MODERN SOCIOLOGY

This course aims to provide a general introduction to sociological approaches that have developed in the XX century (especially in the 1960s-1980s) in Europe and North America, and with particular attention to theories on gender, race and sexuality.

In this framework, by the end of the course students will be able to:
- explain the main concepts used in contemporary sociology
- illustrate the main sociological paradigms and some of their criticism
- describe the role and the legacy of major authors
- identify and discuss main theories about gender, race and sexuality.

None.

The course starts as a general introduction to sociological thinking, the main theories and approaches in contemporary sociology and their relevance to understanding today’s social world.

In so doing, the course concentrates on sociological paradigms that have developed in the European and North American contexts, and especially between the 1960s and 1980s. The contribution of main authors of the XX century will be discussed in class. Thus, notions of power, inequality, culture and society will be critically examined in their various definitions.

Special attention will be devoted to the contribution of French sociologists such as Pierre Bourdieu and Michel Foucault and their legacy in contemporary thinking on issues of power and social change. Moreover, the course will focus on feminist approaches to gender norms and sexuality, as well as on sociological approaches to race and racism.

Handbook - selected chapters from:
“Introduction to Sociological Theory: Theorists, Concepts, and Their Applicability to the Twenty-First Century” di Michele Dillon.

Compulsory readings: Introduction, Chapters 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12 and 13.

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Written: final exam.
For students attending classes: participation to discussions in class.

Given the large size of these classes, the contents of this course will be mainly delivered as lectures, and the final exam will consist in a written exam.
However, students are encouraged to actively participate and develop their individual views on the topic of the course by joining the discussion during each lecture, and by preparing the literature assigned for each lesson (see “Detailed Program” on the ISA materials).

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