OVERVIEW

This workshop addresses the city as an object of sociological inquiry, with particular attention to the transformations of post-industrial cities since the late twentieth century. It examines the social, economic, productive and demographic changes that have reshaped urban identity and local development strategies. In this context, many cities have promoted the regeneration of public spaces and neighbourhoods, investing in tourism, major events and, more recently, in the role of universities as drivers of territorial development. The workshop also explores the ambivalent effects of urban attractiveness policies and city branding, including processes of social exclusion produced by increasing pressure on the housing market and the growing demand for short-term housing.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide students with the basic concepts of urban sociology and the methodological tools to study social phenomena from a spatial perspective.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• distinguish between the main sociological theories on contemporary cities;
• apply one or more methods of socio-territorial analysis;
• identify the social consequences of urban transformation processes.

PREREQUISITES

There are no specific requirements.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures, fieldwork activities, presentations and small-group activities.

Course attendance is strongly recommended. Students who attend at least 75% of the scheduled teaching hours, corresponding to 9 hours, will be considered attending students.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course presents and discusses the following topics:

• an overview of the main sociological theories of the city;
• a review of the main methodologies and sources for the study of social phenomena in urban space;
• from the industrial to the post-industrial city: transformations in productive functions, settlement patterns and the socio-occupational composition of cities;
• urban regeneration: approaches, actors, tools and main effects;
• the competitive city: contemporary paradigms and policies for urban attractiveness.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Specific guidelines on the reference bibliography will be provided by the professor at the beginning of the course

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

IGOR SEBASTIAN COSTARELLI (President)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Classes will take place in the second semester.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

For attending students, the final assessment will consist of individual and group assignments to be presented in both written and oral form, such as thematic analyses, exercises and short projects.

For non-attending students, the exam will be oral and will be based on the readings indicated by the lecturer.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The final assessment will evaluate students’ knowledge of the basic concepts covered in the course and their ability to apply methodological and conceptual tools to real-life cases. The assessment will take into account students’ critical reasoning skills, clarity of argumentation and quality of presentation.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with certified specific learning disorders (DSA), disabilities or other special educational needs may contact both the course contact person, Prof. Aristide Canepa (aristide.canepa@unige.it), and the lecturer at the beginning of the course, in order to agree on teaching and assessment arrangements that take individual learning needs into account while respecting the learning objectives of the course.