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. Analyze 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.

Readings/Bibliography

A book is required:

1. Giddens A, Sutton P.W. (2013), Fondamenti di Sociologia, Il Mulino, Bologna (V Edizione)

[ no chapters: 3, 11, 13; 14 only par. 3]

Is also suggested:

P. Jedlosky (2009), Il mondo in questione. Introduzione alla storia del pensiero sociologico, Carocci Roma [1-4, 6, 7 ( pp. 153-57); 10 ( pp. 191-94;198-202); 11 ( pp. 217-230); 12; 13 ( pp. 287-303)

Teaching methods

Face-to-face lessons, and case studies, work group on specific topic in order to improve empirical learning.

Assessment methods

The final exam consists of a written test with 30 closed-ended questions aimed at evaluating the topics covered in the course

Teaching tools

Presentations by Power Point. Surfing the Internet. Slides.

Office hours

See the website of Giovanna Russo