Sociology

The course aims to introduce students to the analysis of social phenomena. Social behaviour and interaction, the emergence of social norms, the link between social institutions and norms and organisational and collective behaviour are analysed to understand the social mechanisms chracterising contemporary societies and their evolution. Theory and empirical research, models and cases are integrated to develop students' competences that are key for subsequent specialised courses.

This introductory unit is aimed at providing a general introduction to the discipline of sociology, as a middle-ground form of knowledge which both deploys analytical tools and undertakes empirical research. The course covers: 1)The foundations of sociology, with particular attention to the contribution of the classics to the emergence of the social scientific study of the key processes of modernity such as rationalization, individualization and functional differentiation; 2) Structure and Action, with particular attention to the constitution of social identities and differences; 3) Contemporary sociological issues, with particular attention to gender and sexuality, the commercialization of intimate life, the processes of stigmatization and exclusion, social mobilization and cultural trauma. Dedicated website on ARIEL available from the beginning of Course

Attending students will be given some specific instruction as to the material at the beginning of course. For non attending students the material to study is clearly indicatated. In both cases the exam will be written, and only students properly enrolled into the exam via the electronic form available will be admitted to it.