91659 - Sociology Of Youth

Learning outcomes

The course presents the definitions, meanings, and characteristics of youth, paying attention to the social, economic and cultural frames within which youth evolves. Moreover, the course intends to introduce the main themes and approaches in youth policies.

At the end of the course the student is able to distinguish the main dimensions and dynamics that define youth in relation to different social, economic and cultural transformations. The student will also be able to connect these to the different welfare regimes and approaches to youth policies.

Course contents

The course introduces the main concepts and themes of youth studies and is internally organised in three parts.

The first part focuses on the main concepts and definitions of youth and its study in a sociological perspective. The course will focus on the social construction of youth, on the perspective of transitions to adulthood, on the generational approach and on youth subcultures.

Through the presentation of empirical studies, the second part of the course considers the main contemporary transformations of youth conditions and youth practices in relation to participation, work, gender, and other sociologically relevant issues. 

Finally, attention will be paid to youth policies developed at different national and supranational level and at their evolution over time.

Readings/Bibliography

Students attending classes (online or offline) should consider as main materials for the exams the texts and slides suggested by the professor throughout the lectures.  

The following texts as suggested, but not mandatory for those students who wish to have a basis bibliography:

• Pitti, I., Tuorto, D., I giovani nella società contemporanea: identità e trasformazioni, Carocci, Roma, 2021.
• Morciano, D. Youth work in Europa e in Italia. Conoscere per ri-conoscere l'animazione socioeducativa, Meltemi, 2021. 
  

Further readings in Italian or English (articles, chapters, political documents) will be assigned to students each week. These will be indicated and handled by the professor during the term. 

Students who cannot attend classes are required to consider the following bibliography:

• • Pitti, I., Tuorto, D., I giovani nella società contemporanea: identità e trasformazioni, Carocci, Roma, 2021.
  • Morciano, D. Youth work in Europa e in Italia. Conoscere per ri-conoscere l'animazione socioeducativa, Meltemi, 2021.

  And two of the following texts:

• • Bertolini, S., Giovani senza futuro? Insicurezza lavorativa e autonomia nell'Italia di oggi, Carocci, Roma, 2018.
  • Hall, S., Jefferson, T., Rituali di resistenza. Teds, Mods, Skinhead, Rastafariani (ed. Luca Benvenga), Novalogos, 2017.
  • Leccardi, C., Rampazi, M., Gambardella, M.G, Sentirsi a casa. I giovani e la riconquista degli spazi-tempi della casa e della metropoli, Utet, 2011.
  • Leone, S. (a cura di). Giovani. Identità, linguaggi e spazio pubblico digitale, FrancoAngeli, 2019
  • Rosina, A., NEET: giovani che non studiano e non lavorano, Vita e Pensiero, Milano, 2015.

Teaching methods

The course aims to encourage students' participation, active involvement and critical reflection.

Examples from recent empirical studies and news will be used to illustrate the considered issues, as well as to encourage students to practice the application of sociological theories and perspective to the analysis of social reality.

Where possible, the course will take a cross-cultural perspective, with examples both from Italy and from a variety of international contexts.

The course is organized with a part of lectures taught online on MS TEAMS (12 hours) and another taught in presence (18 hours). The number of students allowed in class is determined on the basis of class capacity and by the health and safety provisions that deal with the pandemic emergency. In case more students want to attend classes in presence than permitted by the rules, a system of shifts will be organized so to allow students to participate in presence/online. Regardless of the health-related conditions and the specific organization of the course, students will be able to follow the lessons of the entire course (also those taught in presence) remotely on MS TEAMS.

Assessment methods

Students attending classes will be examined through a optional final paper on a topic agreed with the professor. The paper will be discussed in a final oral exam.In alternative to the paper, students can choose to complete the exam through an oral examination.

Non-attending students will be assessed through an oral exam based on the outlined bibliography.

Teaching tools

PC, projector, powerpoint slides, articles and documents suggested during the lessons.

Office hours

See the website of Ilaria Pitti