The course will aim to train students in the fundamentals of contemporary sociology. The conceptual foundations of the discipline and its main theoretical approaches will be explored in depth. Thematic analysis will be privileged, starting from the elements of society, such as its structural organisation, processes of socialisation and interaction, the role of organisations, phenomena of deviance and control, processes of urbanisation; as well as the main social institutions and the dynamics that regulate social evolution and change. The educational objectives of the course respond to the need to provide students with a basis propedeutical to their Bachelor's degree study. Special attention will be paid to Anthony Giddens' perspective on structuration theory and Erving Goffman's order of interaction. Particular space will be devoted to an increasingly central sociological theme, namely that of the practices of giving and volunteering. The study will be conducted through the analysis of concrete cases. In this way, the theoretical knowledge acquired will find an empirical application.

Topic list:

- The elements of society

- The main institutions

- Society and change

- Sociological perspectives on gift and volunteering

- Analysis of the phenomenon of giving and volunteering on a series of contemporary cases

1. Knowledge and understanding: students should have knowledge of the fundamental aspects of sociology and the main contemporary sociological perspectives.

1.1. Students reach these basic knowledge attending lessons and studying mentioned textbooks.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding: students should be able to apply the acquired knowledge to the analysis of contemporary social phenomena.

2.1. Students reach these skills by tests and laboratory activities during class hours.

3. Making informed judgments: students must be able to present and discuss the issues, concepts and explanatory logic of the main contemporary sociological theories.

3.1. Students reach and demonstrate these skills during debates with the Professor and with the class, during tests and during the preparation of the final exam.

4. Communication skills: students should have the necessary communication skills and basic competence in the specialist language of the discipline.

4.1. Students reach these skills organizing discussions and excercises.

5. Learning Skills: students must achieve the necessary learning skills which will serve as a basis for continuing their studies

5.1. Students strengthen these skills debating with the Professor and the rest of the class.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Theoretical lectures and in-depth seminars

Group work

Attendance

Students must take part to at least the 3/4 of the classes

Study of assigned readings

Course books

- Smelser Neil J. (2011) Manuale di sociologia, il Mulino, Bologna (quinta edizione) (only the parts indicated in class)

- Giannini Lorenzo (2020) "Siamo tutti volontari". Etnografia di una Festa de l'Unità, tra retoriche e pratiche, FrancoAngeli, Milano

- materials provided in class

Assessment

The exam will be held through an individual interview based on textbooks suggested. The aim is to evaluate both student's comprehension of the content and his ability in reworking concepts and in argumenting. 

Excellent grades will be given in presence of: a good critical perspective and in depth study; knowing how to link among them the main subjects addressed during the course; the use of an appropriate language.

Good grades will be given in presence of:  good mnemonic knowledge of the contents; a relatively good critical perspective and connection skills related to the treated topics; the use of appropriate language.

Sufficient grades will be given in presence of: the achievement of a minimal knowledge on the treated themes, even in presence of some gaps; the use of a not appropriate language.

Negative grades will be given in presence of: a difficult orientation related to the the treated topics; knowledge gaps; the use of a not appropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Course books

- Smelser Neil J. (2011) Manuale di sociologia, il Mulino, Bologna (only the parts indicated in class)

- Giannini Lorenzo (2020) "Siamo tutti volontari". Etnografia di una Festa de l'Unità, tra retoriche e pratiche, FrancoAngeli, Milano

- an additional text of your choice (the list of texts to choose from will be provided at the beginning of the lessons)

Assessment

The exam will be held through an individual interview based on textbooks suggested. The aim is to evaluate both student's comprehension of the content and his ability in reworking concepts and in argumenting. 

Excellent grades will be given in presence of: a good critical perspective and in depth study; knowing how to link among them the main subjects addressed during the course; the use of an appropriate language.

Good grades will be given in presence of:  good mnemonic knowledge of the contents; a relatively good critical perspective and connection skills related to the treated topics; the use of appropriate language.

Sufficient grades will be given in presence of: the achievement of a minimal knowledge on the treated themes, even in presence of some gaps; the use of a not appropriate language.

Negative grades will be given in presence of: a difficult orientation related to the the treated topics; knowledge gaps; the use of a not appropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.