73395 - Sociology (Advanced)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will: - have a thorough knowledge of Sociology, with particular reference to the theoretical and methodological debate in progress - has the tools for the 'analysis and understanding of contemporary social phenomena, with particular reference to the processes of change in act in the most modernized societies and those in the process of modernization. Particular attention will be paid to changes in the systems of social protection and inclusion.

Course contents

The course presents some examples particularly significant of  the theoretical and methodological change which affected sociology in recent decades, after the crisis of functionalism, structuralism and, more generally, collectivist paradigm that had dominated the intellectual scene in the second half of '900. This change is to attempt to overcome the historical conflict between individualism and collectivism,  linking between their micro (agency) with the macro (structure) to explain social facts. The first example is represented by  the approach called "analytical sociology" or "sociology of social mechanisms." This approach collects, starting from the teaching of R. Merton, some important European and American sociologists, including J. Elster, R. Boudon and J. Coleman. The second example is represented by  the "relational approach" proposed by P. Donati.In particular will be explained: what is a social relation; the different types of social relation; what means that "social relation is the molecule of the society".

Readings/Bibliography

F. Barbera, Meccanismi sociali, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2004.

P. Donati, Sociologia della relazione, Il Mulino, Bologna 2013

 The book Barbera Social Mechanisms is no longer available in hard copy.It is present on the platform Darwinbooks at the following link:
http://goo.gl/98l1NI.
The University of Bologna is a subscriber to the platform, then through the network of University teachers and students have free access to the volume.

Teaching methods

Lectures and seminars

Assessment methods

The exam consists of an oral interview. The interview want to evaluate the skills acquired by the student, who will be invited to confront the texts covered during the course.
The achievement by the student of an organic vision of the topics discussed in class, combined with the use of their criticism, demonstrating ownership of a mastery of expression and specific language will be assessed with a mark of excellence. The knowledge mostly mechanical and / or mnemonic of matter, synthesis and analysis not articulated and / or correct language but not always appropriate assessments will lead to discrete; training gaps and / or inappropriate language - albeit in the context of a minimal knowledge of the material exam - will lead to votes that will not exceed the sufficiency. Training gaps, inappropriate language, lack of guidance within the reference materials offered during the course will be evaluated negatively.

Teaching tools

Slides

Office hours

See the website of Ivo Colozzi