Global Social Dynamics
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
In this course, our primary aim is to equip students with a deep understanding of sociological thinking and its application in analyzing complex social phenomena. Through a structured approach, we intend to foster critical thinking skills and cultivate a broader perspective on global social dynamics. By the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Articulate the foundational principles of sociological thinking.
- Apply key sociological concepts and theories to explain various aspects of social behavior and interaction.
- Utilize analytical tools to identify patterns and dynamics across and within societies, with a particular focus on life course and comparative perspectives.
- Evaluate global trends in institutions, policies, and social dynamics, discerning their implications for diverse populations and communities.
- Develop effective research and communication skills to engage in scholarly discourse and contribute meaningfully to discussions on pressing social issues.
- Articulate the foundational principles of sociological thinking.
- Apply key sociological concepts and theories to explain various aspects of social behavior and interaction.
- Utilize analytical tools to identify patterns and dynamics across and within societies, with a particular focus on life course and comparative perspectives.
- Evaluate global trends in institutions, policies, and social dynamics, discerning their implications for diverse populations and communities.
- Develop effective research and communication skills to engage in scholarly discourse and contribute meaningfully to discussions on pressing social issues.
Expected learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will demonstrate proficiency in:
- Understanding and critically analyzing sociological theories and concepts, applying them to real-world scenarios.
- Identifying and interpreting social patterns and dynamics using analytical frameworks and methodologies.
- Evaluating global trends in institutions, policies, and social dynamics from a multidisciplinary perspective.
- Communicating findings and insights effectively through presentations, discussions, and written assignments.
- Engaging in collaborative learning and contributing constructively to class activities and discussions.
- Applying sociological insights to address contemporary social challenges.
- Understanding and critically analyzing sociological theories and concepts, applying them to real-world scenarios.
- Identifying and interpreting social patterns and dynamics using analytical frameworks and methodologies.
- Evaluating global trends in institutions, policies, and social dynamics from a multidisciplinary perspective.
- Communicating findings and insights effectively through presentations, discussions, and written assignments.
- Engaging in collaborative learning and contributing constructively to class activities and discussions.
- Applying sociological insights to address contemporary social challenges.
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
Course Syllabus
The course is designed to unfold over several weeks, each dedicated to exploring specific themes and concepts within sociology and global social dynamics. We will begin by laying the groundwork with a focus on sociological thinking, examining how individual agency intersects with broader social structures. From there, we will delve into key sociological concepts and analytical tools to understand individuals' decision making and social behavior. As the course progresses, we will zoom out to examine global trends, including globalization processes, demographic shifts, educational reforms, inequality trends, migration and labor market dynamics. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, analysis of comparative data, activities, and assignments, students will engage deeply with course material, developing critical thinking skills and expanding their understanding of the interconnectedness of societies on a global scale. The program culminates in an assessment that challenges students to apply their knowledge and skills to analyze and address real-world social issues, reflecting the course's emphasis on practical application and social relevance. Throughout the journey, students will be supported in their learning endeavors by a rich array of resources, including textbooks, academic articles, and multimedia materials, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.
Course organization:
Part I: Sociological thinking: Foundations (weeks 1-2, 12 hours)
Week 1 - Sociology as a population science
Week 2 - Social mechanisms
Part II: Explaining social behaviour (weeks 3-4, 12 hours)
Week 3 - Key sociological concepts
Week 4 - How people decide and behave
Part III: Understanding social patterns and dynamics: Analytical tools (weeks 5-6, 12 hours)
Week 5: The role of time: the life-course approach
Week 6: The role of space: comparative perspectives
Part IV Global trends: Institutions, policies and social dynamics (weeks 7-10, 24 hours)
Week 7: Globalization processes
Week 8: Demographic trends and changing families
Week 9: Educational reforms, attainment and inequalities
Week 10: Labour market and migration
The course is designed to unfold over several weeks, each dedicated to exploring specific themes and concepts within sociology and global social dynamics. We will begin by laying the groundwork with a focus on sociological thinking, examining how individual agency intersects with broader social structures. From there, we will delve into key sociological concepts and analytical tools to understand individuals' decision making and social behavior. As the course progresses, we will zoom out to examine global trends, including globalization processes, demographic shifts, educational reforms, inequality trends, migration and labor market dynamics. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, analysis of comparative data, activities, and assignments, students will engage deeply with course material, developing critical thinking skills and expanding their understanding of the interconnectedness of societies on a global scale. The program culminates in an assessment that challenges students to apply their knowledge and skills to analyze and address real-world social issues, reflecting the course's emphasis on practical application and social relevance. Throughout the journey, students will be supported in their learning endeavors by a rich array of resources, including textbooks, academic articles, and multimedia materials, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.
