SOCIOLOGY

The course is of an integrative nature and aims to complete the competences characterising the degree through the contribution of contemporary sociological reflection. The main sociological approaches that seek to interpret social change in an increasingly complex and articulated global context will be presented. In particular, the course will focus on the main sociological contributions aimed at critically studying the connection between economy and society.

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.

What is happening to Italian society? And to globalisation? Are we at the end of modernity? Is a new scenario of conflict opening up? These are not easy questions to answer. The Sociology course therefore intends to go through the main theories for interpreting social relations in order to try to understand the changes that are taking place.
The course reviews the main topics in sociology, with a specific focus on those topics that may be of greatest interest and usefulness for university students of an economics degree. Specifically, the course focuses on:
- An introduction to sociology;
- Macro theories (functionalism and political economy);
- Micro theories (rituals, exchange, social roles, social construction of reality);
- Meso theories (network theories);
- An overview of the contemporary debate.

Required texts:
1) Collins R. (2006), Teorie sociologiche, Il Mulino, Bologna: chapters 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10.
2) Baert P., Carreira Da Silva F. (2010), La teoria sociale contemporanea, Il Mulino, Bologna: chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
3) Supplementary material uploaded in Moodle.

Learning is tested by means of a written test consisting of 4 open questions. Students will be required to demonstrate specific knowledge of the topics covered in the required texts, and the critical ability to apply theoretical approaches to the analysis of contemporary society will be particularly appreciated.
The final assessment will be based on the following criteria: mastery of sociological language; knowledge of sociological theories and ability to discuss them; ability to analyse the phenomena of contemporary society.

written

Regarding the way in which the grades will be awarded, regardless of whether attending or not:

1. points in the 18-22 range will be awarded in the presence of:
- sufficient knowledge and ability to understand the course content;
- limited ability to interpret information, making independent judgments;
- sufficient communication skills, about the use of written language and specialist language relating to public policy.

2. points in the 23-26 range will be awarded in the presence of:
- fair knowledge and ability to understand the course content;
- discrete ability to interpret information, making autonomous judgements;
- fair communication skills, about the use of written language and specialist language relating to public policy.

3. points in the 27-30 range will be awarded in the presence of:
- good or very good knowledge and understanding of the course content;
- good or very good ability to interpret information, making independent judgments;
- good or very good communication skills, about the use of written language and specialist language relating to public policy.

Summa cum laude will be awarded in the presence of excellent knowledge and skills.

Classroom lectures. The teacher adopts an interactive teaching method, aimed at involving those present and stimulating personal reflection.
Active and critical student participation is particularly appreciated.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development