SOCIOLOGY OF COMPLEX SYSTEMS

The current Public Administration has to face the increasing complexity of social system. To manage this situation the P.A. have to understand the social dynamics of complex systems. The students will be stimulated to acquire critical analysis capacity of network governance. They will have to learn to recognise the processes characteristics of public policies integration.

At the end of the course the students
- know the dynamics of complex social systems
know and to be able using concepts useful for analysing bureaucratic organizations
- recognize governance processes
- are able understanding social dynamics of multi actor systems with weak ties
- are able analysing critically the strategic documents of public organizations and identifying new regulatory mechanisms

Most important sociological concepts

Concepts of system and complexity
Characteristics of burocracy
Network dynamics
Some concepts usfull to analyse the complex systems
Public Administration and governance approach

G. Bonazzi (2007), Storia del pensiero organizzativo, vol2. La questione burocratica, FrancoAngeli, Milano
A book between : J. Field (2004), Il capitale sociale, Erikson, Trento; o: J.C. Coleman, Fondamenti di teoria sociologica, Il Mulino, Bologna, Cap: 4,5,6,7,8,12

For not attending students, the verification will be conducted through open questions on texts in the bibliography
Attending students may choose doing part of the exam with a paper on one of the issues presented. The texts will be agreed with the teacher

Part of the course will be organized in active way, and it will be dedicated to analyse the interconnection of public policies

Italian

Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion
Accommodation and support services for students with disabilities and students with specific learning impairments

Ca' Foscari abides by Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding support services and accommodation available to students with disabilities. This includes students with mobility, visual, hearing and other disabilities (Law 17/1999), and specific learning impairments (Law 170/2010). If you have a disability or impairment that requires accommodations (i.e., alternate testing, readers, note takers or interpreters) please contact the Disability and Accessibility Offices in Student Services: disabilita@unive.it.

written

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Cities, infrastructure and social capital" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development