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Social change dynamics are set in a context of growing social and cultural interdependencies on a global scale that question traditional and conventional methods of analytical and critical interpretation. All this requires the development of new tools and new theoretical, methodological and professional skills as well as innovative approaches to the teaching and learning experience.

The Master's Degree in Sociology and Global Challenges addresses the challenges and opportunities of contemporary societies and provides innovative theoretical and methodological tools through an interdisciplinary approach allowing Sociology to communicate with Political Philosophy, Political Science, Demography, Social Geography, and Contemporary History.

 

Language requirements (ITA and ENG): Level B2

 

TOOLS  - The first level aims to provide the students with the knowledge of some of the most relevant theoretical traditions, in order to allow them to develop a critical understanding of social phenomena and a solid knowledge of research methods and design both for quantitative and qualitative approaches.

CHALLENGES - The second level provides courses from different disciplinary fields. Each of the courses of this level focuses on two distinct dimensions of social change in contemporary global societies. On the one hand, students will engage with the emergence of unprecedented scenarios of change (for instance: politics and climate change; new forms of inequality and social exclusion; new forms of citizenship; demographic changes and development policies; religions and the public sphere; social change and emotional dynamics), on the other hand, students will acquire methodological and interpretative tools necessary for a good grasp of such scenarios.

CRITICAL ANALYSES -

The third level consists of courses characterized by a specific research focus, thematically defined and addressed in an interdisciplinary and interactive perspective. The courses of this level are normally taught by two professors from different subject areas, in order to enhance the students’ learning experience.

The overall T&L process is completed through workshops, laboratories and courses on academic writing, oral presentations, production of reports.

 

Learning objectives and skills

 

The course aims to train professionals capable of planning and carrying out sociological research to interpret the processes of change that contemporary societies are going through. In particular, professional consultant and research profiles in public or private companies, multinationals, agencies for the development and the attraction of investments, governmental and non-governmental organizations, public institutions, organizations representing interests, institutions for the promotion and regulation of international trade, national and international consulting firms.

The three-level interdisciplinary approach also allows to develop professional figures such as analysts and researchers in the fields of sociology and social sciences, facilitators of change and innovation, policy makers, and, in general,  policy advisory committees’ specialists. Professional figures with a dynamic and complex knowledge and understanding of social problems, a solid curiosity and sociological imagination, and professional agility open to continuous learning and able to face ever-changing scenarios.

 

Students will acquire the following specific skills:

- Theoretical interdisciplinary knowledge

- Ability to connect theoretical knowledge to professional experience

- Methodological skills

- Analytical and critical skills

- Ability to develop a sociological imagination

 

Students will acquire the following transversal skills:

- Ability to critically interpret contemporary social phenomena

- Independent research skills and ability to address social phenomena with an interdisciplinary approach

- Oral communication and presentation skills

- Evaluation skills (peer review)

- Team work skills and ability to work collaboratively

Professional opportunities 

The expected job opportunities are represented by public and private companies and institutions, such as for instance large multinational and non-multinational companies, national and international organizations and institutions that deal with the issues tackled by the course such as the challenge of environment, development, migration, national and international Italian and foreign agencies, offices and representative centres (Institutes of the Chambers of Commerce, representative offices abroad). Other employment opportunities are found in cultural institutions and foundations, advanced services companies, incubators and business angels, associations representing economic interests, bilateral institutions, observatories and international institutions, organisation for development cooperation, public administration institutions at the local, regional and national level. In addition, further opportunities are offered by multinational companies, agencies for the development and attraction of investments, governmental and non-governmental organizations, linked with the topics of development and environmental and social sustainability, public institutions, organizations representing interests, institutions for promotion and regulation of international trade, national and international consulting firms.

In addition to professional employment prospects, among the academic career opportunities, the following are worthy of note: PhD in sociological disciplines; interdisciplinary PhDs in social sciences; second level Master Degrees; postgraduate courses. Research opportunities include in a broad sense research centres and observatories at companies, foundations, public and private, national and international institutions.

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