Comparative Social Systems

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.

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.