caos, Laterza, 2027.

For attending students, the reading list may be supplemented during the course with academic articles, short essays, and other teaching materials provided by the instructor.

 

Teaching methods

The course is primarily based on lectures devoted to the presentation and critical discussion of the main topics addressed throughout the programme.

Alongside the lectures, seminar sessions will encourage active student participation and collective discussion of the principal theoretical issues explored during the course.

Particular attention will be devoted to relating the interpretative frameworks proposed by the authors studied to the economic, social, and political transformations of the contemporary world. To this end, supplementary readings, documentaries, and other audiovisual materials will be discussed throughout the course.

The overall aim of the course is not only to provide students with knowledge of the topics addressed but also to equip them with the theoretical and conceptual tools necessary for the critical interpretation of the major transformations of contemporary capitalism.

Assessment methods

Assessment will take the form of a written examination designed to evaluate students' knowledge of the course contents, their ability to use appropriately the theoretical concepts discussed during the course, and their capacity to develop a critical understanding of the major issues addressed.

For attending students, a mid-term written examination will be held during the semester. The results of this assessment will contribute to the final grade according to the criteria explained during the course.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence tools during examinations is not permitted, except where explicitly authorised by the instructor as an integral part of the assessment. In such cases, students will be provided with specific instructions regarding the permitted use of AI tools and the assessment criteria that will be applied.

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the relevant University Office in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ). The Office will propose any appropriate accommodations, which must be be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days before the examination. The instructor will assess their suitability in relation to the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

Students will be able to find information and important teaching materials to support the course at the web spaces set up by the University for this purpose.

Office hours

See the website of Federico Chicchi