AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide the theoretical and practical tools to analyze sport from a sociological perspective, as a social phenomenon and a means of socialization and education.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims to provide conceptual and analytical tools from sociology to understand human behaviour in its social and relational dimensions. By applying sociological theories and categories to the field of sport and movement sciences, it analyses the social processes that influence the body, health, well-being, and sporting practices in contemporary society.

At the end of the course, students will have acquired the basic knowledge and conceptual tools to understand the social phenomena that influence human behaviour, the body, health and sporting practices in contemporary society.
In particular, students will be able to:

(1. Knowledge and understanding)

• know and understand the main sociological concepts, paradigms and processes, with reference to interaction, culture, institutions, groups, inequalities and mechanisms of social inclusion and exclusion;

(2. Applying knowledge and understanding)

• apply sociological perspectives to critically analyse the social dimensions of motor and sport activities and of health and well-being promotion, recognising the role of cultural, relational and organisational factors;

(3. Making judgements)

• critically evaluate social phenomena related to the body, health and sport, identifying the connections between individual practices and collective contexts;

(4. Communication skills)

• use the technical language of sociology to communicate clearly and effectively with both specialist and non-specialist audiences, including in interdisciplinary contexts;

(5. Learning skills)

• deepen and broaden their sociological knowledge through individual study or by attending further courses in specific areas of the discipline (such as the sociology of sport, health, or the environment).

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures combine frontal teaching with interactive and collaborative activities aimed at fostering active student participation.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

General Section – Foundations of Sociology

1. Introduction to Sociology

2. Social Transformations and the Development of Contemporary Society

3. The Scientific Method and Methods of Social Research

4. Social Action and Social Structures

5. Interaction, Social Relations, and Social Groups

6. Culture and Rules: Socialization, Values, Norms, and Deviance

Advanced Section – The Body and Society

1. The Body as a Social Construction

2. Health, Well-being, and Sporting Practices from a Sociological Perspective 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Generale section

• Van Tubergen, F. (2022). Introduzione alla sociologia. Bologna: Il Mulino.

Advanced section

• Romeo, A. (Ed.). (2018). Sociologia del corpo. Milano: Mondadori.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

IGOR SEBASTIAN COSTARELLI (President)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Lessons will be held in the first semester.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is written and consists of open-ended questions.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written exam contributes to the assessment of the expected learning outcomes. More specifically, it aims to:

• assess students’ knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts of sociology covered in the course, as well as their ability to identify definitions, analytical categories and conceptual connections;
• verify students’ ability to apply knowledge and interpretative tools through the critical analysis of examples, situations or social phenomena;
• assess students’ autonomy of judgement through their ability to interpret complex social phenomena and connect individual practices with collective contexts;
• assess students’ communication skills through the appropriate and conscious use of the technical language of sociology in arguing and justifying their answers.

The overall assessment of the written exam will take into account the accuracy of the content, the clarity of argumentation and the ability to connect theoretical concepts with applied contexts.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with disabilities, SLD or SEN.

Students holding certification for Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities, or other special educational needs (SEN) are encouraged to contact both the Department’s representative, Prof. Nicola Girtler (nicola.girtler@unige.it), and the instructor at the beginning of the course.
Together, they will agree on appropriate teaching and examination arrangements which, while respecting the course objectives, take into account individual learning needs and provide suitable compensatory or exemption tools, as recognized by the University Support Service (https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa).

Please note: requests for exam accommodations must be submitted no later than fitfteen days before the scheduled exam date.