OVERVIEW

Sociology is the study of the social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. This course offers a general introduction to sociology, with the aim to understand and apply key sociological concepts and social theories.

The course aims to develop the knowledge and skills that are needed for students to analyze the organization of societies.

This  objective will be accomplished through introducing students to the fundamental concepts and principles of sociology.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Aim of the course is to provide a general introduction to the study of sociology and the main social theories. The course aims to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for students to analyze the organization of societies, to question the social world and to reflect scientifically on social phenomena.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide a general introduction to the study of sociology and to the main social theories. The course is designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for students to analyze the organization of societies, question the social world, and critically reflect on social phenomena from a scientific perspective. Teaching activities are based on the co-construction of knowledge and require students to take an active role in the re-elaboration and organization of knowledge. The educational objective of this teaching approach is the development of critical skills and the autonomous use of sociological analytical categories.

The primary objective of this course is to stimulate students’ sociological imagination by showing how social forces and environments influence human behavior in multiple and complex ways. Starting from the analysis of concrete cases, and through the use and application of sociological concepts and categories, the course aims to develop students’ ability to question the social world and scientifically reflect on social phenomena.

At the end of the course, students will be expected to demonstrate:

• knowledge and understanding of the tools and basic concepts of general sociological theory;
• the ability to apply such tools and concepts to the analysis of social organization;
• the ability to interpret socio-cultural phenomena through scientifically grounded analysis;
• the acquisition of correct and effective use of the specific disciplinary language;
• understanding of the classical themes and dilemmas of sociology.

PREREQUISITES

No prerequisites are required.

TEACHING METHODS

Teaching activities are based on the co-construction of knowledge and on an inductive approach, requiring students to actively participate in the critical re-elaboration and organization of knowledge.

The educational objective of this teaching approach is the development of critical skills and the autonomous use of sociological analytical categories.

Information regarding the organization of the course will be available on the AulaWeb homepage and will be continuously updated throughout the semester. Slides and supplementary materials related to the lectures will also be available on AulaWeb.

Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) can find information on how to request support services, compensatory tools, dispensatory measures, and specific assistance in the document available at the following link: https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/modulistica

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Common Sections for 6 and 9 Credits

Introduction to Sociology – Social Research – Culture – Structure, Social Action and Power – Interaction, Groups and Organizations – Stratification, Social Classes and Global Inequalities – Ethnicity and Migration – Gender and Sexuality – Families and Socialization Processes – Deviance – Media and Consumption – Politics and Economy – Social Change: Globalization and Social Movements.

Additional focus will be devoted to the Sociology of the Body, Gender, and Emotions.

The second module (for 9 credits) addresses food and eating practices from a sociological and anthropological perspective, analyzing food as a cultural, social, economic, and media-related phenomenon. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the course explores the transformations of contemporary food practices, media representations of food, diets and processes of body discipline, the relationship between food and gender, as well as the economic, political, and cultural dimensions of global food systems. Particular attention will also be devoted to the relationships between food, cultural identities, migration, and tourism, with the aim of providing students with theoretical and interpretative tools to understand the role of food in contemporary societies.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

General Section, First Module (6 and 9 credits)

David Croteau, William Hoynes, Sociologia generale. Temi, concetti, strumenti, Milan, McGraw-Hill (any edition) (for both 6 and 9 credits).

Monographic Section (for 6 and 9 credits)

The texts for the monographic section will be discussed during the lectures and listed in a dedicated section on AulaWeb.

Additional handouts and readings will also be made available on AulaWeb.

Second Module for 9 Credits

Stagi L., Benasso S., Sociologia del cibo e dell'alimentazione, McGraw-Hill, 2026.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Week of September 15, 2026, according to the timetable

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Assessment will consist of an individual oral examination based on the required readings for the course, aimed at evaluating both the student’s understanding of the contents and their ability to critically elaborate and discuss the topics addressed.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Assessment will be based on the following criteria:

• acquisition of the basic concepts;
• ability to connect and relate sociological concepts;
• acquisition of sociological analytical skills.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For students with disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD).

Students with disabilities or SLD are reminded that to request exam accommodations, they must first upload their certification on the university's website at servizionline.unige.it in the "Students" section. The documentation will be verified by the Inclusion Services for Students with Disabilities and SLD of the University (https://rubrica.unige.it/strutture/struttura/100111).

Subsequently, with significant advance notice (at least 10 days) before the exam date, it is necessary to send an email to the professor who will administer the exam, copying both the School Inclusion Coordinator for students with disabilities and SLD (coordinator's email) and the above-mentioned service. The email must specify:

• The name of the course
• The date of the exam session
• The student's last name, first name, and student ID number
• The compensatory tools and dispensatory measures deemed functional and requested

The coordinator will confirm to the professor that the requester is entitled to request exam accommodations and that these accommodations must be agreed upon with the professor. The professor will respond, indicating whether the requested accommodations can be used.

Requests must be sent at least 10 days before the exam date to allow the professor to assess their content. Specifically, in the case of using concept maps for the exam (which must be much more concise than the maps used for studying), if the submission does not meet the deadlines, there will not be enough time to make any necessary modifications.