72696 - Sociology of Cultural and Communicative Processes

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to understand and identify contemporary social changes and ongoing transformations in the cultural and communicative spheres, recognizing their connections and situating them within the theoretical framework of post‑modern society. In particular, students will deepen their knowledge of the growing social relevance of motor activities, linked to the expansion of leisure time and to the increasing pursuit—across different social groups—of physical well‑being through fitness and wellness practices, and more generally through enhanced body care and self‑presentation; all activities that contribute to the production of new meanings and identities. Furthermore, students will be able to grasp the communicative potential of motor activities through empirical analysis of their multiple forms, ranging from advertising to social communication initiatives promoted by non‑profit organizations.

Course contents

To achieve these objectives, the Course is organized into three sections—institutional, monographic, and seminarial—designed to provide students with theoretical, analytical, and applied tools for understanding the sociocultural processes that shape contemporary motor practices, with particular reference to the transformation of the wellness society.

The institutional section introduces the main concepts of the sociology of cultural processes as applied to sport and motor activities. It examines the evolution of physical practices in contemporary society, with special attention to those oriented toward health and well‑being. The course integrates theoretical perspectives and empirical findings from sociological and communication research, highlighting how sport and physical activity today function as cultural devices capable of influencing processes of social regeneration, generating social capital, and strengthening community bonds. The section also explores the dynamics of sportivization and desportivization, the innovations that emerged in the post‑Covid context, and the role of cultural welfare in redefining the relationships between health, movement, and the quality of urban spaces.

The monographic section focuses on communicative processes within the world of sport and motor activities, with particular attention to the relationship between well‑being, public sport spaces, digital practices, and forms of participation. Case studies of participatory social innovation and the role of the Third Sector in promoting inclusive, sustainable, and community‑oriented motor practices will be examined.

The seminarial section encourages direct engagement with experts and practitioners in the fields of sport and well‑being. Students will be guided in defining their research interests and producing methodologically and scientifically grounded assignments, through critical discussions, analysis of documentary materials, and the application of the concepts learned.

Readings/Bibliography

For the preparation of the final exam, two texts are required: A) Taddei L., Diana P. (2023), Sport per la rigenerazione sociale. La prospettiva sociologica nello studio delle pratiche quotidiane, Pellegrini Editore, Cosenza. B) Martelli S., Matteucci I., Russo G. et al. (2019), Keep fit! Ben-essere attivo e nuove tecnologie, Franco Angeli, Milan (chapters 1, 4, 5).

These readings will be supplemented with articles on current sociological issues, which will be provided by the instructor over the course of the semester (see the platform https://virtuale.unibo.it/ [https://virtuale.unibo.it/?utm_source=copilot.com] ).

Teaching methods

The course includes lectures and case studies, illustrated with the support of new communication technologies, video materials, and contributions from sector experts. Through the Virtuale platform, students will be encouraged—by means of innovative teaching methods—to read and analyse essays, articles, and case studies, to stimulate discussion, analytical skills, and the ability to identify and use sources for the examination of sociological phenomena.

Assessment methods

Students will obtain the 5 ECTS credits by passing a written exam consisting of multiple‑choice questions assessing the topics covered during the course (20 or 30 questions, depending on the chosen track: with Project Work or without PW). A group assignment linked to one of the proposed seminars is available; its evaluation (from 0 to 5 points) will be added to the score obtained in the final written test. This additional component is not mandatory and is left to the student’s choice.

Teaching tools

Video projections of the main course contents presented through PowerPoint slides; online delivery of seminar sessions and related discussion groups, project work, and assignment development carried out via TEAMS.

Office hours

See the website of Giovanna Russo