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SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES AND MODELS OF COMPLEXITY
Module MAIN SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES IN THE CONTEMPORARY DEBATE

Academic Year 2024/2025 - Teacher: ELVIRA CELARDI

Expected Learning Outcomes

 

To be familiar with the main contemporary sociological theories necessary for identifying and understanding the social macrophenomena that characterize the changes taking place in the current historical-social phase.

Course Structure

Traditional lectures, supported by Powerpoint images, accompanied by interactive teaching.

Required Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of sociological concepts and theories 

Attendance of Lessons

Frequency is recommended

Detailed Course Content

Starting from a reflection on the transformations of modernity, we'll identify the main social macrophenomena of contemporary society, and we'll address the sociological theories and main interpretations of modernity of some of the most important contemporary sociologists: Ulrich Beck, Zygmunt Bauman, Alain Touraine, Anthony Giddens, and Pierre Bourdieu.

Textbook Information

- Ghisleni M., Privitera W. (a cura di) (2009), Sociologie contemporanee, Utet (tutto il volume)
- Bettin Lattes G., Raffini L. (a cura di) (2011), Manuale di sociologia, Cedam, 2 voll. (solo i capitoli Modernità, Globalizzazione e Individualizzazione)

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

The exam will be oral and will assess knowledge of topics indicated in the program.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

1) Explain the transition from modernity to contemporaneity and identify the different models of contemporaneity (second modernity, late modernity, weak modernity, etc.)

 

2) Explain key social macro-processes in today's world (particularly individualization and globalization)

 

3) Outlining the thought of Ulrich Beck.

 

4) Outlining the interpretation of modernity in Ulrich Beck

 

5) Outlining the thought of Zygmunt Bauman

 

6) Outlining the interpretation of modernity in Zygmunt Bauman

 

7) Outlining the thought of Alain Touraine

 

8) Outlining the interpretation of modernity in Alain Touraine

 

9) Outlining the thought of Anthony Giddens

 

10) Outlining the interpretation of modernity in Anthony Giddens

 

11) Outlining the thought of Pierre Bourdieu

 

12) Outlining the interpretation of modernity in Pierre Bourdieu

 

13) Outline a comparative picture of contemporary sociological theories