Ateneo - UPO

The module aims to illustrate classical and contemporary sociological theories of power, with a focus on topics such as authority, influence, domination, resistance, biopolitics, and technology.

Marzano, Potere e società, il Mulino, Bologna, 2024 (capitoli: 1,3, 4,5,6,7,9 e 10); Scarscelli, Controllo e autodeterminazione nel lavoro sociale. Una prospettiva anti-oppressiva, Meltemi, Milano, 2022 (capitolo 1); Mantovan, Dalla law in book alla Law in action: i processi di implementazione delle norme, in Altopiedi, De Felice, Ferraris, Comprendere la sociologia del diritto, Carocci, 2022; Bobbio, Teoria delle elites, voce Dizionario di Politica, a cura di Bobbio e Matteucci, Utet; Bobbio, Marxismo, voce Dizionario di Politica, a cura di Bobbio e Matteucci, Utet.

The module aims to achieve the following learning objectives: understanding sociological theories of power; analyzing power as a relational, institutional, and discursive phenomenon; exploring the interaction between power and social inequalities, considering aspects such as class, gender, and race; and developing the ability to apply theoretical concepts to social institutions and contemporary social phenomena.

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To achieve the learning objectives, the presentation of sociological theories will be complemented, with the use of audiovisual materials and excerpts from literature, by exercises where students will have the opportunity to apply the learned theories to specific cases. Attendance is therefore recommended.

The educational material used during the lessons will be made available to students on the DIR online platform.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/servicesstudents-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The assessment of the degree of learning of the theoretical content discussed in the module will take place through a final written exam (duration of the written exam: 2 hours).
The final evaluation includes a series of open-ended questions on the content of the exam texts. The assessment will be based on knowledge of the content, the ability to critically discuss the concepts covered, the logical organization of arguments, the ability to use scientific language, and linguistic accuracy.

Introduction to the Concept of Power: Definition and Types of Power. Classical Sociological Theories of Power. Power as a Diffuse Phenomenon, Rooted in Social and Cultural Structures, and Productive of Reality: Theoretical Contributions of Bourdieu, Foucault, and Goffman. Power and Inequalities. Resistance to Power. Case Studies and Practical Applications.

With regard to the assessment of learning, students must demonstrate that they have acquired knowledge of the main sociological theories of power and the ability to apply theoretical concepts to social institutions and contemporary social phenomena.