SOCIOLOGY OF INNOVATION IN TOURISM

Il corso persegue un duplice obiettivo formativo. Da un lato, in forma esplicita, intende fornire allo studente le principali basi della sociologia del turismo come scienza che studia la società, i fenomeni sociali riguardanti il turismo e le dinamiche del mutamento direttamente connesse a questa pratica; tale obiettivo trova riscontro nel modulo di base (testo di riferimento n. 1), predisposto per far acquisire agli studenti i concetti e i temi fondamentali della sociologia del turismo a partire dalle ricerche e dagli studi sociologici a livello nazionale e internazionale. Dall’altro lato, il corso vuole offrire una bussola di temi e spunti di riflessione sui fenomeni turistici e sulla loro continua trasformazione in relazione alle dinamiche del mutamento sociale, attraverso una selezione di letture specialistiche di approfondimento (testi di riferimento nn. 2-3) e dinamiche di intervento volte a fornire una conoscenza più specifica della sociologia del turismo. Il focus sull’innovazione come categoria sociologica rimane il filo rosso delle lezioni, delle esercitazioni, dei laboratori e dei dibattiti (svolti in presenza oppure in modalità da remoto qualora necessario), nel corso dei quali vengono condivisi ulteriori materiali di approfondimento e di supporto allo studio.

Coerentemente con il Sistema dei Descrittori europei di Dublino, il corso persegue in particolare i seguenti risultati di apprendimento attesi:

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• Conoscenza e comprensione: lo studente acquisisce le conoscenze e gli strumenti concettuali di base della sociologia del turismo, con particolare riferimento a nozioni quali innovazione, cambiamento culturale, consumo vistoso, beni di prestigio, leisure e tempo libero, anche in rapporto ad alcuni temi d’avanguardia del settore, con il supporto del testo di riferimento e dei materiali di approfondimento proposti durante il corso.
• Capacità di applicare conoscenza e comprensione: lo studente è in grado di applicare tali conoscenze con un approccio professionale, utilizzando gli strumenti concettuali della sociologia per analizzare casi di ricerca empirica sul marketing turistico e per costruire e sostenere argomentazioni sui fenomeni turistici osservati. Per questo obiettivo i contenuti disciplinari saranno affrontati nell’ambito delle esercitazioni e dei lavori di gruppo previsti dal corso.
• Autonomia di giudizio: lo studente sviluppa la capacità di raccogliere e interpretare dati e informazioni relativi ai fenomeni turistici, elaborando giudizi autonomi che tengano conto delle loro implicazioni sociali, economiche, ambientali ed etiche, anche alla luce degli obiettivi di sviluppo sostenibile dell’Agenda 2030 richiamati nel corso.
• Abilità comunicative: lo studente acquisisce la capacità di comunicare informazioni, idee, problemi e possibili soluzioni relativi ai fenomeni turistici sia a interlocutori specialisti sia non specialisti, attraverso la partecipazione a lezioni frontali, esercitazioni, laboratori e dibattiti/cineforum.
• Capacità di apprendimento: lo studente sviluppa le competenze necessarie per proseguire con un adeguato grado di autonomia lo studio dei fenomeni turistici e delle loro trasformazioni, anche oltre il percorso formativo specifico, attraverso l’uso critico e consapevole delle fonti bibliografiche e degli approfondimenti proposti durante il corso anche grazie a materiale esplicativo fornito direttamente dal docente.

Course delivery methods

The course includes (the number of which may vary according to requirements) lectures, practical sessions and (optional but recommended) formative assessments (for the core module only). The in-course assessments are organised either 1) as a written test comprising open-ended questions on topics covered in the reference text, or 2) as multimedia presentations to be carried out as group work in class on a topic assigned by the lecturer.

The in-course assessment may be taken by all enrolled students, including those not attending the lectures, provided they inform the lecturer of their intention in good time: this is for logistical and organisational reasons. The mark is expressed out of 30 and is valid for one academic year. 

The course also includes an in-depth examination of specific topics relating to tourism phenomena observed from a sociological perspective. These in-depth studies and the specific case studies selected will be agreed upon during the lectures and may involve further in-course assessments in the form of workshops organised into working groups. The logistics of the group work will be agreed upon during the lectures, based on the number of attendees and the actual format of the lectures (in-person or remotely).

