90531 - Environmental Sociology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student: - will be able to recognize the essential features of the discipline; - will know the evolution of the sociological debate around the concept of environment; - will know how to identify and analyze the main characteristics of environmental research; - knows how to use the fundamental interpretative concepts of the discipline.

Course contents

The course analyzes the development of Environmental Sociology by tracing its main disciplinary strands, from the affirmation of the new ecological paradigm (NEP) to the most recent perspectives. Within the framework of a low-carbon society, the course aims at building knowledge aimed at interpreting and problematizing the relationship between society and the environment.

The course is divided into two parts.

Starting from a theoretical reflection on the relationship between society and the environment, in the first part of the course the main theoretical traditions of the Environmental Sociology will be illustrated; the relationships between environmental issues and models of development, production and consumption, urbanization will be analyzed.

In the second part of the course some thematic focuses will be proposed and organized: global climate governance, resilience of urban systems, development of nature-based solutions, etc. In addition to lectures, the organization of seminars with external guests who will present applied research experiences is foreseen.

Lessons take place in the second semester.

Readings/Bibliography

Plesse note: Bibliography is the same for both attending and non-attending students. In the first days of class, however, any specific bibliographies for those attending will be discussed.

8 CFU PROGRAM:

First part:

Carrosio G., Landi A. (2023), Spazio, ambiente, territorio. Teorie, metodi e prospettive di ricerca in sociologia. Carocci, Roma.

Rimondi T., Margini di fragilità. I territori interni tra perdita e adattamento. FrancoAngeli, Milano, open access, 2022.

For the second part, a text of student's choice from:

Altopiedi R., Martone V. Vite contaminate. Co-ricerca e azione politica nella lotta alla violenza ambientale, Meltemi, 2026.

Barbera F., De Rossi A. (a cura di), Metromontagna. Un progetto per riabitare l'Italia, Roma, Donzelli, 2021.

Carrosio G., Cogliati Dezza V., Clima ingiusto. Il welfare per un patto eco-sociale. Roma, Donzelli, 2025

Corona G., Breve storia dell’ambiente in Italia, Il Mulino, 2015.

Giardullo P., Non è aria. Cittadini e politiche contro l’inquinamento atmosferico, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2018, 178 pp

Osti G. (a cura di), Fiumi e città. Un amore a distanza. Corsi d'acqua dell'Alto Adriatico, vol. I. Padova, Padova University Press, 2021.

 

 

Teaching methods

The course is structured in lessons of two hours each, in which frontal teaching and moments of discussion/comparison with the students alternate, also with the participation of external speakers.

Assessment methods

Assessment of learning will be conducted via an individual oral examination based on the reference texts for the exam, aimed at evaluating: a) the student’s mastery of the content; and b) their ability to synthesize and argue.

Attending students may:

a) take the oral exam according to the procedures presented in class

or

b) "Research Laboratory"

prepare a group presentation on a topic agreed with the instructor during the course

and

produce a group written paper on the proposed topic (minimum length: 20 pages; font size: 12; double-spaced).

Further information will be provided at the start of the course.

During the course there will be scheduled sessions dedicated to laboratory work. The presentation will take place during the final lesson of the course.

 

Non-attending students may take the oral exam covering the entire bibliography indicated.

Appropriate disciplinary language, the ability to explore topics in depth and to interrelate the principal themes addressed in the course will result in excellent assessments. Correct language use, rote knowledge of content and a corresponding ability to connect topics will result in good assessments. Inappropriate language, some gaps in training but attainment of a minimal knowledge base on the topics will result in satisfactory assessments. Lack of orientation within the topics covered in the exam texts, inappropriate language and significant gaps in training will result in failing assessments.

Positive evaluation will be given to students’ ability to navigate the bibliographic material indicated in the exam syllabus, to present a coherent overview of the topics addressed, and to demonstrate expressive and linguistic command.

Teaching tools

Slides presentation, videos, websites.

The slides presented at class will be available during the course.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandra Landi