Lifestyles and consumption practices

Master course in Sociology and social research – University of Trento

Prof. Francesca Forno

For student reception hours see [HERE]

Contents

The course discusses the main social, cultural and economic changes in contemporary societies by analysing consumption patterns and practices transformations. Lectures are divided into three parts a) an introductory part in which the various theories that have analyzed the changes in consumer culture and practice will be presented and discussed; b) a second part concerning the environmental and social consequences of contemporary consumerist society; c) a special part focusing on more specific issues regarding the relationship between consumer behavior and sustainability. Within the latter part, special attention will be paid to the theme of overconsumption.

• Course timetable and readings class-by-class [HERE]
• Compulsory texts to prepare for the exam [HERE]
• Final paper on “empty spaces” (only for attending students*) [HERE]
• Final Workshop – Course project presentations [HERE]

* Students attending at least 75 percent of classes will have the option to either take a 2 hours written exam (see below) or to prepare an oral presentation in a joint seminar and a written paper on an issue agreed upon with the instructor.

Educational objectives

1. to provide an advanced introduction to consumer theory and the (interdisciplinary) field of consumer action studies
2. to discuss the main themes around which the sociology of consumption has developed
3. to present empirical research articles delving into the different research techniques used to study consumption.

Attendance and active participation in lectures, seminars and individual study will enable students to:

• know about the main topics addressed by the sociology of consumption
• acquire expertise on the different theories and approaches for the study of consumption dynamics
• acquire knowledge of the various fields of application of the sociology of consumption
• critically evaluate empirical studies and analyses
• read, analyse, discuss and design research applied to the study of consumption

In addition to specific skills, participation in the proposed training activities will enable students to acquire transversal skills, such as reading and summarising a sociological text and organising and presenting group work.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons as well as class discussions. During class discussions, students are required to participate. Discussions are partly based on articles/chapters that students will have to read before discussions. The list of readings will be included in the schedule of the course activities posted on Moodle at the beginning of the course.

Verification of learning

Two hours written exam. The exam will consist of four open-ended questions.

The evaluation criteria of the open questions are: (a) completeness of the answer (b) appropriate use of the discipline’s own language; (c) the validity of the argument; (c) communicative effectiveness and ability to summarize.

* Students attending at least 75 percent of classes can choose one of the following options:

a) First option: 2 hours written exam (as above).

b) Second option: oral and written presentation of a paper in a common seminar on an issue agreed upon with the instructor (about 4.000 words). Specific information on modalities to write the paper will be provided in esse3 once the course will start. The paper will have to be given in to the instructor by the date chosen for the exam.