SOCIOLOGICAL LABORATORY II - WORKING GROUP

The working group is the phase of the course where students, in small groups, are supported in the production of an output in which they will demonstrate their ability to apply sociological concepts and theories to the real world.
In this way, the course provides useful tools to inquire into the dynamics of contemporary society at both micro and macrosocial levels and to formulate empirically and theoretically grounded interpretations and explanations.

At the end of the course, students are expected to:

1. Know and understand:
- the fundamental terms and concepts of sociology.
- the main theoretical perspectives in sociology.

2. Be able to:
- correctly use the sociological terminology acquired during the course.
- illustrate a situation, a problem, a policy proposal from a given theoretical perspective.
- recognize a theoretical perspective in political or policy discourse.
- compare different theoretical perspectives in addressing a social, political, or policy issue.
- critically analyze, based on the knowledge and skills acquired, social, political, or policy problems and how social problems are addressed.

3. Have acquired the ability to:
- write synthetically the main contents of sociological theories, emphasizing, through appropriate terminology, their most relevant applications to everyday life, social and political analysis, and social professions.
- orally synthesize and present, critically and respectfully, their observations regarding relevant questions and discussion topics for the course.
- orally synthesize and present group reflections.
- consult, study, and critically synthesize the contents of the reference bibliography.
- relate the themes and discussions proposed during the course (as well as the problems and discussion topics identified from journalistic sources, everyday and professional life, and politics) to the course content.

No specific prerequisite is required, although it is preferable to have knowledge of the main sociological theories.

What is society and what makes it possible? What is the meaning and role of social interactions? What are social conflict and cooperation? How can we explain an economic phenomenon through different sociological theories? How can we recognize, adopt, analyze, and/or compare different sociological perspectives on addressing a social, political, or policy issue or problem?
The course, by its laboratory nature, focuses on the application of theories, paradigms, perspectives, and methods specific to sociological analysis to problems, themes, events, and situations in the real world, identified in history and current affairs by the professor and groups of participating students.
Furthermore, each year, the professor selects a monographic topic that serves as the guiding theme for the entire course. For the academic year 2024/2025, the monographic theme of the course is that of face-to-face situated interactions.

Filippo Barbera (2023), “Le piazze vuote. Ritrovare gli spazi della politica”, Laterza, Roma
Other useful texts are those used for the courses in Foundations of Sociology and Sociology Laboratory I.

The learning outcomes are assessed through a two-parts written exam, one focusing on the topics of Sociology Laboratory I and the other concentrating on the topics of Sociology Laboratory II. The final mark is the average of the scores obtained in the two parts.
The second part of the written test is divided into two parts:
- The first part is a test with 20 multiple-choice questions; this test is passed if a score of at least 10 points is obtained;
- The second part consists of two open questions. This second part is passed if a score of at least 6 points is obtained.
Evaluation method for the first part (multiple-choice questions). The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions, with three/four alternatives of which only one is correct. For each correct answer, 1 point is assigned; for each incorrect answer, 0.5 points are deducted; each missing answer is worth 0 points. Maximum total score for the first test: 20 points.
Evaluation method for the second part (open questions). The test consists of two open questions. For each open question, up to 5 points can be obtained, for a total of 10 points.

Honours will be awarded in the presence of excellent knowledge and applied comprehension skills in reference to the programme, judgment skills, and communication abilities.

The two tests do not have a binding temporal order; therefore, students can choose to take the part of the exam related to Laboratory I or II in a completely free manner, and the results of the tests have no expiration date.

The course consists of lectures and seminar/laboratory sessions with smaller groups of attendees.
In this part of the course, students, organised in small groups, are guided in the production of a text/essay in which they will demonstrate having acquired the ability to apply the main concepts and theories of sociology to the real world.
Regular attendance and active participation in these sessions are highly recommended.

written

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development