SOC 320 – Identity and Culture in Italy: A Comparative Approach

Formerly HUM 399/SOC 299 – Identity and Culture in Italy: A Comparative Approach

Description
The aim of this course is to introduce the concept of culture in the sociological and anthropological sense. After clarifying the meaning of the word ‘culture’, other related concepts will be analyzed, such as values, norms, lifestyles, attitudes, beliefs, stereotypes. Attention will also be drawn to the notion of social and cultural change (globalization, mediatization, individualization). Concepts and methods learnt in the first part of the course will be applied to Italian culture to identify its specific features. Italian-ness will be compared with traits of the American, Northern European and Mediterranean cultural heritage.

Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
– Actively engage with the topics brought to his/her attention.
– Understand the main theoretical perspectives and empirical findings discussed in class.
– Analyze how one socio-cultural feature has affected his/her self-identity both home and abroad.
– Critically understand and apply concepts and methods learned during the course.

Course descriptions may be subject to occasional minor modifications at the discretion of the instructor.

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