Given the educational objectives of the course of study, the teaching focuses on providing an introduction to and the practice of the sociological perspective, both in general terms and applied to the fields of communication and tourism. In the context of the professional training of those who will operate in the hospitality industry, the acquisition of sociological skills is deemed to be fundamental. The teaching aims to provide the main sociological references – both theoretical and methodological – needed to understand communication and tourism phenomena in relation to the advent of modernity and its most recent transformations. The general learning goal pursued by the teaching consists of the development of a self-reflexive perspective, capable of contextualising and grasping the socially constructed character of collective phenomena and, in particular, of those relating to communication and tourism. The specific objectives are to acquire familiarity with sociological thinking and to master its main vocabulary.
Course Prerequisites
The teaching of Sociology of Communication and Tourism does requirer preliminary basic knowledge of contemporary history. Besides, a basic knowledge of sociological terminology is desirable. To this end, students are advised to consult a sociology dictionary.
Teaching Methods
The course includes 50 hours. The first lesson unit has an introductory function. It serves to present the objectives of the course, the working methodology, the texts and the methods of evaluation – in other words, to define a training contract with the students. The teaching includes both frontal lessons and seminars with invited experts. In class, discussion and pro-active participation by students will be stimulated.
Assessment Methods
The method of verifying knowledge and skills consists of an oral exam, including open questions based on the contents and approaches presented. The assessment considers the relevance of the answers given to the questions asked, the clarity of presentation and the possession of the specific language of the discipline. A mark is given out of a maximum of thirty.
Contents
The course considers tourism as a crucial junction of modernity, a privileged point of observation of the processes of modernization which highlights their intrinsic ambivalence. Initially, it is necessary to verify and consolidate an adequate historical framing of modernity, tourism development, and communication processes. The subsequent introduction of the main sociological categories will serve to deepen both the contours of modernity and its crisis, as well as the development of contemporary tourism industry and practices.
Course Language
Italian
More information
Attending and not attending students will be asked to prepare two different teaching's programs (according to what it is detailed on the e-learning page of the teaching).
