72514 - Sociology of Culture (1)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course the student: has basic knowledge about the social changes in terms of changes in values and models of life, which impact on the methods of production and reception of culture; develops theoretical skills to facilitate the sociological reading of these phenomena, through interpretative and explanatory schemes typical of sociological research; knows how to analyze cultural trends and the way in which they impact on social processes; knows how to place cultural dimensions in the context of social morphogenesis that affects the various areas of society: from those concerning socialization agencies to those concerning the worlds of local communities, work, civic and political participation, the various types of social, economic and political organizations, to define the different forms in which cultural participation is embodied.

Course contents

The course will be divided into two parts. The first aims to introduce the students to the acquisition of basic conceptual and theoretical tools. In this first part of the course the sociology of culture is then introduced, from a theoretical point of view, starting from the classics. We will consider the relationship between things, norms, values, beliefs and symbols to explore the concept of culture and the nature of its links with the social world.

In the second part, the cultural analysis will be deepened, getting to the heart of the understanding of the relationships between the culture system, institutions and agencies. Particular attention will be given to the field of cultural practices from the point of view of some main dimensions: sustainability, innovation, participation and collaboration. Will then be explored, as an example: participatory and collaborative cultures and practices in community building processes and in the arts; creative practices as forms of participation, generation of citizenship, and transformation of imaginaries; social innovation practices in the field of cultural welfare; audiences, consumption and cultural production.

Readings/Bibliography

1) W. Griswold, Sociologia della cultura, il Mulino, Bologna, 2005. NO chapters 6 e 7.

2) Bentivegna S., Boccia Artieri A., Le teorie delle comunicazioni di massa e la sfida digitale, Laterza. 2019. Chapters 7, 8,9,10,11.

3) R. Paltrinieri (a cura di), Il valore sociale della cultura, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 2022

4) Power point presentations used during the course

5) Further readings made available in the virtual platform, to deepen the topics covered in particular in the second part of the course, not mandatory for the final exam

As a didactic aid, especially for those who do not attend, it is also recommended to read the text (not mandatory):

Jedlowski P. (2009). Il mondo in questione. Carocci, Roma (chapters from 1 to 7, from 10 to 14).

Teaching methods

The first part of the lessons will have a more frontal character, while the second part will have a more seminar slant, aimed at deepening some themes. Students will be invited to an active and critical participation. To this end, group work may be assigned.

Assessment methods

The moments of discussions during the course (in particular during the second part) will be a first opportunity for evaluation.

The final exam consists of an oral exam and will focus on the texts indicated in the bibliography.

Assessment methods:

- It will produce excellent valuations: the ability to deepen and critically address the topics covered during the course and ability to put into connection with each other the main issues addressed in the course; the use of appropriate language with respect the specificity of the discipline.

- It will produce discrete valuations: mnemonic knowledge of contents and partial ability to link the themes covered; the use of appropriate language.

- It will produce sufficient valuations: a minimal body of knowledge on the topics covered; the use of inappropriate language.

- It will produce negative valuations: lack of guidance within the themes addressed in the exam readings and training gaps; the use of inappropriate language.

Teaching tools

The slides used in class will be made available to students through the Virtual platform - LearningEnvironment, as well as further useful contributions to the discussion of the topics addressed in the second part.

Office hours

See the website of Giulia Allegrini