SOCIOLOGICAL LABORATORY I

The course introduces the application of sociology and its methods of analysis and is one of the core subjects of the degree programme in Social Sciences and Social Service. It contributes to the attainment of key educational objectives within the programme.

The course aims to provide a general understanding of the main sociological categories and to develop skills in applying sociological analysis. It aims to enable students to formulate explanations and interpretations of social phenomena based on theoretical and empirical foundations.

In the area of knowledge and understanding, the course enables students to:

- acquire and apply the fundamental concepts and terms of sociological theory;
- explore the main theoretical perspectives of sociology and their relationship with other disciplines within the social sciences.

In the area of applying knowledge and understanding, the course develops students' ability to:

- Critically analyse social problems and phenomena, with particular attention to the structuring of inequalities, the organisation of collective life, and the transformation of social relations;
- Identify and apply key theoretical paradigms to interpret social phenomena and processes;
- Reflect on one's value system and position within social relationships, considering their impact when analysing problems and situations.

Within this general framework, students will be encouraged to reflect on socially relevant phenomena, applying sociological categories to analyse their underlying dynamics, the forms of their reproduction, and their implications for individual and collective action.

At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Apply sociological knowledge

Correctly use the fundamental concepts and terms of sociology.
Apply the main theoretical perspectives to interpret social phenomena.

2. Use and compare theoretical perspectives

Appropriately use the sociological terminology acquired during the course.
Analyse and illustrate a situation, a problem, or a policy proposal through a specific theoretical perspective.
Identify the theoretical frameworks underpinning a particular approach to the analysis of social issues.
Compare different theoretical perspectives in the interpretation of a social issue or problem.

3. Develop a critical analysis

Critically examine the definition and construction of social problems.
Evaluate how social problems are addressed and the solutions proposed.

4. Communicate in a clear and structured manner

Summarise in writing the fundamental aspects of sociological theories, highlighting their most relevant applications in everyday life, social analysis, and professions in the sector.
Orally present their observations on issues and topics covered in the course critically and respectfully.
Develop and share reflections in groups, demonstrating the ability to synthesise and argue effectively.

5. Consult and critically rework sources

Study, understand, and critically summarise the contents of the reference bibliography.
Relate the topics and discussions addressed in the course to issues emerging from daily life, journalistic sources, and the professional context.

There are no specific prerequisites

The course focuses on the empirical application of sociological categories and perspectives through the analysis of concrete social phenomena. Students will be actively engaged in practical exercises, analytical activities, and collective reflection, to develop critical and applied skills in the use of sociological research tools.

Operationally, the course will be structured in two phases. In the first phase, the focus will be on exploring sociological categories and interpretative perspectives by comparing different types of empirical data. Students will be introduced to the analysis of texts, interviews, institutional documents, and press articles, developing a critical approach to the reading and interpretation of social phenomena. This phase will have a broader and more transversal scope, to foster the ability to connect theoretical concepts with empirical processes.

In the second phase, attention will shift to a monographic theme: the analysis of social inequalities. Students will work on specific cases, relating different theoretical perspectives and questioning how inequalities are structured and reproduced in contemporary society. Through exercises and group discussions, this phase will aim to develop a critical understanding of the dynamics underpinning processes of social stratification and differentiation.

1) Jedlowski, P. (2009). Il mondo in questione. Introduzione alla storia del pensiero sociologico. Rome: Carocci. (Limited to Chapters 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 13).
2) Bourdieu, P. (2015). Forme di Capitale (edited by M. Santoro). Rome: Armando Ed.

One reading to be chosen from:

- Eribon, D. (2017). Ritorno a Reims. Florence: Bompiani.
- Don Lorenzo Milani e Scuola di Barbiana (ed. 2023). Lettera a una professoressa. Milan: Mondadori.
- Mathieu, N. (2019). E i figli dopo di loro. Milan: Feltrinelli.

Extracts from original texts will be made available later on the Moodle platform.

Learning is assessed based on:

80% written exam with open-ended questions designed to assess the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, the ability to recognise and apply concepts and theories, the capacity to critically analyse topics and problems using the knowledge acquired during the course, and the appropriate use of terminology.
20% individual assignment aimed at evaluating students' ability to reflect on the topics, problems, and perspectives explored during the course through the critical reading of a research study or thematic text.

written

Marks will be assigned according to the following criteria, regardless of whether the course is attended or not:

A. Marks in the range 18–22 will be awarded in cases of:

Sufficient knowledge and applied comprehension skills with reference to the programme.
Limited ability to collect and/or interpret data, with some capacity for independent judgement.
Sufficient communication skills, particularly in relation to the use of specific sociological terminology.

B. Marks in the range 23–26 will be awarded in cases of:

Fair knowledge and applied understanding with reference to the programme.
Fair ability to collect and/or interpret data, demonstrating independent judgement.
Fair communication skills, particularly in relation to the use of sociological language.

C. Marks in the range 27–30 will be awarded in cases of:

Good to excellent knowledge and applied understanding with reference to the programme.
Good to excellent ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating independent judgements.
Fully appropriate communication skills, particularly in relation to the use of specific sociological language.

D. Distinction (Honours) will be awarded in cases of excellent knowledge and applied understanding of the programme, strong analytical and judgement skills, effective communication, and above all, the demonstrated development of critical thinking.

The course is structured around lectures, workshops, and seminars, including in-class presentations of previously conducted research. Workshop and seminar activities, combined with individual study, are designed to develop critical analytical skills in assessing research and the methods employed. These activities will serve as the foundation for the guided construction of the final exercise.

Attendance and active participation are strongly recommended.

Course materials and information (recommended readings for individual study and PowerPoint slides) will be available on the course page of the Moodle platform.

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