SOCIOLOGY OF LAW: RULES AND SOCIAL CHANGE
Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher:
MARIA TERESA CONSOLI
Expected Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will have acquired the essential knowledge to define the sociological perspective in the study of law, to explore the relationship between social dynamics and the evolution of law, and to analyze law as a social phenomenon.
Course Structure
Lectures and laboratory activities in the classroom for attending students
Required Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of Sociology
Attendance of Lessons
As provided by the Course's Regulation
Detailed Course Content
The course aims to explore the relationship between social dynamics and the evolution of law. Specific goals of the course are to analyze the functions attributed to law in contemporary social systems and to introduce students to the discipline's specific research methods. Special emphasis will be placed on the study of "social rights" and their implementation in modern welfare systems, offering students different perspectives on analysis and research on welfare issues and their implementation through law.
Textbook Information
Cottino A. (a cura di) Lineamenti di Sociologia del diritto, Zanichelli 2020 Cap. I Prima parte, capp. I e II Seconda Parte
Luhmann N. "La positività del diritto come presupposto di una società moderna" in Luhmann N. La differenziazione del diritto, Il Mulino 1990
Ferraris V. "Metodo e tecniche di ricerca nella sociologia del diritto" in Altopiedi, De Felice e Ferraris Comprendere la sociologia del diritto, Carocci 2022
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Assessment methods will differ for attending and non-attending students.
Attending students will be required to complete a classroom workshop on topics chosen during the course. The assessment criteria for the exam will be: accuracy and completeness of the topics, clarity of presentation, and appropriate use of language, as well as analytical and critical thinking skills. Non-attending students will take a written exam.
The final grade varies from insufficient to 30 with honors according to the following criteria:
Failed (0–17): The student does not demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts of the course and/or has not completed the required share of work.
18–20 (Pass – Sufficient): The student demonstrates a basic knowledge of the topics of the course but shows significant difficulties in discussing or applying them, with limited capacity to engage critically.
21–24 (Fair – Discrete): The student demonstrates an adequate knowledge of the topics of the course and can engage with materials, cases, or discussions in a simple way, though often requiring guidance.
25–27 (Good): The student demonstrates a solid knowledge of the topics of the course and can address assignments, case analyses, or discussions independently, with only minor inaccuracies.
28–30 (Very Good – Excellent): The student demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the topics of the course, engaging autonomously with readings, cases, and debates, and making appropriate connections across themes, with very few errors.
30 e lode (Distinction): The student demonstrates outstanding mastery of the course topics, addressing assignments and discussions with originality, critical insight, and virtually no errors.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
Welfare and law
Social Norms and Legal Norms
The Functions of Law in Sociology
The Positivity of Law
Sociological Knowledge and Legal Knowledge
Production and Implementation of Law
Law as a Social System
