Ateneo - UPO

The course is structured around a textbook designed for students approaching sociology for the first time. It introduces students to the main concepts and theoretical perspectives of sociology, as well as to the foundations of social research. The course aims to demonstrate how an understanding of social processes and mechanisms is grounded in the relationship between theory and empirical research and in the analysis of the interconnections between the micro-, meso-, and macro-social levels. Particular attention will be paid to the gender dimension as a cross-cutting analytical perspective for understanding social processes and as a relevant lens for interpreting educational and care contexts

Croteau, David, and William Hoynes, Sociologia generale. Teorie, metodi, concetti, 3rd edition, McGraw-Hill Education, NY. Chapters: 1; 2 (up to and including Section 2.2.7); 3 (up to and including Section 3.4.3); 4 (up to and including Section 4.4.3); 5 (up to and including Section 5.10.3); 6; 7; 8; 9; 11. Chapters 10 and 12 are not included in the examination syllabus.
The lecture slides are intended to supplement the textbook and do not replace the required examination material.

The course aims to provide students with the basic sociological knowledge needed to understand the main processes and mechanisms that characterize social life. In particular, it provides concepts and theoretical perspectives for analysing social organization and the interconnections between the micro-, meso-, and macro-social levels. The course also aims to develop students’ ability to apply a sociological perspective to critically understand social phenomena and contexts relevant to their future professional practice as educators.

No specific prior knowledge or skills are required. There are no prerequisites.

The course consists of lectures characterized by continuous interaction with students and devoted to the presentation and discussion of the main sociological concepts and theoretical perspectives. Teaching activities are complemented by the analysis and discussion of examples of social phenomena and processes, as well as by group work aimed at applying the sociological concepts covered during the course and developing students’ ability to critically interpret social reality.

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/services- students-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 final assessment consists of a 60-minute written examination comprising three open-ended questions. The examination assesses students’ knowledge and understanding of the main sociological concepts and theoretical perspectives, as well as their ability to use them to interpret social phenomena and processes.
Each question is graded on a scale from 0 to 10 points, and the final grade, expressed on a 30-point scale, is determined by the sum of the scores obtained for the three answers. To pass the examination, students must achieve an overall score of at least 18/30 and demonstrate at least a satisfactory level of knowledge across the topics covered by the examination.
Answers are assessed on the basis of the accuracy and completeness of the content, the appropriate use of sociological concepts and terminology, the ability to develop a coherent argument, and the ability to establish relevant connections between theoretical concepts and social phenomena. In-depth knowledge of the course content, combined with the ability to engage in critical analysis and independently apply sociological concepts, contributes to achieving higher grades.

Part One – The Sociological Perspective
Introduction to sociology and the main sociological perspectives. The relationship between theory and social research.
Part Two – Social Processes and Social Organization
Culture. Social structure, social action, and power. Social interaction, groups, and organizations.
Part Three – Social Differences and Inequalities
Stratification, social classes, and inequalities. Ethnicity and migration. Gender and sexuality.
Part Four – Socialization, Institutions, and Social Control
Families, childhood, and socialization processes. Deviance and social control.
Integration of the Gender Dimension
The gender dimension constitutes a cross-cutting perspective throughout the course and will be used to analyse the social construction of differences and inequalities and their implications across different areas of social life, with particular attention to educational and care contexts.

Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the course, students will be able to understand the main sociological concepts and theoretical perspectives, as well as the main processes and mechanisms that characterize social life.
Applying Knowledge and Understanding
Students will be able to use key sociological concepts to understand and interpret social phenomena and processes, including those related to educational and care contexts.
Making Judgements
Students will be able to analyse social phenomena by recognizing their complexity and relating individual and interactional dimensions to broader social, cultural, and institutional contexts.
Communication Skills
Students will be able to use the fundamental terminology of the discipline appropriately and to present and discuss the main sociological concepts and theoretical perspectives.
Learning Skills
Students will be able to use the knowledge acquired to independently further their analysis of social phenomena and issues relevant to their educational and professional development.