AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide an overview of the main concepts and methods of social geography for the interpretation and analysis of the main socio-territorial dynamics.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims both to provide the main theoretical foundations and key references of Social Geography and to illustrate selected case studies for the analysis of social and economic phenomena across different territories. Particular attention is devoted to the relationship between society and space, with space understood as a socially produced construct.

Students will acquire a solid understanding of the main perspectives and analytical tools used in the study of space as a social product. They will also develop the ability to apply the knowledge acquired in order to interpret issues related to the interconnections between territorial dynamics and social processes.

By the end of the course, students will be expected to:

• understand the theoretical foundations and historical development of Social Geography;
• distinguish between different conceptions of space (absolute, relative, and social);
• identify and critically analyse the main processes of social transformation affecting places;
• use geographical concepts and terminology appropriately in the description and interpretation of social phenomena;
• apply the analytical tools of Social Geography to critically examine territorial processes.

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of lectures and seminar-based classes, for a total of 30 hours (equivalent to 5 ECTS credits). Classroom activities will be complemented by field visits aimed at fostering an active geographical interpretation of urban transformations.

Occasionally, Italian and international scholars or practitioners may be invited to deliver guest seminars in order to provide further insights into specific topics addressed during the course.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course aims to explore a number of key themes within Social Geography through the work of some of its most influential scholars:

• The origins of Social Geography in the thought of Élisée Reclus: rethinking the relationship between society and nature.
• William Bunge and the Geographical Expeditions: from maps as instruments of power to collective mapping.
• Urban socio-environmental justice in the work of David Harvey.
• Gentrification according to Neil Smith.
• Towards the inclusive city: insights from feminist geographies.
• Critical geographies of war.

The course will also introduce geo-cartographic tools for the critical analysis of the phenomena examined and will include activities aimed at interpreting urban transformations from a geographical perspective.

Additional topics and readings may be introduced during the course.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

For attending students:

• Lecture slides and materials presented during class and uploaded to the University AulaWeb platform.

Critical reading of one of the following texts:

• Ward C. (2018), L'educazione incidentale. Milano: Elèuthera.
• Reclus E. (2022), Natura e società. Scritti di geografia sovversiva. Milano: Elèuthera (limited to the section Libertà, uguaglianza, geografia by J.P. Clark, pp. 9–158).
• Kern L. (2022), La gentrificazione è inevitabile e altre bugie. Roma: Treccani (Chapters 1–7).
• Kern L. (2021), La città femminista. La lotta per lo spazio in un mondo disegnato da uomini. Roma: Treccani.
• De Filpo M., De Vecchis G., Leonardi S. (eds.) (2017), Geografie disuguali. Roma: Carocci.
• Bonati S., Tononi M. (eds.) (2020), Cambiamento climatico e rischio. Proposte per una didattica geografica. Milano: FrancoAngeli. Available at: https://series.francoangeli.it/index.php/oa/catalog/book/508
• Aime M., Papotti D. (2023), Confini - realtà e invenzioni. Edizioni Gruppo Abele.
• Vanolo A. (2024), La città autistica. Torino: Einaudi.
• Ferretti F. (2025), Geografia critica e decolonialità. Lezioni dall'America Latina. Milano: Mondadori Università.

For non-attending students:

• Dumont I., Gambazza G., Gamberoni E. (2026), Geografia sociale. Persone, pratiche, poteri. Bologna: Pàtron.

Critical reading of one of the following texts:

• Ward C. (2018), L'educazione incidentale. Milano: Elèuthera.
• Reclus E. (2022), Natura e società. Scritti di geografia sovversiva. Milano: Elèuthera (limited to the section Libertà, uguaglianza, geografia by J.P. Clark, pp. 9–158).
• Kern L. (2022), La gentrificazione è inevitabile e altre bugie. Roma: Treccani (Chapters 1–7).
• Kern L. (2021), La città femminista. La lotta per lo spazio in un mondo disegnato da uomini. Roma: Treccani.
• De Filpo M., De Vecchis G., Leonardi S. (eds.) (2017), Geografie disuguali. Roma: Carocci.
• Bonati S., Tononi M. (eds.) (2020), Cambiamento climatico e rischio. Proposte per una didattica geografica. Milano: FrancoAngeli. Available at: https://series.francoangeli.it/index.php/oa/catalog/book/508
• Aime M., Papotti D. (2023), Confini - realtà e invenzioni. Edizioni Gruppo Abele.
• Vanolo A. (2024), La città autistica. Torino: Einaudi.
• Ferretti F. (2025), Geografia critica e decolonialità. Lezioni dall'America Latina. Milano: Mondadori Università.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

SARA BONATI (President)

NICOLETTA VARANI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Lessons will start in September

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

For attending students (minimum attendance requirement: 65% of class hours), a mid-term written examination will be held at the end of the course. Specific information regarding the format and content of the test will be provided at the beginning of the course. The written examination will cover the topics discussed during classes. Students will then take an oral examination based on the critical discussion of one of the assigned readings.

For non-attending students, assessment will consist entirely of an oral examination. Students are strongly advised to contact the instructor before the examination in order to communicate their chosen reading.

Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) who wish to request examination accommodations must first submit the relevant documentation to the University of Genoa’s Student Inclusion Services for Students with Disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders.

Subsequently, students with disabilities or SLD are required to complete the online form available on the University webpage dedicated to support services for students with disabilities and SLD. Students with SEN should instead contact the instructor by email, copying both the School Inclusion Coordinator for Students with Disabilities and SLD (laura.traverso@unige.it) and the Student Inclusion Services Office (inclusione.studenti@info.unige.it).

The email request should specify:

• the course title;
• the examination date;
• the student’s full name and student identification number;
• the requested compensatory tools and/or accommodation measures.

For all students, requests for examination accommodations must be submitted well in advance (at least seven working days before the examination date). Requests submitted after this deadline may not be considered.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Oral examinations assess students’ knowledge of the main stages in the epistemological debate within geography, with particular reference to the concepts, issues, and methods of Social Geography.

Assessment will be based on the following criteria:

a) Knowledge and understanding of the topics covered during the course (65%)

b) Quality of oral presentation, ability to discuss the topics effectively, and critical engagement with the discipline (25%)

c) Appropriate use and command of subject-specific terminology (10%)

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further information will be available in aulaweb