Applied Sociology (with modules on Family Sociology and Sociology of
deviance)
PROF. NICOLETTA PAVESI; PROF. BIANCA BARBERO AVANZINI
FIRST MODULE: Family Sociology (Prof. Nicoletta Pavesi)
COURSE AIMS
The Family Sociology module is intended to equip students with the tools for a
critical analysis of the phenomena which have affected the family in recent years,
focusing particularly on the situation in Italy, from a family analysis perspective
and dynamic point of view.
COURSE CONTENT
During the course students will consider certain topics which are relevant to the
understanding of transformations pertaining to the family: solidariety between
generations, the forming of couples, the transition to parenting, the relationship
between family life and working life, the elderly family, families associating with
other families, migration. In addition, the course also considers forms of support
for families which public and private profit-making and non-profit organisations
offer to families during different stages of life, also via the presentation of case
studies. Finally, from the perspective of considering the family as a subject able to
to cooperate with the planning and management of services/interventions, the
course will allow time for the topic of participatory planning with and for families.
READING LIST
The reading material in reference to the module of Sociology of the family is:
G. ROSSI-D. BRAMANTI (edited by), La famiglia come intreccio di relazioni. La prospettiva
sociologica, Vita e Pensiero, Milano, 2012
E. CARRÀ, “Putting family first”: a sociological analisys of Doherty’s citizen professionalism and
participatory approaches in Italian Journal of sociology of education, 5, 2013, pages 127-147,
http://www.ijse.eu/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/2013_3_8.pdf
W.J. DOHERTY, The citizen professional: working with families and communities in problmen
people care about,
http://www.dors.it/alleg/newcms/201210/SIPCO2012_WDoherty_Citizen%20Professional.pd
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TEACHING METHOD
Traditional lectures will alternate with active discussion and student participation
supplemmented by personal accounts and audiovisual material. There will also be meetings
for the presentation of research.
ASSESSMENT METHOD
The exam consists of a written test with three open questions, which may be
supplemented with an oral exam. There will be no tests during the course or outside the
official exam sessions. Activities contributing to the final assessment will be organised for
full-time students.
NOTES
Further information can be found on the lecturer's webpage at
http://docenti.unicatt.it/web/searchByName.do?language=ENG or on the Faculty notice
board.
SECOND MODULE: Sociology of Deviance (Prof. Bianca Barbero Avanzini)
COURSE AIMS
This course sets out to 1) present students with definitions of deviance behaviour
and social control, distinguishing said concepts from others which are often used as
synonyms (malaise, marginalization, and so on), 2) analyse the main theories
which over time have sought to explain the different causes of deviance, linking
them both to the succession of sociological theories which have developed since
the 18th century to the present day, and to the cultural changes which have
gradually taken place in society; 3) during lectures discuss current deviance, with
particular emphasis on the *applicability of various theories and actual cases and
present phenomena, such as drug addiction and gender-based violence, * juvenile
deviance and * social intervention modalities.
COURSE CONTENT
The course is divided into three separate modules, which are different yet closely
connected to each other.
MODULE I
Definition of the concepts of deviance, social control, marginality and social
exclusion. Cultural relativity of these concepts. The beginnings of increased social
attention towards the causes, rather than simply the punishment, of crime.
MODULE II
Analysis of the theoretical perspectives of deviance and social control from the late
18th century to the present day, with particular emphasis on the characteristics they
assume in today’s society.
MODULE III
Analysis of juvenile deviance, certain deviant phenomena which are particularly
topical today and the modality of social intervention for prevention and control.
READING LIST
Main text
B. BARBERO AVANZINI, Devianza e controllo sociale, F. Angeli, Milan, 2002.
Integrative text
B. BARBERO AVANZINI, Minori. Giustizia penale e intervento dei Servizi, F. Angeli, Milan, 1998
(Chapter 1 must also be studied for the written exam; students must also be able to present and
discuss a further 4 chapers of their choice in the oral exam.)
TEACHING METHOD
The course has a conventional structure based on lectures, integrated by slide
presentations and by practical exercises supervised by the professor.
ASSESSMENT METHOD
The examination consists of two parts. The first part carries more weight and is a written
examination comprising three open questions, each requiring an answer of 15-20 lines.
Immediately after the exam, the professor will go through the answers with the student
and supplement the exam with one or more oral questions.
There will be no intermediate or diagnostic examinations. In the event that a large
number of students enrol for the exam, the lecturer reserves the right to set an exclusively
written exam.
NOTES
Students must have passed the General Sociology test before sitting the examination.
The module on Sociology of the Family may be substituted at a different time or on the
same day as the module on Sociology of Deviance. The final mark will be the average of the
two marks obtained and may only be officially registered once both examinations have been
passed.
The tutor’s website contains summaries of the theories and topics explored during
lectures. They may prove useful for revision but they must NOT take the place of direct
study of the material indicated by the tutor.
Further information can be found on the lecturer's webpage at
http://docenti.unicatt.it/web/searchByName.do?language=ENG or on the Faculty notice
board.