Sociology of Cultural Processes
A.Y. 2021/2022
Learning objectives
The main objective of this course is to introduce students to the study of cultural phenomena in a sociological key. Although this is a relatively recently established area of sociology, nowadays we are witnessing an explosion of cultural studies in the social sciences: topics in sociology of culture may range from knowledge to art, from collective memory to taste, from gender to media cultures. This course deals with the study of schools of thought (Marxian, functionalist, Weberian) and authors (for example: Durkheim, Weber, Bourdieu) of primary importance for the development of the discipline, in order to provide the conceptual and methodological tools necessary to critically analyze cultural objects, production systems, and publics. Particular attention, through the analysis of empirical studies, will then be reserved for the study of consumer culture and of gender construction.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students should have developed a solid understanding of the main definitions of the concept of culture in sociology and mastery of the interpretative tools of shared social meanings. The final exam aims to verify the expected learning outcomes in the understanding and critical presentation of concepts, theoretical perspectives, areas of discussion and case studies addressed during the course.
Lesson period: First 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
Responsible
Lesson period
First trimester
More specific information on the delivery modes of training activities for the academic year 2021/2022 will be provided over the coming months, based on the evolution of the public health situation.
Course syllabus
The program consists of two modules for a total of 6 credits. The first module has an introductory character and deals with the key themes in sociology of culture; the second module examines two fields: consumer culture and the cultural construction of gender binary.
The first part of the course is dedicated to the study of the relationship between social structure and culture.
The study of this relationship of mutual influence is important because the production and sharing of symbols, beliefs, values and practices are fundamental needs for human existence. Sociology of culture inquires the dynamics of meaning construction and their role in orienting rational action within a given social world. The study of theoretical models for understanding the production, distribution and reception of culture will be addressed, as well as the analysis of specific phenomena such as subcultures, cultural innovation, the cultural construction of social problems and collective subjects.
The second part of the course aims to apply the models and tools acquired in the first module to two fields of study. The first is that of consumer culture, which will be understood in particular as an instrument of social distinction and construction of borders and identities. The second field of investigation, on the other hand, focuses on the issue of gender differences, starting with the case of gender-based violence and its media representations.
The first part of the course is dedicated to the study of the relationship between social structure and culture.
The study of this relationship of mutual influence is important because the production and sharing of symbols, beliefs, values and practices are fundamental needs for human existence. Sociology of culture inquires the dynamics of meaning construction and their role in orienting rational action within a given social world. The study of theoretical models for understanding the production, distribution and reception of culture will be addressed, as well as the analysis of specific phenomena such as subcultures, cultural innovation, the cultural construction of social problems and collective subjects.
The second part of the course aims to apply the models and tools acquired in the first module to two fields of study. The first is that of consumer culture, which will be understood in particular as an instrument of social distinction and construction of borders and identities. The second field of investigation, on the other hand, focuses on the issue of gender differences, starting with the case of gender-based violence and its media representations.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge in the field of general sociology
Teaching methods
Classes accompanied by slide presentation. The class will also include discussions, group work and students' presentations.
Teaching Resources
Compulsory readings are a manual and two monographs:
Sciolla, L., & Torrioni, P. M. (2020). Sociologia dei processi culturali. Cultura, individui, società. Bologna: Il Mulino.
Sassatelli, R., Santoro, M., & Semi, G. (2015). Fronteggiare la crisi: come cambia lo stile di vita del ceto medio. Bologna: Il Mulino.
Giomi, E., & Magaraggia, S. (2017). Relazioni Brutali. Genere e violenza nella cultura mediale. Bologna: Il Mulino.
Class attendance is highly recommended. Those who cannot attend may read, to better understand the unit themes, the following book chapters. They can also contact the instructor to receive bespoke reading suggestions, as well as alternative readings in English.
Sassatelli, R. (2004). Consumo, cultura e società. Bologna: Il Mulino. Chapters: Introduzioni, 5, 7 and 8
Ghigi, R., & Sassatelli, R. (2018). Corpo, genere e società. Bologna: Il Mulino. Chapters: Introduzione, 1, 2 and 7.
Sciolla, L., & Torrioni, P. M. (2020). Sociologia dei processi culturali. Cultura, individui, società. Bologna: Il Mulino.
Sassatelli, R., Santoro, M., & Semi, G. (2015). Fronteggiare la crisi: come cambia lo stile di vita del ceto medio. Bologna: Il Mulino.
Giomi, E., & Magaraggia, S. (2017). Relazioni Brutali. Genere e violenza nella cultura mediale. Bologna: Il Mulino.
Class attendance is highly recommended. Those who cannot attend may read, to better understand the unit themes, the following book chapters. They can also contact the instructor to receive bespoke reading suggestions, as well as alternative readings in English.
Sassatelli, R. (2004). Consumo, cultura e società. Bologna: Il Mulino. Chapters: Introduzioni, 5, 7 and 8
Ghigi, R., & Sassatelli, R. (2018). Corpo, genere e società. Bologna: Il Mulino. Chapters: Introduzione, 1, 2 and 7.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written assessment
SPS/08 - SOCIOLOGY OF CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Arfini Elia A.g.
Professor(s)