Teaching code

4S007529

Teacher

Luca Mori

Coordinator

Luca Mori

Credits

9

Also offered in courses:

• General sociology of the course Bachelor's degree in Philosophy

Language

Italian

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

SPS/07 - GENERAL SOCIOLOGY

Period

Sem. 1A, Sem. 1B

Lessons timetable Moodle Seminars 0

Learning objectives

Through a discussion of the main theoretical problems tackled by sociology, the course aims at giving students critical awareness of the mechanisms through which social order is constituted, reproduced, and changed. Moreover, with regards to students’ abilities, the course wants to give them the skills necessary to understand and analyze the roles played by social structures towards subjects, deepening those aspects concerning the influences exercised by different forms of cultural belongings and social memberships over the constitution of individuals identity. At the end of the course, students are expected to elaborate autonomous analysis about different cultural and social processes and their impact on the life of individuals and groups.

Prerequisites and basic notions

No particular prerequisites are needed in order to attend the course

Program

The course is divided into two parts.
The first one is dedicated to the the main theoretical problems tackled by the Durkheimian sociological tradition. After having introduced the main topics developed by Émile Durkheim's work, the discussion will focus on two of the most original innovators of this tradition of thought namely Erving Goffman and Pierre Bourdieu. With regard to Goffman we will explore his works on social construction of individual reality and those dedicated to the ritual order of interactions. Coming to Bourdieu we will take into consideration his analysis on habitus, social fields, and symbolic violence.
In its second part, the course will deepen the main aspects of Max Weber's theoretical approach to social reality, trying to point out its similarities and divergences with regard to durkheminan visions.

Bibliography

Didactic methods

Frontal lectures, discussions

Learning assessment procedures

The final exam will consist of a written test. The candidate will have to answer to 4 open questions in 2 hours of time. Three questions will deal with the topics presented and discussed during the course. The fourth question will try to elicit the critical analysis skills of the candidates. More clearly, the students will be asked to provide a personal reflection on some topics treated during the course (a comparison, a critical comment, an empirical exemplificaton, etc.)

Evaluation criteria

- The degree of comprehension of sociology perspective.
- The degree of comprehension of the single concepts.
- The capacity of clearly presenting theoretical problems.
- The mastery of the disciplinary lexicon.
- The capacity to connect different topics.
- The capacity to provide telling exemplification of theoretical concepts discussed.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

7,5 points each question

Exam language

Italiano