SOCIOLOGY

The course is supplementary and aims to complete the skills that characterize the Degree Course thanks to the contribution of sociology.

The educational path is divided into two complementary parts:

1. First Part (Theoretical): "Thinking like a sociologist" Students will be stimulated to read the complexity of contemporary society and to ask themselves relevant sociological questions. The main perspectives and theories of the discipline will be presented, answering fundamental questions such as: "How does the sociologist see reality?", "What Theories Explain Social Reality?" and "How do you do social research and what techniques do you use?".
2. Second Part (Practical and Applied): "Artificial Intelligence, Automation and the Future of Youth Work" This section explores the transformations of work induced by Artificial Intelligence, a topic of immediate relevance for those who will soon enter the market. The focus will be on the analysis of applied case studies: differentiated case studies of real cases for the tourism sector and international trade.

In the final part of the program - the last two lessons - educational and interactive workshops will be carried out in the classroom to deepen the topics presented in class, through group work.

1. Objective: To apply the sociological models learned in class to real scenarios of digitization and automation.
2. Participation: Workshops are strongly recommended for all students. The practical activities carried out in the classroom will have a formative and self-assessment value in preparation for the exam. The group work will be evaluated from 1 to 3 points, which will be added to the outcome of the written test. Students unable to participate in group work in the classroom can carry out the in-depth activity individually and draw up a written report according to the instructions provided at the start of the course.

Students of other curricula (e.g. Linguistic and Cultural Mediation) are invited to attend the lectures and laboratories of the second part of the program to enrich their cultural background on the dynamics of the digital society and the world of work, but remain exempt from the study and verification of specialized scientific articles during the exam (see the section 'METHODS OF VERIFICATION OF LEARNING').

Class attendance and individual study should enable students to: 1) get acquainted with the main sociological theories and their evolutions; 2) acquire a basic sociological language; 3) use sociological concepts to analyse the phenomena of contemporary society; 4) acquire a conscious perspective and critically reflect on contemporary social reality; 5) know how to critically consult reference texts.

The course is introductory and does not require prior knowledge or specific skills.

The Course includes a review of the main topics of sociology, with a specific focus on those topics that may be of greatest interest and usefulness for those pursuing a course in economics. Specifically, the teaching focuses on:
- An Introduction to Sociology;
- 'Thinking Like a Sociologist';
- Theories, methods, perspectives;
- Social relations and groups;
- AI and the impact on job market

1. Handbook (mandatory for all students)
1. van Tubergen F. (2022), Introduction to sociology, Il Mulino, Bologna: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 7, 8.

2. In-depth Scientific Articles (uploaded in the Moodle)

A) For students of the "Economics of Tourism" curriculum: Zvaigzne A., Litavniece L., Kodors S., Jurkane K. (2025), "Negative impacts of artificial intelligence technologies on the tourism industry". Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 17 No. 1, pp. 22–34.
Didactic focus: The article analyzes the risks of dehumanization of services and the potential elimination, through robots and self-service automation, of the human interactions of reception that represent the traditional occupational entry point in the sector.

B) For students of the "Foreign Trade" curriculum: Ozturk O. (2024), "The Impact of AI on International Trade: Opportunities and Challenges". Economies, 12(11), 298.
Didactic focus: The essay examines the impact of AI on customs operations, trade finance and market access through multinational cases (Alibaba, DHL, Maersk), highlighting the transformation of office and logistics tasks once intended for junior profiles.

The assessment of learning takes place through a written test consisting of 4 open questions. The critical ability to apply theoretical approaches to the analysis of contemporary society will be particularly appreciated.

The questions will be formulated and assigned according to the following educational paths:

Path A: Students of the curricula "Economics of Tourism" and "Foreign Trade"
- Questions 1, 2 and 3: These focus on the exam chapters of van Tubergen's handbook (Chap. 1, 2, 3, 7, 8).
- Question 4: It will be differentiated according to one's curriculum and will focus exclusively on the specific scientific article (Zvaigzne et al. for Tourism; Ozturk for Foreign Trade).

Path B: Students enrolled in other Degree Courses (e.g. Linguistic and Cultural Mediation)
- Questions 1, 2, 3 and 4: They will take the entire written exam (all 4 open questions) exclusively on van Tubergen's manual (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 7, 8).

METHODOLOGICAL SUGGESTION FOR STUDY: The preparation should be carried out by directly and thoroughly studying the texts indicated in the 'REFERENCE TEXTS' section, as primary sources. Please note that the slides and visual materials projected in class are exclusively for support in classroom teaching and do not in any way constitute a substitute summary of the exam texts.

written

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

The marks are awarded as follows:

A. marks in the range 18-22:
- sufficient knowledge and applied understanding with reference to the syllabus;
- limited capacity for analysis;
- limited ability to make independent judgements;

B. marks in the range 23-26:
- fair knowledge and ability of applied understanding with reference to the syllabus;
- discrete ability to analyse syllabus topics and concepts;
- fair communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language of the course;

C. marks in the range 27-30:
- good or very good knowledge and ability of applied understanding with reference to the syllabus;
- good or very good ability to analyse the themes and concepts of the syllabus;
- fully appropriate communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language of the course;

D. award of 'lode':
It will be awarded in the presence of knowledge and applied understanding with reference to the syllabus, excellent judgement and communication skills.

Classroom lectures. Active and critical student participation is particularly appreciated.
At least one seminar is planned within the course, featuring expert testimony on social research for business companies and public bodies.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development