SOCIOLOGY

Course objectives

Knowledge and understanding The course aims to introduce students to the specific theoretical and empirical perspective with which sociology approaches the study of society. In particular: - provides a general framework of the sociological approach - introduces the main theoretical traditions - examines the evolution of theoretical debate and empirical research on specific topics of interest to the discipline. Applied knowledge and understanding - Through the acquisition of basic knowledge relating to the panorama of theories and research on various problems and areas of social life, the student will acquire a wealth of skills and analytical tools to understand contemporary social systems and to act with professional competence in specific contexts of intervention. - Understand and experience how theories and concepts guide the observation of social phenomena through the in-depth study of themes and issues of current and social relevance. Making judgements The acquisition of the main analytical categories of sociology is intended to help develop awareness and competence in order to critically interpret social phenomena, their origins and ongoing processes of change. The continuous comparison of theoretical approaches and concrete research cases is aimed at stimulating classroom discussion and fostering the ability to argue and support one's own opinions. Communication skills. The course aims to foster the student's ability to present and communicate acquired knowledge competently and accurately through active participation in classroom discussions. In the examination tests, the assessment takes into account not only the level of knowledge of the topics covered but also the student's argumentative competence and ability to analytically and autonomously interpret the knowledge acquired. Learning skills Learning the main concepts and theoretical categories, as well as methods, for understanding, explaining and intervening in complex social problems will be fundamental for the entire teaching programme. It will also provide useful insights and concepts for those who intend to independently pursue sociological studies and/or apply them in operational contexts.

Channel 1
MARIA GRAZIA GALANTINO Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Objective of this Course is to introduce the theoretical and empirical foundations of sociology. The acquisition of sociological categories of analysis intends to contribute to develop awareness and competence for critically interpreting social phenomena, their origins and current changes. Through an overview of theories and research on different problems and aspects of social life, students will attain a baggage of basic knowledge and instruments of analysis to understand contemporary social systems and to professionally engage in specific areas of practice. The Course is organized in two parts, one on general sociological topics and one with a special focus on a specific social problem. The general part provides the general frame of the sociological approach, introduces the main theoretical traditions and examines the evolution of theoretical debate and empirical research on specific area of inquiry, such as Interaction and every-day life, Social stratification and mobility, Etnic groups and migration, Education and social capital, Families, Religion, Economics and work, Networks and organizations. The special part will use an applied approach, aiming at understanding how theories and concepts guide the empirical observation of social phenomena. In particular, it will examine an issue of high relevance in contemporary society, such as migration, with a sepcific focus on its implications in terms of insecurity.
Prerequisites
While no specific preliminary knowledge is required, a basic culture of social sciences may be helpful.
Books
Mandatory readings: 1) Giddens Anthony e Sutton Philip W. (2021), Fondamenti di Sociologia, Bologna, Il Mulino (except of cap. VIII and XIV). 2 and 3) Two books among the followings: - Battistelli F. e Galantino M.G. (2020), Sociologia e politica del coronavirus. Tra opinioni e paure, Franco Angeli, Milano. It is downloadable in open access at the following link http://ojs.francoangeli.it/_omp/index.php/oa/catalog/book/569 - Battistelli F. (2021) Italiani e stranieri. La rabbia e l’imbroglio nella costruzione sociale dell’immigrazione, Franco Angeli, Milano.It is downloadable in open access at the following link http://ojs.francoangeli.it/_omp/index.php/oa/catalog/book/631 - Becker H.S., Outsiders. Saggi di sociologia della devianza, tr. it., Meltemi, 2017. (or previous editions).
Teaching mode
The course will use frontal lectures. For each topic, a review of main theories will be accompanied by the presentation of researches based on empirical data. Questions and class discussion will be strongly encouraged during and after each lecture.
Frequency
Course attendance is encouraged and essential for the the written test.
Exam mode
The final exam will assess students' knowledge of theoretical approaches and the most relevant empirical research. Beside the students' level of knowledge, the oral colloquium will also take into account the argumentative competence and the ability to autonomously and analytically interpret the knowledge acquired. Exam's format will be the following: 1) Two written tests (optional) before the end of the lectures term. The first test will be on the general part (textbook: Giddens e Sutton, 2014) and the second on the research topics presented during classes (textbook Battistelli & Galantino, 2020; Battistelli, 2021) The tests will consist of multiple choice and open questions. 2) An oral colloquium will be possible to integrate/substitute the written texts. For non-attending students, the entire program will be discussed during the colloquium. International exchange students may take the oral examination in English, subject to agreement with the lecturer on the specific arrangements.
Bibliography
No further readings are required.
Lesson mode
The course will use frontal lectures. For each topic, a review of main theories will be accompanied by the presentation of researches based on empirical data. Questions and class discussion will be strongly encouraged during and after each lecture.
Channel 2
ANNA MARIA PAOLA TOTI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
The main aim of the course is to introduce the discipline of sociology by providing the conceptual and methodological basis for the study of society in its cultural, political and economic dimensions. The propaedeutic nature of the course allows the acquisition of the fundamental tools of sociological analysis and an overview of the main theoretical and research perspectives. The course is structured according to the key words of the sociological lexicon. The course provides the necessary elements to reconstruct the sociological debate on social stratification and mobility, identity and social recognition, spatial, economic and social inequalities, globalisation and communication, groups, networks and collective movements. On the basis of this historical and conceptual background, the main social transformations taking place in contemporary societies will be outlined.
Prerequisites
No specific preliminary knowledge is required. A basic culture of social sciences may be helpful.
Books
Required readings for the exam 1) Giddens Anthony e Sutton Philip W. (EDIZIONE DEL 2022), "Fondamenti di Sociologia", Bologna, Il Mulino (escluso cap. XIV). 2) two books chosen from the following: - R. Rauty, Stranieri. Società, scienze sociali e restrizioni migratorie negli Stati Uniti, Meltemi, 2024; - Sassen Saskia, Espulsioni, il Mulino, Bologna 2015; - Bauman Zygmunt, Stranieri alle porte, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2018; - Beck Ulrich, La metamorfosi del mondo, Laterza, Bari-Roma 2017; - Battistelli F. e Galantino M.G. (2020), Sociologia e politica del coronavirus. Tra opinioni e paure, Franco Angeli, Milano. E' disponibile in open access e può essere scaricato qui http://ojs.francoangeli.it/_omp/index.php/oa/catalog/book/569;
Frequency
Attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended
Exam mode
Oral exam Ongoing evaluation The evaluation of knowledge and skills is carried out through different stages: An ongoing assessment of the skills acquired An oral exam covering the parts of the syllabus not included in the ongoing assessments
Lesson mode
There will be lectures and classroom discussions based on the reading of the main classic texts of Sociology. In addition, audio-visual tools: films, documentaries. Questions and class discussion will be strongly encouraged during and after each lecture.
  • Lesson code1022531
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseSciences and techniques of social work
  • CurriculumSingle curriculum
  • Year1st year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDSPS/07
  • CFU9