OVERVIEW

The course introduces students to the sociological study of contemporary society, social change, and the dynamics shaping human behaviour in different social contexts. Through the analysis of the main sociological theories and the fundamental concepts of the discipline, the course provides students with tools to understand and interpret complex social phenomena and processes.

Particular attention will be devoted to the study of social institutions, relations between individuals and groups, and the main processes characterising contemporary societies. Topics addressed during the course include deviance and crime, social stratification and mobility, education, gender differences, social inequalities, and the relationship between economy and society.

The course also addresses themes related to Goals 8, 10, and 16 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course provides knowledge of how sociology interprets and analyses the way individuals, groups and cultures 'live in society', in the context of traditional and contemporary societies. It presents the most recent developments in sociological theory and research.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide students with knowledge and conceptual tools useful for understanding the main elements, processes, and problems of contemporary society in the light of classical and contemporary sociological theories.

Through the analysis of the fundamental concepts of the discipline and the main theoretical perspectives, students will acquire competencies useful for interpreting social phenomena and dynamics from a sociological perspective.

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• use the basic sociological vocabulary appropriately;
• know the main sociological theories and the fundamental techniques of social research;
• describe and interpret social phenomena and behaviours using sociological concepts and categories;
• critically analyse social situations and processes, overcoming stereotypes and common-sense interpretations;
• identify sociologically relevant variables and factors in the analysis of social phenomena;
• apply sociological conceptual and interpretative tools to the analysis of contemporary society.

PREREQUISITES

None.

TEACHING METHODS

The course will consist of lectures supported by teaching materials and additional resources made available on Aulaweb. Examples will be used throughout the course in order to deepen students’ understanding of the topics covered and to develop their critical analysis skills regarding social phenomena.

The course will be taught by Prof. Paolo Parra Saiani.

Registration for examinations closes five (5) days before the examination date. No exceptions will be allowed.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course is divided into three parts.

The first part introduces the main authors and theoretical traditions of classical and contemporary sociological thought.

The second part focuses on the study of social institutions and the principal processes characterising contemporary society. In particular, the following topics will be addressed:

• the formation and development of modern society;
• social structure and social relations;
• culture, norms, and socialisation processes;
• social differentiation and inequalities;
• social mobility and processes of social reproduction;
• the relationship between economy and society;
• population, territory, and social organisation;
• deviance and social control.

The third part introduces the main techniques of social research and the foundations of empirical sociological analysis.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The course bibliography will be published on Aulaweb one week before the start of classes.

Students are strongly advised to check Aulaweb regularly for updates, teaching materials, and information about the examination programme.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

PAOLO PARRA SAIANI (President)

AGOSTINO MASSA (President Substitute)

NICCOLO' MORELLI (President Substitute)

MATTEO BARRELLA (Substitute)

CECILIA CAPOZZI (Substitute)

SANDRO SEGRE (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Classes will be held during the second semester.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination is designed to assess:

• knowledge of the main sociological concepts and theories;
• understanding of the social phenomena and processes discussed during the course;
• the ability to use sociological categories in the analysis of contemporary society;
• the acquisition of the basic disciplinary vocabulary and the main notions of social research.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The examination consists of a written test and an oral examination, both to be taken during the same examination session.

The written test consists of 52 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 60 minutes and allows students to obtain a maximum score of 26/30. The oral examination is open only to students who achieve at least 15/26 in the written test and is aimed at assessing the critical understanding of the topics covered during the course, including the ability to establish connections among different themes and theoretical perspectives.

The oral examination may increase or decrease the written-test grade by a maximum of four points.

The examination programme is the same for attending and non-attending students.

FURTHER INFORMATION

TEAMS: Channel "SOCIOLOGIA-SID"

Code: oqmxyg1

Students with DSA certification or other special educational needs are kindly requested to contact Prof. Aristide Canepa (aristide.canepa@unige.it) and teacher of this course in order to agree specific teaching and exam methods, if necessary.

https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/studenti-disabilit%C3%A0-informazioni-utili