95933 - Culture and Society (1)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student acquires the ability to understand the main classical and contemporary sociological theories and to critically reflect on the fundamental social and cultural mechanisms, identities and processes. The student has acquires the conceptual tools necessary to consider contemporary phenomena of cultural production and consumption.

Course contents

The course introduces the main concepts to understand the fundamental classical and contemporary sociological theories and to reflect critically on the socio-historical genesis of contemporary societies and on social mechanisms and social structure with particular reference to the globalized Western world. In particular, the course provides the analytical tools to thematize the genesis of contemporary society from a sociological perspective with particular attention to the classics of the subject and their reflections on modernity and the forms of capitalism; social roles and institutions; social differences and inequalities. Also relevant to this part of the course is a theoretical reflection on sociological styles exemplified by some foundational studies of the subject. The course will then consider social interaction more closely in the framework of the debate between structure and action and will focus on the construction of identity and social differences, with particular attention to gender identities. Finally, some of the most important social issues in contemporary societies will be considered, with particular attention to the sphere of culture, cultural production and consumption.

Readings/Bibliography

TEXTS TO BE STUDIES (ATTENDING STUDENTS)

Giddens, A. e Ph. W. Sutton (2022) Fondamenti di Sociologia, Il Mulino, Bologna (SIXTH EDITION ONLY, TO BE STUDIED ENTIRELY)

PLUS 1 OF YOUR CHOICE FROM THE FOLLOWING:

Bauman, Z. (2013) Gli usi postmoderni del sesso, Il Mulino, Bologna.

Berger, P. L. e Luckmann, T. (2010) Lo smarrimento dell'uomo moderno, Il mulino, Bologna.

Garfinkel, A. (2000) Agnese, Armando, Roma.

Simmel, G. (1998) Il denaro nella cultura moderna, Armando, Roma.

Sombart, W (2003) Dal lusso al capitalismo, Armando, Roma.

Weber, M. (1995) Considerazioni Intermedie. Il destino dell'Occidente, Amando, Roma.

Weber, M. (1997) La scienza come professione, Armando, Roma.

NB: attending students must attend at least 75% of the classes.

TEXTS TO BE STUDIES (NON ATTENDING STUDENTS)

Giddens, A. e Ph. W. Sutton (2022) Fondamenti di Sociologia, Il Mulino, Bologna (SIXTH EDITION ONLY, TO BE STUDIED ENTIRELY)

Berger, P. L. e Luckmann, T. (2010) Lo smarrimento dell'uomo moderno, Il mulino, Bologna.

 

In both versions the programme is valid for AY 2026/27

In preparation to the course students may wish to read one of the following:

Bagnasco, A. (2012) Prima lezione di sociologia, Laterza, Bari.

Cavalli, A. (2016) Incontro con la sociologia, il Mulino, Bologna.

Spillman, L. (2022) Sociologia culturale, Il Mulino, Bologna.

Teaching methods

The course will be organized through lectures with the help of Powerpoint. During each lesson topics for discussion will be proposed to students and active participation will be encouraged.

Assessment methods

The exam will be written in presence with 6 open questions on the program chosen by the student.

Exams  last one hour and are handwritten on a pre-print form. Each question is worth a maximum of 5 points. An exam in which the student demonstrates that they can answer the questions in the exam text with precise and adequate knowledge and sure language skills will result in an excellent/very good level evaluation. An exam in which the student demonstrates their ability to summarize the topics covered in the exam texts with acceptable language will result in an assessment of a sufficient/good level. An exam in which the student does not demonstrate adequate mastery of the material, using inaccurate language, will result in an insufficient evaluation.

The six exam sessions are usually scheduled as follows: March, May, June, September, November, and January.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint slides.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Roberta Sassatelli