SOCIOLOGY OF TOURISM

Academic year
2026/2027 Syllabus of previous years
Official course title
SOCIOLOGY OF TOURISM
Course code
EM9055 (AF:569313 AR:318545)
Teaching language
English
Modality
On campus classes
ECTS credits
6
Degree level
Master's Degree Programme (DM270)
Academic Discipline
SPS/07
Period
2nd Term
Course year
2
Where
VENEZIA
Moodle
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Sociology of Tourism provides an advanced understanding of the social dimensions of tourism. It complements the managerial, economic and sustainability-oriented perspective of the Master's Degree in Tourism Management and Sustainability. The course equips students with theoretical and analytical tools to understand the relationships between tourism, society, host communities and sustainable development, preparing future professionals to design, manage and evaluate responsible tourism policies and strategies in both local and global contexts.
Upon completion of the course, the master's graduate will have acquired advanced knowledge of the global dynamics of tourism activities and will be able to analyze the environmental and social criticalities of various territorial tourism systems. They will be able to apply this knowledge to promote alternative and sustainable tourism practices, designing and managing actions to enhance resources and cultural heritage while respecting the environment and local communities.
No specific prerequisites are required. Basic knowledge of tourism management, economic geography and sustainable development is recommended.
The course explores the relationship between tourism, tourists, and contemporary society. Topics covered include the sociological evolution of tourist flows in relation to globalisation; the analysis of tourist motivations; the socio-cultural impacts of tourism on local communities; intercultural interactions during global-scale events; and the study of territorial development models based on planning for alternative tourism, with a strong focus on the challenges posed by today's environmental criticalities.
Sharpley, R. (2018, 5th Edition). Tourism, Tourists and Society. Routledge. ISBN 9781138629493.

Additional reading materials, including academic journal articles, international reports and teaching materials provided by the instructor, will be used to explore current issues such as sustainable tourism, overtourism, experiential tourism, digital transformation and the social impacts of tourism.
Student learning will be assessed through a final written examination including essay questions and/or structured questions designed to evaluate both theoretical knowledge and the ability to apply sociological concepts to real tourism issues. Additional assessment activities may include individual or group assignments, case study discussions, presentations or short reports completed during the course. Assessment will focus on theoretical understanding, critical thinking and the application of sociological perspectives to contemporary tourism.
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 exam is considered passed with a minimum score of 18/30. Grades between 18 and 23 indicate a sufficient level of knowledge of the essential contents; from 24 to 27 denote good analytical competence and clarity of presentation; grades from 28 to 30 reflect an excellent critical mastery of the sociological subject; honours (30 e lode) are awarded to exams that stand out for particular brilliance, academic rigor, and analitical originality.
Lectures, classroom discussions, case study analysis, seminars with guest speakers, group work, student presentations and the use of academic literature and multimedia teaching materials.

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

Goal 9: industry, innovation and infrastructure
Goal 11: sustainable cities and communities
Definitive programme.
Last update of the programme: 24/06/2026