Culture and Society

The course aims to develop the particular perspective of analysis and interpretation of social reality related to cultural processes, that is, to the symbolic, ritual, ideological and communicative dimensions that provide the basis for a continuous activity of construction of what we recognize as the reality. To this end, the course analyses, in a critical form, the theoretical and analytical tools of the sociological tradition that place importance on the processes of construction and sharing of meaning, and on the connection between society (structure) and ideas (shared representations and discourses on society). Particular attention will be given to the dimension of daily life and to the processes of attribution of meaning that take place within routines and practices that appear obvious and not problematic.
The central object of the course will be the idea of culture as a relevant dimension of action and social life. Language, symbols, values, beliefs, ritual actions and ceremonies will be analyzed as particular and specific areas of social action, considering them an integral part of a sociological understanding of interaction and social reality.

At the end of the course students should possess:
(general skills)
Knowledge and understanding of the different interpretations of the concept of culture in the social sciences, with particular reference to its sociological use. Understanding of the social dimensions of the processes of production of meaning, communication, classification and distinction. Understanding of the effects of globalization processes on cultural dynamics.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding of the main interpretations of the concept of culture to specific social situations of intercultural interaction. Ability to analyze cultural dimensions in contexts of specific interactions, both in the micro dimension of interpersonal relationships, and in meso and macro relationships of organizational, institutional and interstate relationships.
(specific skills)
Good knowledge and understanding of cultural processes and intercultural communication, in contexts characterized by growing interconnection on a global scale. Ability to understand and critically evaluate everyday, practical and mundane processes of shared production of meanings. Ability to understand and analyze relational situations, even conflicting ones, which have as their stake the shared definition of meanings and symbolic production. Ability to understand and critically evaluate the concepts of ethnic and national belonging, multicultural policies and practices.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding of the tools proper to the sociology of cultural processes to some typical situations of contemporary global society: intercultural relations, multicultural policies, migration policies, recognition of cultural differences, social and political actions of minorities, discrimination processes and anti-discrimination policies.