28386 - Sociology of Territory and Culture

Learning outcomes

The student is expected to learn the basis of sociology. In particular, the student is expect to learn: - the transformation processes in cultural consumption - the systems of social communication and information.

Course contents

This course offers an introduction to sociology with a specific focus on the spatial and cultural dimensions of contemporary life. It begins by exploring the historical development of the discipline and its intersections with other social sciences, then moves toward a more focused examination of how territory and culture interact within the context of consumer society.

Particular attention is devoted to understanding how consumption shapes and is shaped by both physical and digital environments. Consumer culture is not approached merely as an economic phenomenon, but as a complex system of practices and meanings that contribute to the production of social identities, symbolic landscapes, and territorial imaginaries. From shopping malls and theme parks to social media platforms and algorithmically curated spaces, students will investigate how consumption environments function as sites of cultural production and negotiation.

Throughout the course, students will engage with theoretical perspectives and empirical case studies that highlight the interplay between material culture, globalization, prosumption, and the hybridization of space. The physical and the digital are not treated as separate spheres, but as interconnected and co-constructed domains that define how individuals navigate, appropriate, and give meaning to their social worlds.

By combining lectures, seminar discussions, and multimedia materials, the course aims to foster a critical understanding of how contemporary spatial practices reflect broader cultural transformations. In doing so, it encourages students to reflect on the ways in which space and culture co-evolve in the context of late modernity, shaping both inclusion and exclusion, identity and belonging.

Readings/Bibliography

The following texts provide the theoretical foundation for the course and should be considered essential reading throughout the semester. They will be integrated with weekly readings and teaching materials (including book chapters, journal articles, documents, and audiovisual content), all of which will be made available through the Virtuale platformof the University of Bologna.

• G. Ritzer (2018), The McDonaldization of Society: Into the Digital Age, SAGE, London.

• G. Ritzer, P. Degli Esposti (2020), Creative Destruction and Cultural Lag in the Digital Age, Sociology Between the Gaps [open access].

• G. Ritzer, P. Degli Esposti (2020), The Increasing Centrality of Prosumption in the Digital Capitalist Economy, Austrian Journal of Sociology.

• G. Ritzer, P. Degli Esposti (2021), The Increasing and Invisible Impact of the Working Consumer on Paid Work, in: The Future of Work, Zurich and Geneva, Seismo Press, pp. 75–99 [open access].

• J. van Dijk (2018), The Platform Society: Public Values in a Connective World, Oxford University Press (Chapters 1, 2, 4).

• P. Degli Esposti, L. Tirabassi (2025), Cultural Consumption, Social Media, and Polarization. Cancel Culture as a Practice of Cultural Resistance and its Critical Issues, Comunicazione Politica, 1/2025.

• P. Degli Esposti, L. Tirabassi (2024), The Human-algorithmic Entanglement in the News Realm, Problemi dell’Informazione, 1/2024, pp. 41–64.

These readings will be discussed and applied throughout the course. Additional weekly materials will be uploaded on Virtuale and are to be read in advance of each session. Some of these materials will be mandatory and form the basis for class discussions, assignments, and presentations.

Teaching methods

Given the fully online format of the course—comprising 30 sessions of 3 hours each—it is essential to adopt a flexible and engaging teaching approach that fosters active learning while avoiding fatigue. To this end, each session will be structured into three distinct learning blocks, each approximately 50–55 minutes long, separated by short breaks. This modular format allows for rhythm and variation within each session, balancing theoretical input with interaction, reflection, and practical engagement.

Each session will typically unfold as follows:

1. Theoretical Input
   The first block will consist of a short, focused lecture aimed at introducing core sociological concepts, theoretical frameworks, or key authors relevant to the day’s topic. This lecture will be delivered using slides, visual content, and real-world examples to contextualize the material. It will be followed by a collective discussion or interactive Q&A session, encouraging students to immediately engage with the ideas presented. Live polls, surveys, or short reaction prompts may be used to stimulate participation.

