SOCIOLOGY OF ENVIRONMENT AND TERRITORY

Course objectives

1. Knowledge and understanding: after having passed the exam students should know the topics of environment and territory through the analytical models of sociology proposed by sociologists such as Alain Touraine, Zygmunt Bauman and Ulrich Beck. 2. Applying knowledge and understanding: after having passed the exam students should be able to devise patterns for the theoretical study, empirical research and agency on environmental issues and on both urban and territorial development. 3. Critical faculties should be developed through presentations by the students of topics dealt with in the course 4. Communications skills. The ability to communicate what was learned should be developed by the students producing, presenting and discussing during lessons analytical documents about environment and territory topics 5. Learning skills. The ability to continue studying the topics should be developed recommending books, theoretical articles and empirical studies to choose in order to examine in depth the subjects of the course

Channel 1
ROSSANA GALDINI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
The course aims to illustrate the main theoretical aspects of Sociology of the Environment and Territory through the analysis of the different perspectives of the discipline. The ultimate goal is to provide students with the knowledge necessary to analyse, interpret and critically address the relationship between the environment and society.
Prerequisites
No requirement
Books
1. Landi A., Una società Low carbon in costruzione, FrancoAngeli, 2015 2. Castrignanò M., Landi A. La città e le sfide ambientali globali, FrancoAngeli, 2016. 3. Giovannini E., L’Utopia sostenibile. Laterza 2018
Frequency
Recommended but not mandatory
Exam mode
Written examination Project evaluation
Lesson mode
Frontal teaching Laboratory activities
Channel 2
Sabrina Sini Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
The course aims to examine the environmental crisis by placing it at the center of analysis as a social and governance issue, with particular attention to the responses provided by institutions and various societal actors. The topic of the environment in the Anthropocene era will be addressed through an analysis of the historical evolution, causes, and consequences of environmental changes. Further emphasis will be placed on the concept of sustainability, with reference to the strategies identified for its pursuit, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Finally, the educational program will include thematic sessions dedicated to the circular economy, exploring its principles, practices, and implications in relation to the transition towards sustainable development models. Case studies and innovative policies will be analyzed to illustrate how the circular economy can represent an alternative paradigm for the efficient management of resources and the mitigation of environmental impacts, integrating economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
Prerequisites
No prerequisites required.
Books
- Legun K., Keller J.C.,Carolan M., Bell M.M., The Cambridge Handbook of Environmental Sociology: Volume . Cambridge University Press, 2021. A text chosen from the following: - McNeil J.R., Engelke P., The Great Acceleration: An Environmental History of the Anthropocene since 1945. Belknap Pr, 2016 Lipsky D., The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial. WWNorton & Co Inc., 2023. - Thunberg G., The Climate Book. Allen Lane, 2022. - Caradonna J. L., Sustainability. Oxford University Press, 2022.
Exam mode
For both attending and non-attending students, the assessment will include oral and written examinations based on the prescribed texts. Furthermore, students are expected to produce a final paper on a topic agreed upon with the teacher, which may contribute additional points to the overall exam grade.
Lesson mode
- Lectures supported by an overhead projector and PC - Exercises and group work
  • Lesson code1034927
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseSociology
  • CurriculumCittà e Sostenibilità
  • Year2nd year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDSPS/10
  • CFU9