SOCIOLOGY

The Course is intended to complement the competences characterising the degree course through the contribution of sociology. Students will be stimulated to “think like a sociologist”, to read and tackle problems of social reality through the formulation of well-founded theoretical hypotheses and to ask relevant sociological questions. The main sociological perspectives that seek to interpret relevant social phenomena such as modernisation (rationalisation and socio-economic progress) and social relations (networks and groups) will then be presented. In particular, the Course will focus on the effects of these two social phenomena in the context of tourism: Overtourism/Tourismphobia; Slow Tourism. At least one seminar is planned within the course, featuring expert testimony on innovative tourism projects.

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;
- Modernisation;
- Overtourism/Tourismphobia; Slow Tourism.

Required texts:
1) van Tubergen F. (2022), Introduzione alla sociologia, Il Mulino, Bologna: capitoli 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 12.
2) Supplementary material uploaded to Moodle (1 article on 'overtourism', 1 article on 'slow tourism')

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

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 innovative tourism projects.

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