2. Case Study or Media Analysis
   The second part of the session will involve the close analysis of a case study, image, map, media campaign, or short video that exemplifies the theoretical issues introduced. Students may be invited to work in breakout groups or contribute to a collective digital board (e.g., Padlet or Jamboard). The aim is to translate abstract sociological concepts into tangible, real-world situations—such as urban branding, platform design, or consumer landscapes—enhancing students’ analytical and interpretive skills.

3. Collaborative Activities and Student Involvement
   The third block will be devoted to student-centered activities. These may include student presentations (individual or in groups), structured debates, peer-to-peer workshops, or small group research tasks. Throughout the course, students will be asked to co-construct knowledge by critically presenting selected readings, commenting on current social phenomena, or designing original interpretations of space and culture. This segment will also be used for work-in-progress discussions on final papers or to provide collective feedback on assignments.

Assessment methods

To support continuity and learning progression, the course will follow a weekly rhythm of assignments and reflective tasks. Students are expected to read a selected text before each session and to actively contribute to discussions. In addition to class participation, students will complete the following components:

• Reading-based Reflections: Short written responses or discussion posts on the assigned readings, designed to encourage critical engagement and help prepare for in-class dialogue.

• Student Presentation: Each student (or pair/group) will deliver one thematic presentation during the course. This assignment allows students to explore a topic of interest more deeply and to experiment with different formats (e.g., visual storytelling, digital mapping, creative slides).

• Final Paper: A 3000-word paper on a topic developed in consultation with the instructor. The paper should demonstrate theoretical understanding, empirical grounding, and original insight.

• Ongoing Peer Feedback: During the semester, students will have opportunities to give and receive feedback on presentations and paper outlines, reinforcing collaborative learning.

 

The final grade for this course will be based on four equally weighted components. Participation in class activities is essential, as this is a seminar-based course that prioritizes discussion, collaborative work, and critical engagement.

1. Active Participation – 25%

Students are expected to take part in class discussions regularly and meaningfully. Each student must contribute to at least two class debates during the course. Participation also includes contributions to breakout room activities, short reactions to readings, and engagement with the class as a whole. Attendance is mandatory for at least 70% of classes.

2. Student Presentation – 25%

Each student (individually or in a group) will deliver one class presentation on a selected topic related to the course. This should include a synthesis of academic literature and relevant case studies. Creative and interdisciplinary formats (e.g., use of media, visual aids, or interactive elements) are encouraged. Presentations will take place during the second or third block of a session.

3. Final Paper – 25%

Students are required to write a final paper of approximately 3000 words (excluding bibliography). The paper must be based on a topic agreed with the instructor, combining theoretical insights and case-based analysis. Papers should be original and will be submitted through the university’s online platform. All submissions will be checked using anti-plagiarism software (Compilatio.net).

4. Final Exam – 25%

The final exam will consist of an oral discussion, during which students will defend and reflect on their final paper. This is not a traditional written test, but a moment to demonstrate understanding of the course content, clarify methodological or theoretical choices, and engage in a brief critical dialogue with the instructor.

Grading Scale

30L/29; Excellent +; Honors A+

28/27; Very Good; A

26/24; Good; B

23/19; Satisfactory C

18; Sufficient; D

<18; Fail; F

Teaching tools

The course will be delivered entirely online via Microsoft Teams. To ensure effective participation, students are required to keep their webcam turned on during each session and to connect from a location with a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or LAN recommended). The course includes a variety of collaborative activities, including group work in breakout rooms, live discussions, and shared digital boards.

All teaching materials (slides, readings, additional resources) will be made available through the University of Bologna’s Virtuale platform.

Students are encouraged to take advantage of digital tools to enhance their learning experience. In particular, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a valuable support for study and writing. However, we strongly encourage a responsible and critical use of AI tools, in line with academic integrity and the development of independent thinking.

Office hours

See the website of Piergiorgio Degli Esposti