03857 - General Sociology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student can analyze the main contemporary social phenomena,
through the fundamental concepts of sociological theory and methodology, and many examples of classical and recent research. In particular, the student can: - evaluate and identify motor activities and sports as social phenomena, produced by the changes in modern society,
understand the reasons for the growth of social relevance of sports and motor practices shortly due to the increase in free time, the search for well-being, and better care of the body and one's image

Course contents

The course aims to provide the fundamental theoretical and practical tools to sociologically analyze sport and motor activity. Sport will be studied as a complex social phenomenon (1° part: according to the main theories of the sociological approach; as a modern phenomenon of culture and communication; as a socialization and education agency; as a value system; as a phenomenon of wellness consumption.

In the second part sport will present as a powerful cement or at least a model of integration for "young people from the suburban" (Gasparini, 2008), and an instrument of citizenship for foreign populations. Sports activities allow intercultural dialogue without requiring perfect knowledge of the host country's language. In this way, the learning difficulties decrease, while opportunities for socialization emerge. Sports associations as well as sports NGOs have promoted several mechanisms open to immigrants, but their positive effects are often unknown to the general public and researchers.

The second part of the course aims to investigate, on the one hand, the processes that lead to the creation of integration programs for newly arrived migrants who practice sports and physical activities, and on the other hand, to understand the meaning of the actions and the effects they produce both concerning migrants and the host society.

Readings/Bibliography

For the final exam, the study of the following texts is required:

a) First module. Sport as a social and sociological phenomenon

Martelli S. and Porro, N. New manual of Sociology of sport and physical activity, FrancoAngeli, Milan, 2018 (the previous edition is fine too) only chapters 1, 2.

b) Benvenga L., Bifulco L. (2026), Dizionario di Sociologia dello sport e dell'Attività fisica, FrancoAngeli, Milano (only chapter selected)

b) Second module. Sport and social integration

Russo G. (a cura di), Dossier Sport e immigrazione, nr. monografico di Africa e Mediterraneo, nr. 84, 2016

Teaching methods

Lectures and case studies illustrated with the help of new communication technologies, films, presence of sector experts

Assessment methods

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Students will earn the 5 ECTS credits assigned to the course by passing a written test consisting of 30 multiple-choice questions (closed-ended questions; each question is worth one point, with a maximum score of 30 points) designed to assess the topics covered during the course. The time allowed for completing the test is 40 minutes.

The questions will cover all the texts indicated as core references for exam preparation.

Teaching tools

Video projections of the main contents of the lessons in the form of PowerPoint presentations; remote delivery of seminar meetings and related discussion groups, project work, and processing via TEAMS.

Students with DSA or disabilities: it is recommended that they contact the responsible University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible. 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, considering the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Giovanna Russo

See the website of Antonio Francesco Maturo