Sociology of Cultural Processes
A.Y. 2023/2024
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 can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First trimester
Course syllabus
The programme consists of two modules for a total of 6 credits. The first module is introductory in nature and deals with the key issues of the sociology of cultural processes; the second module explores the representation of gender-based violence on social networks.
The first part of the course is devoted 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. The sociology of culture is research into the dynamics of meaning-making and their role in guiding 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, and the cultural construction of social problems and collective subjects.
The second part of the course intends to apply the models and tools acquired in the first module to the field of studies on gender-based violence, deepening the theme of gender differences, starting with the case of violence and its media representations.
The first part of the course is devoted 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. The sociology of culture is research into the dynamics of meaning-making and their role in guiding 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, and the cultural construction of social problems and collective subjects.
The second part of the course intends to apply the models and tools acquired in the first module to the field of studies on gender-based violence, deepening the theme of gender differences, starting with the case of 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
The compulsory examination texts consist of one textbook and two monographs:
Sciolla, L., & Torrioni, P. M. (2020). Sociologia dei processi culturali. Cultura, individui, società. Bologna: Il Mulino.
Giomi, E., & Magaraggia, S. (2017). Relazioni Brutali. Genere e violenza nella cultura mediale. Bologna: Il Mulino.
Bainotti L., Semenzin S., Donne tutte puttane. Revenge porn e maschilità egemone, Durango Edizioni, MIlano, 2021
Sciolla, L., & Torrioni, P. M. (2020). Sociologia dei processi culturali. Cultura, individui, società. Bologna: Il Mulino.
Giomi, E., & Magaraggia, S. (2017). Relazioni Brutali. Genere e violenza nella cultura mediale. Bologna: Il Mulino.
Bainotti L., Semenzin S., Donne tutte puttane. Revenge porn e maschilità egemone, Durango Edizioni, MIlano, 2021
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination is written and consists of 10 closed and three open-ended questions on the books on the syllabus.
SPS/08 - SOCIOLOGY OF CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Santoro Monica
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)