The course investigates urban phenomena of social inequalities, paying particular attention to processes and dynamics of social inclusion/exclusion and participation in urban spaces. It also provides an introduction on social research methodologies.

Knowledge and understanding of urban phenomena related to dynamics of social inclusions/exclusion. Knowledge of relevant research methodologies to investigate urban phenomena.

There are no indispensable prerequisites. Some of the knowledge gained in higher education could be useful, especially in history, philosophy, social sciences and statistics.

The course aims at problematizing socio-spatial inequalities, offering conceptual and methodological tools of analysis and intervention within the frame of urban studies. The first part of the course will provide the tools and concepts for developing a sociological perspective to critically address urban phenomena of social inclusion/exclusion and inequality (5h). Then, these tools and concepts will be put at work in analysing specific issues connected to urban processes. Residential segregation, lifestyle and consumption, use and control of public space, gentrification, housing, participation and urban governance are some of the topics that will be developed to thematize different forms of social stratification and inequality (20h). The course will also provide an overview of the main methodologies for social research, with a specific focus on participative approach (15h). Seminars with external experts on specific topics may be delivered to enrich the learning process in class hours. In addition to the frontal lessons, group exercises will be carried out (20 hours): the exact content of the exercises is decided upon evaluation of the ties and opportunities connected to the number of attending students. The purpose is to put at work the theoretical concepts and research methodolgies discussed in class, applying them to actual case studies.

Attendance to class is strongly suggested but not mandatory. The exam for attending-students and for non-attending-students is different in terms of the materials (books/readings) that need to be studied.

The course is organized in frontal lessons (40 hours) + individual/group exercise (20h). The frontal lessons (40h) deal with theoretical and methodological issues related to social inclusion/exclusion and participation in urban spaces. More specifically, the following macro-theme will be developed - A toolbox for a sociological imagination Introduction to Sociology; Poverty & Social Exclusion; Social stratification and social inequalities - Social facts shaped in space: introduction to urban sociology - Phenomena and processes of socio-spatial inequality Unequal cities, segregated spaces; public spaces, uses and control; social mix; housing; lifestyle and consumption; gentrification & displacement; studentification, touristification & urban playscapes; right to the city - Participation, social inclusion and the just city Participation and governance; participatory approach and decision making process - Methodology for social research Introduction to methodology; The steps of a research; Quantitative and qualitative methods

Texts and bibliography for attending and non-attending students will be shared at the beginning of the course

Slides; Libro di testo;

Modalitą di esame: Prova orale obbligatoria; Elaborato scritto prodotto in gruppo;

Exam: Compulsory oral exam; Group essay;

... Exam: compulsory individual oral exam (lasting around 20 minutes). An individual oral exam is mandatory for all: both attending and non attending students. However, the materials for the oral exam will differ whether the student attended classes or not.

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilitą o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unitą Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione pił idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.