Introduzione alla sociologia from edX

Il corso studia le società del presente e del passato. La sociologia ci spinge ad esaminare le realtà prossime, la vita di tutti i giorni: come la gente lavora, viaggia, vive, si muove e come partecipa, quali sono i collegamenti tra questioni pubbliche e problemi personali. La sociologia è un “punto di vista” dal quale osservare i fenomeni sociali, non l’unico, ma utile ed indispensabile per dar conto della complessità della realtà sociale. Le dieci lezioni tratteranno i diversi ambiti e/o aspetti di fenomeni sociali (demografici, normativi, spaziali, culturali, religiosi, educativi, economici, politici), dedicando particolare attenzione al tema delle disuguaglianze che per molti aspetti è un oggetto privilegiato della considerazione sociologica.

This aim of this MOOC is to study past and current societies. Through sociology, we get to examine aspects of everyday life such as the way people work, travel, live, commute, take part in the civil society and how they link public and private issues. Sociology is a “point of view” from which to observe the social phenomena. Although it is not the only one, it certainly is useful and essential to comprehend how complex social realities are. This course will deal with the several aspects of the social phenomena (demographic, normative, spatial, cultural, religious, educational, economical and political ones) and focus on inequality, being this topic one the privileged subjects of sociology.

What's inside

Learning objectives

• le basi della storia e dell'evoluzione della sociologia • analisi delle relazioni sociali • una nuova prospettiva critica per la comprensione di diversi fenomeni sociali • le disuguaglianze sociali.

In this course you will:• learn the history of sociology;• analyze social relationships;• get a new critical perspective for understanding the several social phenomena;• social inequalities.

• le basi della storia e dell'evoluzione della sociologia • analisi delle relazioni sociali • una nuova prospettiva critica per la comprensione di diversi fenomeni sociali • le disuguaglianze sociali.
In this course you will:• learn the history of sociology;• analyze social relationships;• get a new critical perspective for understanding the several social phenomena;• social inequalities.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

For beginners with no experience in the subject of sociology

Interested in how the people work, travel, live, commute, participate in the civil society and how they link public and private issues

Students who want to learn the different social relationships between people

Those with some interest in inequality

People curious about the history of sociology

Suitable for those interested in developing a new critical perspective for understanding the several social phenomena

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduzione alla sociologia with these activities:

Read "The Story of Sociology" by George Ritzer

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the history and development of sociology.

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Read the first five chapters of the book.
Take notes on the key concepts and theories discussed in each chapter.
Write a short summary of the main ideas presented in the book.

Follow tutorials on how to use statistical software

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Develops practical skills in quantitative data analysis, a key aspect of sociological research.

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Identify a statistical software package to learn.
Find online tutorials and resources for that software.
Complete the tutorials and practice using the software.

Participate in weekly peer review sessions

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Fosters collaboration, critical analysis, and peer learning among students.

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Find a group of peers in the course.
Meet regularly to discuss course content, share insights, and provide feedback.

Four other activities

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Write a blog post about a sociological concept of your choice

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Encourages critical thinking, research, and communication skills in the context of sociology.

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Choose a sociological concept that interests you.
Research the concept and gather information from reputable sources.
Write a blog post that explains the concept in a clear and engaging way.

Conduct a small sociological research project

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Involves students in the full research process, fostering critical thinking and research skills.

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Define a research question and develop a hypothesis.
Collect data through surveys, interviews, or observations.
Analyze the data and draw conclusions.
Write a research report summarizing the findings.

Volunteer at a local community organization

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Provides practical experience in applying sociological principles in real-world settings.

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Find a community organization that aligns with your interests.
Inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Commit to a regular volunteering schedule.

Contribute to an open-source project related to sociology

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Engages students in the collaborative development of sociological knowledge and resources.

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Identify an open-source project related to sociology.
Find a way to contribute to the project, such as writing documentation or developing code.
Submit your contributions to the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduzione alla sociologia will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sociologist

Sociologists study the structure of society and how people interact within it. They examine social trends and patterns, and develop theories to explain how society works. This course would be helpful for Sociologists because it provides a foundation in the history of sociology, the analysis of social relationships, and the understanding of social inequalities.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people cope with problems that are rooted in societal structures and interpersonal relationships. They work with individuals, families, groups, and communities to address issues such as poverty, mental illness, and addiction. This course would be helpful for Social Workers because it provides a foundation in the understanding of social inequalities and the analysis of social relationships.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies to determine their effectiveness and impact. They make recommendations to policymakers on how to improve policies and programs. This course would be helpful for Policy Analysts because it provides a foundation in the analysis of social phenomena and the understanding of social inequalities.

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Market Researcher

Market Researchers study consumer behavior and trends to help businesses develop and market their products and services. They use surveys, focus groups, and other methods to collect data on consumer preferences and buying habits. This course would be helpful for Market Researchers because it provides a foundation in the analysis of social phenomena and the understanding of social inequalities.

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Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. They inform the public about important issues and events, and help to shape public opinion. This course would be helpful for Journalists because it provides a foundation in the analysis of social phenomena and the understanding of social inequalities.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers develop and implement policies and programs that relate to employees, such as recruitment, hiring, training, and compensation. They also manage employee relations and ensure that the organization is in compliance with labor laws. This course would be helpful for Human Resources Managers because it provides a foundation in the analysis of social relationships and the understanding of social inequalities.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop and implement plans for the development and use of land in cities and towns. They work with architects, engineers, and other professionals to design and build sustainable communities. This course would be helpful for Urban Planners because it provides a foundation in the analysis of social phenomena and the understanding of social inequalities.

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Social Anthropologist

Social Anthropologists study the culture and society of different groups of people. They examine how people interact with each other and how their culture shapes their lives. This course would be helpful for Social Anthropologists because it provides a foundation in the analysis of social relationships and the understanding of social inequalities.

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Historian

Historians research and write about the past. They use primary and secondary sources to reconstruct historical events and analyze the causes and consequences of those events. This course would be helpful for Historians because it provides a foundation in the history of sociology and the analysis of social phenomena.

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Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They develop theories to explain how the economy works and make recommendations on how to improve economic outcomes. This course would be helpful for Economists because it provides a foundation in the analysis of social phenomena and the understanding of social inequalities.

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Political Scientist

Political Scientists study the structure and function of government and politics. They examine how power is distributed and used in society and how it affects the lives of citizens. This course would be helpful for Political Scientists because it provides a foundation in the analysis of social phenomena and the understanding of social inequalities.

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Geographer

Geographers study the Earth's physical and human geography. They examine how the physical environment affects human activity and how human activity affects the physical environment. This course would be helpful for Geographers because it provides a foundation in the analysis of social phenomena and the understanding of social inequalities.

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Demographer

Demographers study the size, composition, and distribution of human populations. They use statistical methods to analyze population trends and make projections about future population growth. This course would be helpful for Demographers because it provides a foundation in the analysis of social phenomena and the understanding of social inequalities.

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Archivist

Archivists preserve and manage historical documents and artifacts. They work in libraries, museums, and other institutions to ensure that these materials are available for research and education. This course may be helpful for Archivists because it provides a foundation in the history of sociology and the analysis of social phenomena.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. They work in libraries, schools, and other institutions to provide access to books, journals, and other resources. This course may be helpful for Librarians because it provides a foundation in the analysis of social phenomena and the understanding of social inequalities.

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