Psychology and social processes

Course's general goal is to supply a basic knowledge on the theoretical-empirical reflections and acquisitions elaborated by Sociology in relation to the various aspects of contemporary society, in order to find the specific contribute of this discipline in characterising the structural dynamics and the changing processes that pass through and qualify society. The Course will develop a cross logic in connection to two learning subareas of Sociology: a) the area of sociological concepts and theories; b) the area of methods and techniques of social research. These two subareas give students the needed tools, in terms of ability and understanding, to carry out a critical analysis of contemporary society. 2.1 General Outcomes During the Course, will be discussed the concepts and theories of classic and contemporary sociology, paying a special attention to their analytical applicability. At the same time, students will learn the methods and techniques of social research (both qualitative and quantitative), applying the acquired knowledge to real situations. 2.2 Specific Outcomes Students will have an adequate knowledge on Sociology's theory and basic concepts, as well as its history. They will also acquire an adequate mastery of sociological research's methods and techniques, both qualitative and quantitative, especially with practical and operative competences regarding the construction of important data for social analysis and their processing. One goal is to supply adequate analysis skills of structural, institutional, and cultural dimensions of contemporary society. 2.2.1 Knowledge and Understanding The Course will allow students to acquire higher analysis skills of social complexity, and this will help them to be better prepared to face the difficulties characterising the contemporary society. At the end of the course, students will have a greater knowledge of the basics of general sociology and of social research methodology. 2.2.2 Applying Knowledge and Understanding Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge in a competent and reflective way in order to carry out a critical analysis of contemporary society. 2.2.3 Making Judgements Students will be able to collect, analyse, and critically interpret the empirical data about the social phenomena. They will be able to interpret the meaning of those phenomena at the light of the learned conceptual categories, and finding the interdisciplinary connections with other social and human sciences. 2.2.4 Communication Skills Students will learn the main terms belonging to the discipline, mastering Sociology's key concepts, and being able to discuss about criteria, procedures, aims, and outcomes to sociological community and to non-specialised interlocutors too. 2.2.5 Learning Skills The theoretical and empirical study will give students a certain methodological mastery and learning skills useful for the interpretative practice of individual's social dynamics. At the end of the Course, students will possess the basics needed for a basic analysis of society; this will supply them with the competences and abilities needed to take on more complex studies having as subject specific parts of society.