Comparative Social Systems
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to give to the students the theoretical tools necessary to understand different social systems. Particular attention will be given to the process of modernization and to the question of multiple modernities. In addition to the theoretical objectives, there is the goal of making the students to grasp the differences between the processes of modernization of two countries: Japan and China.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students should have pursued:
1. General competences
Knowledge and understanding of the main sociological approaches for the comparative study of social systems. Critical understanding of the main concepts related to the study of social systems (such as, inter alia, structure, system, order, episteme, habitus and structuration). Understanding of the effects of social systems on actors' attitudes and behaviours and of the restructuring of the system thanks to the agents themselves.
2. Specific competences
Understanding of the western model of modernization and the similarities and differences of Japan and China processes of modernization.
1. General competences
Knowledge and understanding of the main sociological approaches for the comparative study of social systems. Critical understanding of the main concepts related to the study of social systems (such as, inter alia, structure, system, order, episteme, habitus and structuration). Understanding of the effects of social systems on actors' attitudes and behaviours and of the restructuring of the system thanks to the agents themselves.
2. Specific competences
Understanding of the western model of modernization and the similarities and differences of Japan and China processes of modernization.
Lesson period: Second trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
Second trimester
The lessons will be held online, on the Teams platform, simultaneously and according to the schedule established in the calendar.
Office hours are by appointment, and will be done online, on Skype, or Teams.
Office hours are by appointment, and will be done online, on Skype, or Teams.
Course syllabus
The program concerns the main sociological concepts and theories such as the main sociological paradigms; the three main sociological explanations of the birth of modernity (K. Marx, M. Weber, E. Durkheim). Talcot Parsons and his AGIL Paradigm; Deviance, Race and Ethnic Groups, Sexuality and Gender; Social Stratification and Social Mobility; Socialization and the formation of the Self; Religion; The process of modernization in Japa, from the Mejj period until today; the process of modernization in China from the XIX century until today. Both of them will be compared with the process of western modernization.
Prerequisites for admission
It is necessary to have proficiency in English, both oral and written.
Teaching methods
explanations of the material requested for the exam; videos concerning the material considered; guest lectures from experts; Students oral presentations of research done on a particular topic related to the subjects and material requested for the exam.
Teaching Resources
G. Ritzer, Introduction to Sociology, PbN, 2012; R. Sennet, The New Culture of Capitalism, Yale University Press, 2007; Elise K Tiplan, Modern Japan: A Social and Political History, Routledge 2015;Tamara Jacka, Contemporary China: Society and Social Change, 2013.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will be written, four open questions on the material requested.
SPS/07 - GENERAL SOCIOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Graziosi Mariolina