00905 - Sociology (A-E)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will:

• have a basic knowledge of Sociology, including its origins, main paradigms and theories, methods of analysis, and objects of study;
• possess analytical tools and the ability to understand contemporary social phenomena which are also useful for interpreting and making sense of specific social contexts.

Course contents

The course focuses on the main approaches in Sociology, aiming to provide students with the basic conceptual and theoretical tools needed to understand the key institutions and processes that shape contemporary societies. The adopted approach is empirical and comparative, enriched by methodological and epistemological reflections, as well as in-depth discussions on current issues. The course is designed to foster a critical and reflective understanding of sociologically relevant topics. 

A detailed day-by-day outline of the course content is available in the course guidelines published on Virtuale.

Readings/Bibliography

NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS

Giddens, A. & Sutton, P.W. (2022). Fondamenti di sociologia. Sixth edition. Bologna: Il Mulino.

This textbook is sufficient to successfully complete the course, even with excellent results. However, some students may find it useful to supplement it with one of the following texts (available in the library) for a deeper understanding of certain topics:

• Bagnasco, A., Barbagli, M. & Cavalli, A. (2012). Corso di sociologia. Bologna: Il Mulino
  or
• Bagnasco, A., Barbagli, M. & Cavalli, A. (2013). Elementi di sociologia. Bologna: Il Mulino

ATTENDING STUDENTS

Giddens, A. & Sutton, P.W. (2022). Fondamenti di sociologia. Sixth edition. Bologna: Il Mulino.

The PowerPoint presentations used in class will be made available to all students on Virtuale.

Teaching methods

The course content is presented and discussed through traditional lectures, supported by slides. The first part of the course is dedicated to acquiring foundational knowledge, which introduces and explores in greater depth the topics covered in the core textbook.

Assessment methods

Attending Students

• In early November, there will be a midterm written exam (duration: 45 minutes), consisting of 8 multiple-choice questions and 4 short-answer questions. This exam accounts for 50% of the final grade.
• At the end of the course, a final written exam will take place in class, in the form of an open-book exam (duration: 1 hour), consisting of one open-ended question. This also accounts for 50% of the final grade.
• Detailed information is provided in the course guidelines available on Virtuale.

Non-Attending Students

• The exam consists of two written components, each contributing 50% of the final grade:
  • The first is a take-home essay (length: 3000 words), to be submitted approximately one week before the second exam. The essay topic will be announced around mid-November.
  • The second is an in-class written exam (duration: 45 minutes), consisting of 8 multiple-choice questions and 4 short-answer questions, to be taken during one of the official exam sessions.
• Detailed information is provided in the course guidelines available on Virtuale.

Grades and Evaluation Criteria

For the midterm exam (attending students) and the in-class written test (non-attending students), scores are assigned based on a point system detailed in the course guidelines available on Virtuale.

For the final written exam (attending students) and the essay (non-attending students), higher grades (28–30 with honors) are awarded to excellent work that is comprehensive, relevant, and well-structured, expressed in precise and mature language. These submissions also demonstrate a strong ability to critically connect different topics. The highest grade, 30 with honors, is reserved for outstanding work that includes particularly effective personal elaboration and accurate use of sources. Grades between 26 and 27 reflect good to very good work, showing solid understanding of the material, coherent structure, and generally clear language, along with some evidence of critical thinking. Grades between 22 and 25 indicate satisfactory work, with partial but adequate understanding of the topic, a generally clear structure and language, but limited originality or critical engagement. Grades between 18 and 21 are considered barely sufficient, showing basic and sometimes inaccurate knowledge, unclear organization, and weak language and argumentation. Critical thinking and use of sources are often lacking. A grade below 18 indicates an insufficient submission, with inadequate or incorrect understanding, confused exposition, and inappropriate use of disciplinary language.

Teaching tools

• Textbook: to be purchased or borrowed from the library.
• Slides: will be made available to students before each lecture.
• Additional materials: any supplementary resources will be provided on the Virtuale platform.

Office hours

See the website of Anita Lavorgna