The course aims to develop a critical reflection on the connection between two key dimensions of 'community life': society and politics. Taking as a starting point the 'fluidity' and 'reciprocity' that characterize the constantly changing relationship between society and politics in the context of globalisation, during the course we will analyse: i) the basic concepts and theories that allow us to 'make sense' and understand this complex relationship; ii) the most relevant transformations that (re)define the relationship between society and politics in the wake of globalization. Particular attention is dedicated to (traditional and new) forms of participation, the actors of mobilization and mediation in the current historical phase, as well as the possible scenarios that emerge for representative democracy following the wide array of changes and 'systemic shocks' induced by globalization.

The course is organised into two parts. In the first, we will address the basic concepts and theories of political sociology. In the second, we will delve into two particular cases that help to focus on the changes in the relationship between society and politics in the contemporary context: the consequences of globalization on people and on social and political dynamics; and post-politics.

Knowledge and understanding. By the end of the course, students must have acquired knowledge and full understanding of the basic concepts and main theories of political sociology and globalization. Teaching methods through which we aim to achieve these objectives include: lectures, audio-visual materials, seminar meetings with scholars and experts, classroom discussions.  

Applying knowledge and understanding. Students must be able to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the module relating to the fluidity of the relationship between society, politics and globalization in an appropriate manner to realworld scenarios. Teaching methods through which we aim to achieve these objectives: lectures, audio-visual materials, seminar meetings with scholars and experts, exercises and classroom discussion of study topics/texts in relation to specific research topics and current events, group exercises.

Making judgments. Students will develop the ability to connect the concepts and theories presented during the module, to deal with complex issues independently, with their own capacity for judgment and critical reflection regarding the relationship between society and politics and their transformations in the context of globalization. Teaching methods through which we aim to achieve these objectives: lectures, audio-visual materials, seminar meetings with scholars and experts, classroom discussions, group exercises.  

Communication skills. Students will acquire clear and effective communication skills through a good command of the vocabulary, concepts and theories of political sociology. Teaching methods through which we aim to achieve these objectives: students will be asked to interact with the teacher and 'guest speakers' during the course, through questions and participation in class discussions.  

Learning skills. Students will develop good learning skills, which allow them to independently extend and deepen the knowledge acquired during the module, tackling subsequent paths of theoretical reflection and research. Teaching methods through which we aim to achieve these objectives: lectures, audio-visual materials, seminar meetings, classroom discussions.

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 material prepared by the Lecturer in addition to the texts to be prepared for the exam (such as slides, handouts, exercises, bibliography) and teaching-related updates can be found on the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it  

The Lecturer will provide the programme of any relevant support activities, as well as useful links for further study for any exercises and teaching support materials, through the Moodle platform.

The module will include seminars and meetings with experts to delve deeper into some of the key topics covered in the course. Information about these will be posted on  the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Face to face lectures, also with the support of slides and audiovisual materials; class discussions and group exercises.  During the module, seminar meetings will also be organized with scholars and experts (the dates of which will be communicated by the lecturer), on the topics included in the module's programme.

 

Attendance

Attendance is recommended, and students who will attend for at least 75% of the class hours will be considered "attending student". (students attendance will be recorded through signatures, taken in the classroom at the beginning of each lesson). 

Course books

FOR STUDENTS TAKING THE EXAM IN ITALIAN:

• Ceccarini, L. and Diamanti, I. (2018) ra politica e società. Fondamenti, trasformazioni e prospettive. Bologna: il Mulino (the parts of the book required for the exam will be specified by the lecturer during the lessons).  
• Bauman, Z. (2001) Dentro la globalizzazione. Le conseguenze sulle persone. Bari: Laterza
• Crouch, C. (2005) Postdemocrazia. Bari: Laterza

The Lecturee will specify in class the chapters/sections of each book that students will need to prepare for the exam

FOR STUDENTS TAKING THE EXAM IN ENGLISH:

• Rush, M. Politics and Society: An Introduction to Political Sociology, Routledge (any edition)
• Bauman, Z. (2001) Globalization: The Human Consequences, Columbia University Press
• Crouch, C. (2004) Post-Democracy. Polity Press

The Lecturee will specify in class the chapters/sections of each book that students will need to prepare for the exam

Assessment

Written examination: the written exam will take place in person at the end of the course (following the academic calendar). 

The exam will consist of a series of 'open ended' questions, with a required minimum word count for each answer.

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.

Teaching

Studying the text books and materials as indicated below

Course books

FOR STUDENTS TAKING THE EXAM IN ITALIAN:

• Ceccarini, L. and Diamanti, I. (2018) ra politica e società. Fondamenti, trasformazioni e prospettive. Bologna: il Mulino (the parts of the book required for the exam will be specified by the lecturer during the lessons).  
• Bauman, Z. (2001) Dentro la globalizzazione. Le conseguenze sulle persone. Bari: Laterza
• Crouch, C. (2005) Postdemocrazia. Bari: Laterza

NON ATTENDING STUDENTS WILL HAVE TO STUDY ALL THE BOOKS IN FULL FOR THE EXAM

FOR STUDENTS TAKING THE EXAM IN ENGLISH:

• Rush, M. Politics and Society: An Introduction to Political Sociology, Routledge (any edition)
• Bauman, Z. (2001) Globalization: The Human Consequences, Columbia University Press
• Crouch, C. (2004) Post-Democracy. Polity Press

NON ATTENDING STUDENTS WILL HAVE TO STUDY ALL THE BOOKS IN FULL FOR THE EXAM

Written examination: the written exam will take place in person at the end of the course (following the academic calendar). 

The exam will consist of a series of 'open ended' questions, with a required minimum word count for each answer.