GENERAL SOCIOLOGY M - Z

The main objective of the General Sociology course is to provide students with the basic knowledge, key concepts, and fundamental definitions, as well as the main theoretical frameworks of sociology. The chosen perspective reflects the general orientation of the discipline as a science that studies society in its relational and institutional dimensions, with a particular focus on issues concerning childhood and adolescence within the educational system. The course is structured into three core modules, supplemented by several practical exercises and two classroom activities, both individual and group-based.

The expected learning outcomes, according to the Dublin Descriptors, are as follows:

Knowledge and Understanding (DD1)

In-depth knowledge of the main theories and contemporary models in general sociology;

Ability to recognize and analyze emerging social dynamics and current socio-cultural trends;

Knowledge of advanced social research methodologies for critically analyzing current and historical social events;

Competence in using technical and scientific language to discuss sociological concepts and theories;

Understanding of key elements and contemporary issues in general sociology and social research.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding (DD2)

Ability to connect sociological theories and concepts to both past and present social events and phenomena;

Capacity to critically interpret contemporary social contexts through a sociological lens;

Ability to design and conduct sociological research on the 0–6 age group, integrating sociological theories with field observations.

Making Judgments (DD3)

Ability to synthesize and critically evaluate various theoretical and methodological approaches in general sociology;

Competence in critically analyzing and selecting sociological texts and documents, applying them to real social contexts;

Development of a critical vision and deeper understanding through learning activities that emphasize the role of the "student as researcher" in the field of sociology.

Communication Skills (DD4)

Ability to communicate the results of sociological research using technical and specialized language;

Capacity to identify and convey sociological objectives and methods in relation to specific contexts and social situations.

Learning Skills (DD5)

Ability to independently navigate the assigned texts and teaching materials, developing a critical and personal perspective on the concepts learned;

Capacity to adopt and adapt different learning styles in order to foster a deeper understanding of the subject matter;

Ability to promote self-assessment initiatives regarding one’s learning process, oriented towards the development of professional practice in the field of sociology.

A good level of general knowledge.

A good level of awareness of the main events and social issues shaping current affairs and public debate in Italy and abroad.

Basic knowledge of modern and contemporary history.

Having previously studied sociological subjects represents an advantage.

Having previously studied social research methodology represents an advantage.

The first module is devoted to the foundations of the discipline and is based on the textbook (Module 1); the second module has an anthological character and is centered on a monographic text providing in-depth thematic analysis. Part of the course is dedicated to the history of sociology in Italy, with a focus on the work of Errico De Marinis, aiming to contextualize the issues and interpretive categories developed by one of the first Italian academic sociologists. The third module is designed to foster research and critical inquiry through the study of updated literature on specific sociological topics.

Through the option of selecting from a list of Open Educational Resources (OER)—studies and publications related to the curriculum for educators in early childhood services—students, organized in working groups, are required to reflect on, elaborate, and rigorously present their own considerations based on the disciplinary scientific debate.

Students who make use of materials in English will receive additional credit, assigned by the examination board according to the quality of the results achieved. Specific time will be devoted during the Module 3 sessions to support students in the preparation of their projects. 

MODULO 1:

- N. J. Smelser, Manuale di sociologia, il Mulino, Bologna 2011 (edizioni: Quinta e Quarta); Capitoli: I; II; III; IV; V; VI; VII; IX, X; XIII; XIV; XV; XIX

MODULO  2:

Conoscere per governare. Sistema di Sociologia di Errico De Marinis, FrancoAngeli, Milano 2025

MODULO  3 (come esempio): 

QUADERNI DI SOCIOLOGIA - IT https://journals.openedition.org/qds/

SOCIOLOGIA ITALIANA - ITA) https://sociologiaitaliana.egeaonline.it/it/21/archivio-rivista/rivista/3448053 

SOCIOLOGICA - ENG https://sociologica.unibo.it/

ITALIAN SOCIOLOGICAL REVIEW - ENG  http://www.italiansociologicalreview.com/ojs/index.php?journal=ISR&page=issue&op=view&path%5B%5D=34

The course aims to foster students’ active participation through the scheduling of at least one midterm assessment. A (non-compulsory) midterm test is included in the course program, consisting of a written exam on topics covered in Module 2. The midterm can be taken by all enrolled students, including non-attending students. The result is graded on a 30-point scale and remains valid for one academic year (i.e., throughout the 2025–2026 academic year examination sessions). Results are communicated prior to the final exam and integrated into the overall evaluation. The validity of the 2025–2026 midterm expires with the December 2026 session. All assessments from previous years are no longer valid. The date of the midterm test and the related registration procedure will be announced during lectures and published in due time.

Students who have not taken the midterm (or whose result has expired) must complete the assessment of Module 2 during the oral examination.

With regard to Module 3:

Students are required to work in groups of 3–5 members and prepare a report on topics agreed upon with the instructor during the course. Once the topic is chosen and the title of the report is defined, each group must select from a list of Open Educational Resources (OER) or independently identify relevant studies and publications that expand on the chosen theme. The final report must provide a rigorous and accurate account of the scientific literature consulted, as well as personal reflections informed by the disciplinary debate.

The selected material must consist of at least two scientific articles (depending on group size) and must be presented in both a written report and a PowerPoint presentation. These outputs must be thematically and semantically consistent. Both the report and the PowerPoint presentation must be submitted to modulo3disfor2@gmail.com within the deadlines established during the course.

Final Examination

The final exam consists of a written entrance test (based on the core textbook) and an oral examination, both held in the same exam session in accordance with the procedures established by the examination board.

The written test includes multiple-choice questions on the topics covered in the textbook (Module 1). Depending on the technical capabilities of the Studium platform, the Module 1 test, which is a prerequisite for the oral examination, may be offered as a midterm assessment (individual, written, multiple-choice) during the 2025–2026 academic year only.

Each exam session begins with the written test on the scheduled date indicated in the official exam calendar and is followed by the oral examination, either on the same day or on dates specified by the examination board. The result of the written test is valid only for the corresponding oral examination of that session. Candidates who do not achieve a passing grade in the written test (18/30) are discouraged from taking the oral examination. If a student who has passed the written test does not attend the oral exam, the board will interpret this as a withdrawal from the examination.

The oral exam covers the entire course program. Questions begin with Module 1 (based on the written test) and are integrated with discussion of Module 2 materials (if the midterm was not taken, the Module 2 text will be presented orally), and finally the presentation of a project based on three articles chosen from the list provided in Module 3.

Grading Criteria:

• Accuracy of expression in relation to content and methodology

• Ability to rework and synthesize knowledge

• Systematic approach to topics

• Breadth of thematic awareness and lexical precision

• Critical analysis and depth of reflection

• Ability to make interdisciplinary connections

• Ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical contexts

Examples of frequently asked questions/exercises

How is the condition defined in which individuals, compared to others, do not enjoy the same opportunities to access social rewards such as money, power, and prestige?
A – Stratification
B – Inequality
C – Social class