Comparative Social Systems
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
The course aims at providing suitable theoretical and analytical tools for the analysis of comparative social systems according to the main scientific approaches. Particular attention will be devoted to the main authors who have systematically dealt with concepts such as structure and social system and reflected on the interactions existing among different levels (macro vs. micro). Moreover, the comparison among different social systems will also focus on new issues such as those related to the field of migration, unemployment, and cultural diversity through a wide-ranging overview on a number of systemic variables (structural, relational, discursive, etc.) which play a crucial role in influencing actors' attitudes and conducts.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, will 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 fields of migration, unemployment and cultural diversity through a comparative empirical study of social systems within a wide range of countries characterized by specific "opportunity structures".
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 fields of migration, unemployment and cultural diversity through a comparative empirical study of social systems within a wide range of countries characterized by specific "opportunity structures".
Lesson period: Third 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
A-K
Responsible
Lesson period
Third trimester
Course syllabus
The first part (I-II modules) concerns the analysis of the main aspects of the so-called "modern western society". The focus will be on some main sociological concepts such as the birth of modern society, the social structure, social control and deviance, gender difference, family, social stratification, etc. aimed at providing students with the basic tools for the comparison with other societies.
The last part (III module) deals with topics related to intercultural relations, migrations, differences and the relation with otherness. After an introductory part aimed at providing a critical review of the conceptual tools mostly used in the field of social sciences - such as race, ethnicity, culture, stranger, stereotypes, prejudices, racism, etc. - the course will focus on specific case-studies.
The last part (III module) deals with topics related to intercultural relations, migrations, differences and the relation with otherness. After an introductory part aimed at providing a critical review of the conceptual tools mostly used in the field of social sciences - such as race, ethnicity, culture, stranger, stereotypes, prejudices, racism, etc. - the course will focus on specific case-studies.
Prerequisites for admission
No specific prerequisite is required.
Teaching methods
The course includes both frontal lessons and, where possible, seminars and discussions (even in case of on-line learning through Microsoft Teams). Students are invited to actively participate with questions both during lessons and on-line group discussions on Teams.
Teaching Resources
Modules one and two
J. Manza, R. Arum, L. Haney, Progetto sociologia (seconda edizione), Pearson, Milano-Torino, 2018 (except chapters 10 and 13).
Module three
1. J. Manza, R. Arum, L. Haney, Progetto sociologia. Guida all'immaginazione sociologica (second edition), Pearson, Milano-Torino, 2018: chapter 10 "Razzismo e migrazioni" and chapter 13 "Religione";
2. Massari, Il corpo degli altri. Migrazioni, memorie, identità, Orthotes, Napoli-Salerno, 2017: chapters 1, 2, 4, 5.
Professor will also provide 3 essays/articles on the topics covered in the module, including one in English.
J. Manza, R. Arum, L. Haney, Progetto sociologia (seconda edizione), Pearson, Milano-Torino, 2018 (except chapters 10 and 13).
Module three
1. J. Manza, R. Arum, L. Haney, Progetto sociologia. Guida all'immaginazione sociologica (second edition), Pearson, Milano-Torino, 2018: chapter 10 "Razzismo e migrazioni" and chapter 13 "Religione";
2. Massari, Il corpo degli altri. Migrazioni, memorie, identità, Orthotes, Napoli-Salerno, 2017: chapters 1, 2, 4, 5.
Professor will also provide 3 essays/articles on the topics covered in the module, including one in English.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam consists of a written test whose results will be evaluated along a scale of 18-30. Students are required to show the achievement of an adequate understanding of the key concepts, authors, theories and phenomena and a critical capacity to re-elaborate them. Students attending the course will have the chance to participate in 2 intermediate tests: one at the end of modules I-II and a final one at the end of module III. In order to get a final grade, students attending the course who decide to participate in the intermediate tests should pass both tests.
Unità didattica 1
SPS/07 - GENERAL SOCIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Molteni Francesco Benvenuto
Unità didattica 2
SPS/07 - GENERAL SOCIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Molteni Francesco Benvenuto
Unità didattica 3
SPS/07 - GENERAL SOCIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Massari Monica
L-Z
Responsible
Lesson period
Third trimester
Lectures will be held in presence unless other University regulations.
Course syllabus
The first part (I-II modules) concerns the analysis of the main aspects of the so-called "modern western society". The focus will be on some main sociological concepts such as the birth of modern society, the social structure, social control and deviance, gender difference, family, social stratification, etc. aimed at providing students with the basic tools for the comparison with other societies.
In the last part of the course (third module), the themes of power and politics; deviance and social control will be explored in depth, also through empirical case studies concerning certain phenomena of our contemporary world such as the current ecological crisis, forms of protest and social movements, organised crime and the Mafia. The ways in which the social world can be studied, especially qualitative research methods, will also be explored.
In the last part of the course (third module), the themes of power and politics; deviance and social control will be explored in depth, also through empirical case studies concerning certain phenomena of our contemporary world such as the current ecological crisis, forms of protest and social movements, organised crime and the Mafia. The ways in which the social world can be studied, especially qualitative research methods, will also be explored.
Prerequisites for admission
No specific prerequisite is required.
Teaching methods
Teaching Methods
The course foresees frontal lessons and, where possible, seminars and discussions with experts and observers (even in case of on-line learning through Microsoft Teams). Students are invited to actively participate with questions both during lessons and on-line forum.
The course foresees frontal lessons and, where possible, seminars and discussions with experts and observers (even in case of on-line learning through Microsoft Teams). Students are invited to actively participate with questions both during lessons and on-line forum.
Teaching Resources
Modules one and two
J. Manza, R. Arum, L. Haney, Progetto sociologia (seconda edizione), Pearson, Milano-Torino, 2018
Module three
J. Manza, R. Arum, L. Haney, Progetto sociologia (seconda edizione), Pearson, Milano-Torino, 2018
Further reading provided by the teacher
J. Manza, R. Arum, L. Haney, Progetto sociologia (seconda edizione), Pearson, Milano-Torino, 2018
Module three
J. Manza, R. Arum, L. Haney, Progetto sociologia (seconda edizione), Pearson, Milano-Torino, 2018
Further reading provided by the teacher
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessment Methods and Criteria
The final exam consists in a written test whose results will be evaluated along the scale 18-30. Students are required to show the achievement of an adequate understanding of the key-concepts, authors, theories and phenomena dealt with during the lessons and a critical capacity to re-elaborate them. Students attending the course will have the chance to participate to 2 intermediate tests: one at the end of modules I-II and a final one at the end of module III. In order to get a finale grade, students attending the course who decide to participate to the intermediate tests should pass both tests.
The final exam consists in a written test whose results will be evaluated along the scale 18-30. Students are required to show the achievement of an adequate understanding of the key-concepts, authors, theories and phenomena dealt with during the lessons and a critical capacity to re-elaborate them. Students attending the course will have the chance to participate to 2 intermediate tests: one at the end of modules I-II and a final one at the end of module III. In order to get a finale grade, students attending the course who decide to participate to the intermediate tests should pass both tests.
Unità didattica 1
SPS/07 - GENERAL SOCIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Santoro Monica
Unità didattica 2
SPS/07 - GENERAL SOCIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Santoro Monica
Unità didattica 3
SPS/07 - GENERAL SOCIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Aureliani Thomas
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Presso lo studio della docente (piano ammezzato sopra al bar) o su Teams
Reception:
Tuesday 10-12.30
Ufficio Ricercatori - Via Conservatorio / MS Teams