Course organization:
Part I: Sociological thinking: Foundations (weeks 1-2, 12 hours)
Week 1 - Sociology as a population science
Week 2 - Social mechanisms
Part II: Explaining social behaviour (weeks 3-4, 12 hours)
Week 3 - Key sociological concepts
Week 4 - How people decide and behave
Part III: Understanding social patterns and dynamics: Analytical tools (weeks 5-6, 12 hours)
Week 5: The role of time: the life-course approach
Week 6: The role of space: comparative perspectives
Part IV Global trends: Institutions, policies and social dynamics (weeks 7-10, 24 hours)
Week 7: Globalization processes
Week 8: Demographic trends and changing families
Week 9: Educational reforms, attainment and inequalities
Week 10: Labour market and migration
Prerequisites for admission
Prerequisites for admission
· Basic understanding of sociology or related social science disciplines.
· Familiarity with academic writing and research methods.
· Proficiency in reading and interpreting scholarly articles and texts.
· Basic knowledge of research methods in the social sciences, especially basic quantitative methods (bivariate analysis, the logic of regression models)
Suggested readings to fill possible gaps in academic preparation:
· Van Tubergen, F. (2020). Introduction to sociology. Routledge.
· de Mesquita, E. B., & Fowler, A. (2021). Thinking clearly with data: A guide to quantitative reasoning and analysis. Princeton University Press.
(note: these are not the texts used for the exam preparation)
· Basic understanding of sociology or related social science disciplines.
· Familiarity with academic writing and research methods.
· Proficiency in reading and interpreting scholarly articles and texts.
· Basic knowledge of research methods in the social sciences, especially basic quantitative methods (bivariate analysis, the logic of regression models)
Suggested readings to fill possible gaps in academic preparation:
· Van Tubergen, F. (2020). Introduction to sociology. Routledge.
· de Mesquita, E. B., & Fowler, A. (2021). Thinking clearly with data: A guide to quantitative reasoning and analysis. Princeton University Press.
(note: these are not the texts used for the exam preparation)
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons form the backbone of the course. During these sessions, the instructor delivers content directly to the students, covering key concepts, theories, case studies, and various types of data from quantitative sources. Frontal lessons provide a structured framework for introducing new material, offering explanations, and clarifying complex topics. This course incorporates a variety of activities to enhance student learning both inside and outside the classroom. These activities may include group discussions, individual or group exercises, multimedia presentations, readings, and assignments. By diversifying the learning experience, students are encouraged to actively engage with the material, apply concepts to real-world scenarios, and develop critical thinking skills.
Teaching Resources
Book chapters and journal articles will be indicated during the first classes and, when possible, uploaded online in the course virtual space Ariel.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Exam:
· Test with closed questions for all students
· Presentation in class and participation for attending students
· Written open questions for non-attending students
Criteria:
· Demonstrated understanding of course concepts and theories
· Ability to apply analytical tools to real-world scenarios
· Quality of presentations and participation in class activities
· Critical analysis and synthesis of course material
· Test with closed questions for all students
· Presentation in class and participation for attending students
· Written open questions for non-attending students
Criteria:
· Demonstrated understanding of course concepts and theories
· Ability to apply analytical tools to real-world scenarios
· Quality of presentations and participation in class activities
· Critical analysis and synthesis of course material
SPS/07 - GENERAL SOCIOLOGY - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Triventi Moris
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Triventi MorisEducational website(s)
Professor(s)