02517 - Sociology of Education

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student:

-understands the origins, development, and evolution (theoretical and experimental) of the Sociology of Education;

- is familiar with the results of sociological contributions to the study of institutions and educational processes in the field;

- understands the structural and dynamic characteristics of the functioning of the different levels of education (both school and university) in our country over time, as well as recent trends in changes and reforms;

- possesses specific sociological knowledge and skills necessary for impact evaluation of educational interventions, with particular reference to issues of equality and inequality of educational opportunities;

- is able to read and interpret statistical-sociological data and indicators concerning the Italian educational system (drawn from national and international comparative research);

- is capable of independently identifying and managing personal pathways, methodologies, and tools for professional development and updates in the field of sociological studies in the sector.

Course contents

The module is divided into two main parts:

The first part provides a general overview of the school, examining its history and role in modern societies. It explores the social and economic significance of the educational institution and the characteristics of contemporary school systems. The origin of modern schooling will be analyzed, identifying the political and cultural factors that contributed to its evolution and the development of the current level-based structure. Additionally, the socialization function of school systems will be examined, highlighting the differences between familial and scholastic socialization.

The second part focuses on the impact of the school on social stratification and the distribution of resources among individuals and social groups. Both theoretical analyses of the mechanisms underlying educational inequalities and empirical analyses of the phenomenon will be presented, comparing theories of modernization and social reproduction. Particular attention will be given to the influence of family origin, gender, ethnicity, and geographic origin.

Readings/Bibliography

Mandatory readings (for both attending and non-attending students) are:

- PowerPoint presentations that will be available on Virtuale platform;

- Ballarino, G., & Panichella, N. (2021). Sociologia dell'istruzione. Il Mulino (Chapters 1, 2, 4, 6, 7);

- One optional reading from a selection of texts (the list will be available on Virtuale platform at the beginning of the course).

Teaching methods

The teaching methods will include lectures, seminar activities, and classroom discussions. Part of the teaching material presented in class will be shared on Virtuale platform and will be available to all students, both attending and non-attending, through the university's virtual platform.

Assessment methods

As the course is integrated with the Anthropology module, students taking 8 credits must also take the Cultural Anthropology exam on the same scheduled examination date.

The exam will consists of an in-person written test comprising 20 multiple-choice questions (10 for each subject) with a duration of 20 minutes. Each question has only one correct answer. To pass the test, a minimum score of 18 is required (1.5 points are awarded for each correct answer, while no points are given for unanswered or incorrect responses). Passing the test is a prerequisite for completing, on the same day, two open-ended questions (one for Sociology of Education and one for Cultural Anthropology), to be answered within a total of 50 minutes. The final grade will be calculated as the average of the results of the three components (multiple-choice test, open-ended question for Cultural Anthropology, and open-ended question for Sociology of Education) and will be expressed on a scale of thirty.

The criteria that will be used to assess the preparation of the students will include the following:

- relevance to the question asked;

- detailed content knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter;

- the ability to use sociological language correctly;

- the logical consequentiality in articulating the answers;

- the capacity for reflexive reworking of the content being studied.

Students taking 4 credits of Sociology of Education will take a written exam focusing exclusively on the programme of the Sociology module, which consists of a test of 10 multiple-choice questions, of which only one alternative is correct. A minimum of 18 points is required to pass the test (3 points are awarded for each correct answer; no points are awarded for incorrect or missing answers). Passing the test is propaedeutic for one open question (to be performed on the same date). The criteria for assessing students include those listed above. The final grade will be determined by the average of the 2 tests (multiple-choice test and open question) and will be expressed on a thirty-point scale.

In order to be eligible to take the examination, it is necessary to complete the registration process on the Alma Esami portal before the deadline. It is the responsibility of the student to register by the deadline. Should this not be possible, the Teaching Office must be informed without delay. The lecturer is entitled to determine whether to admit the student to the examination.

Students with disabilities or specific learning difficulties may consult with the lecturer and the University's Service for Students with Disabilities and SLDs (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) to agree on suitable assessment methods, including the possibility of using the necessary aids (IT equipment, tutors, extra time, etc.).

Erasmus and International students who wish to do so may agree with the lecturer to undertake an oral examination. 

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations, audiovisual materials, plenary discussions, and the Virtuale platform.

Office hours

See the website of Valeria Quaglia