03857 - General Sociology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student: - knows the social and cultural aspects concerning situations of hardship and marginalization with particular reference to the urban environment; - has a good knowledge of the primary and secondary socialization processes of the individual; - is able to understand the social and territorial contexts with particular reference to the transformations during the twentieth century; - is able to understand and document situations of psychological and social distress of groups and minorities in the area; - is able to deal with issues inherent to the complex and multicultural society; - knows how to collect, interpret and reflect on the data and methods relating to their field of study, demonstrating critical-scientific and reflexive skills; - knows how to present issues and problems concerning the dynamics of social change using appropriate communicative registers.

Course contents

The course will address the key concepts of sociology from its origins to the present day. Through the analysis of fundamental categories such as order, change, conflict, interaction, social integration and through the thought of the founding fathers and other key thinkers of the discipline, we will try to illustrate the contemporary theoretical trends useful for understanding changes in social life from modernity to postmodernity.

More in detail the course aims at:

1. To deepen theoretical perspectives and key concepts of sociology aimed at examining (at a theoretical and empirical level) issues of great importance in the international debate, today also widespread in public discourse, and now part of common sense;

2. Analyse and discuss crucial categories for the understanding of contemporary society such as: modernity and post-modernity, globalization, institutions (educational system, family, etc.) and daily life; social stratification and inequalities; gender and sexuality; ethnicities and migrations; conflicts and deviance; global communication between old and new media; cultural production and entertainment industries.

Readings/Bibliography

For the exam study the following booka are required:

1. Giddens A, Sutton P.W. (2013), Fondamenti di Sociologia, Il Mulino, Bologna (V Edizione) [only chapters: 1,2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10,11, 12]
2. Mangone E., Ieracitano F., Russo G. (2020), Processi culturali e mutamento sociale. Prospettive sociologiche, Carocci, Roma [only 2 and 3 part]

In addition, articles on current sociological issues, provided by the teacher, will be avaible: see also the platform https://virtuale.unibo.it/

Teaching methods

online lessons, and case studies with reseachers experts

Assessment methods

Written test will be on the topics and materials uploaded on the platform. The test will be composed by closed question to verify the main topis learning. 

Teaching tools

Presentations by Power Point. Surfing the Internet, movies, slides.

Office hours

See the website of Giovanna Russo