PLEASE NOTE: Should the course be delivered in a blended or distance learning format, necessary adjustments may be made to the arrangements outlined above in order to adhere to the programme set out in the syllabus.

Prerequisites

A good understanding of Italian. A good knowledge of the basics of modern and contemporary history. A good knowledge of geography.

Class attendance

Optional but recommended to ensure a better understanding of the topics and basic concepts covered in the course and to take part in the practical exercises and creative activities carried out in class. PLEASE NOTE: Should the course be delivered via blended or distance learning, necessary adjustments may be made to the above arrangements in order to adhere to the planned programme as set out in the syllabus. Assessment may also be carried out online, should circumstances require it.

The course aims to explore the social experience of tourism in terms of its social and relational components, drawing on a number of basic sociological concepts such as, for example, innovation, cultural change, conspicuous consumption, status goods, leisure and free time.

Key topics: - Introduction to sociology; the subject matter, methods of observation and objectives of sociological research into tourism phenomena.

Manuale di riferimento:

Lo Verde Fabio Massimo; Corvo Paolo; Pepe Vincenzo, Sociologia Dei Consumi Turistici, Pearson, 2023 (disponibile anche in versione on line più economica)

Argomenti monografici: Casi di ricerca empirica e approfondimento specialistico sul marketing turistico

Testi monografici di approfondimento (solo uno a scelta di quelli segnalati)

Paolo Corvo, Michele F. Fontefrancesco, Il cibo nel futuro. Produzione, consumo e socialità, Carocci Editore, Roma, 2022.

Nocifora E., Turismo, Società, Patrimonio, Woters Kluer, Lavis (TN), 2019

Iazzi A., P. Scorrano, La competitività delle destinazioni turistiche sostenibili. Driver di sviluppo ed esperienze di successo, Eurilink, Roma 2024

Assessment methods

The examination consists of a structured discussion on the topics and content of the relevant syllabus and on the results (provided they have been accepted and are not lower than 18/30) of any continuous assessment tasks that may have been carried out. Each exam must be completed by the end of the examination period, in accordance with the exam timetable provided by the lecturer in good time, at least one day before the start of the examination period. 

For the monographic section, the exam examines in depth the selected topics presented by the student in a critical and precise manner.

Students wishing to sit the examinations must register on the online booking list, which closes 5 days before the examination session date. Students from previous years may use either the current syllabus or that of their own year of study. Should students have specific requirements, they must, following consultation with the academic office, agree on a suitable solution with the lecturer.

For those taking part in the ongoing assessments scheduled during the course: the result (out of 30) is communicated to each student individually during the oral examination and supplemented by a review of the assessments themselves and an in-depth discussion of the monograph. Any special requirements regarding the syllabus or the conduct of the examination and assessments must be communicated and agreed upon personally with the lecturer during office hours.

The following criteria will be taken into account when awarding the final mark:

1.     Failed: the student does not possess the minimum required knowledge of the course’s main content. Their ability to use the specific terminology is poor or non-existent, and they are unable to apply the knowledge acquired independently

2.     Mark 18–21: the student has a basic understanding of the sociology of innovation in tourism, has a modest ability to integrate and critically analyse the situations presented, and presents their arguments with sufficient clarity, although their command of the subject-specific language is underdeveloped;

3.    Mark 22–25: the student has a reasonable knowledge of the sociology of innovation in tourism, albeit limited to the main topics; they are able to integrate and analyse the situations presented critically, though not always in a coherent manner, and present their arguments fairly clearly, demonstrating reasonable command of language;

4.         Grade 26–28: the student has a good knowledge of the sociology of innovation in tourism; is able to integrate and analyse the situations presented critically and in a coherent manner; is able to solve complex problems fairly independently; and presents arguments clearly, using appropriate language;

5.         Grade 29–30 with distinction: the student has an in-depth knowledge of the sociology of innovation in tourism; is able to readily and correctly integrate and critically analyse the situations presented, resolving.

Assessment may also be carried out online, should circumstances require it.

Grading criteria:

·       Appropriateness of expression regarding content and method

·       Ability to rework knowledge

·       Systematic approach to the subject matter

·       Breadth of thematic understanding and lexical accuracy

·       Ability to engage in critical analysis

·       Ability to make interdisciplinary connections

·       Ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical contexts.

Examples of frequently asked questions and/or exercises

Briefly outline the differences between the concept of innovation and the concept of social change.